Neurodivergence and Pole with Psychologist Gabby Desmond

<p>Dr. Rosy Boa hosts an episode of Science of Slink on neurodivergence and pole with neurodivergent psychologist and pole dancer Gabby Desmond. They define neurodivergence as a broad umbrella beyond autism and ADHD (including OCD, BPD, and learning disabilities like dyslexia) and discuss why neurodivergent people may be drawn to pole for its structure, predictability, community “parallel play,” and endless achievable challenges. They explore sensory processing and regulation through spinning, inversion, and aerial hammock, plus differences in interoception and pain that can affect conditioning, stretching, and injury risk. The conversation covers learning preferences (visual vs verbal cues), difficulties with right/left and choreography, managing ADHD/autistic boom-bust training cycles, focusing on core vocabulary over trick inflation, and using external cues and varied feedback to support motor learning. Gabby shares where to find her work at unfurlpsychology and on Instagram.</p><p>Where to find Gabby: </p><ul><li><p>Unfurl psychology: <a href="https://www.unfurlpsychology.com.au/"><u>https://www.unfurlpsychology.com.au/</u></a> </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/unfurl.psychology"><u>https://www.instagram.com/unfurl.psychology</u></a> </p></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Welcome and Introductions</p><p>02:11 What Neurodivergence Means</p><p>03:51 Why Pole Attracts ND Folks</p><p>06:30 Sensory Seeking and Spinning</p><p>11:41 Dyslexia and Learning Pole</p><p>15:35 Learning Styles and Flow</p><p>18:41 Boom Bust Training Cycles</p><p>24:05 Interoception and Pain</p><p>25:45 Stretching and Hypermobility</p><p>29:53 Learning Through Feedback</p><p>38:36 Failure and Self Efficacy</p><p>41:22 Why Pole Community Works</p><p>42:42 Wrap Up and Links </p>