How do I know if I need body doubling?
What is body doubling?
Body doubling is a simple but powerful support strategy often used by neurodivergent people (such as autistic women and/or women with ADHD). It involves doing tasks alongside another person - either in person or virtually - so their presence provides structure, accountability and co-regulation of attention. Rather than telling you what to do, a body double creates a gentle sense of companionship while you work on what matters to you.
How do I know if I might benefit from body doubling?
You might find body doubling especially helpful if you often describe yourself as:
Overwhelmed by the number of tasks waiting for you, unsure of where to begin.
Stuck in cycles of procrastination or avoidance, even when you know what needs to be done.
Exhausted by masking, perfectionism or the ongoing push to keep up with life’s demands.
Alone in your struggles, wishing you had someone beside you to reduce the sense of isolation.
What makes body doubling effective?
In practice, body doubling helps by:
Reducing executive load (you don’t have to carry the whole burden of structuring time and attention alone).
Providing external structure and cues that help you start and keep going.
Offering co-regulation of attention and energy, which makes tasks feel lighter.
Creating gentle accountability - the presence of another person makes it easier to follow through.
Minimising avoidance cycles, replacing dread with shared momentum.
Who is body doubling designed for?
While body doubling can support many people, I’ve designed my online sessions for neurodivergent women worldwide. The women I work with are often:
Late-identified autistic women, often in their 20s to 60s, who are navigating life with fresh self-understanding.
Women with ADHD or combined autism/ADHD, who find task initiation and follow-through particularly challenging.
Creative or caring professionals (teachers, therapists, writers, healthcare workers, artists) who are resourceful but depleted by competing demands.
Women recovering from autistic burnout, who need structure and accountability without judgment or pressure.
Is body doubling only for formally identified neurodivergent women?
Not at all. While my focus is on late-identified autistic women, body doubling may also support:
Women who suspect they may be autistic or have ADHD but are not formally diagnosed.
Women who simply resonate with the experience of feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone in their tasks.
At its heart, body doubling is for women who are capable, thoughtful and creative, but who feel paralysed by the weight of ‘too much to do.’ If you find yourself craving companionship, accountability and a safe, neuroaffirming environment to gently get things done, body doubling could be exactly what you need.
Would you like to try body doubling yourself?
If you recognise yourself in these experiences, body doubling may be a practical and compassionate way to restore momentum, reduce overwhelm and create space for you to thrive.
