If ever there was a perfect illustration of the fact that we live in a neurotypical-biased world, it’s the fact that as I write this the WordPress spellchecker keeps telling me that there are no such words as neurodiverse, neurodiversity or neurodivergent!
Why am I writing this?
I’ve been wanting to write something about neurodiversity for a while but I didn’t really know where to start. I wondered about doing social media posts about being “neurodiversity friendly” or “welcoming of neurodivergent clients” but that all sounded a bit too much like jumping on a bandwagon which is not my thing. What IS my thing is making people feel good, and that starts with creating a therapeutic space that meets the unique needs of everyone.
My experience of neurodiversity
Over the past few years I’ve worked with (and learned from) a large number of neurodivergent clients. My partner, Jamie, is currently on a looooong waiting list for confirmation that he has ADHD and I have colleagues here at The Old Surgery who have been through that process too. I’ve also realised that I’m not neurotypical either.
What this means in relation to what I do
What THIS means is that I appreciate that there is no such thing as a typical neurodivergent person and what THAT means is that I’m always delighted when my neurodivergent clients tell me if they want me to do anything differently:
A lighter pressure? A firmer pressure? Dimmer lights? Brighter lights? Different coloured lights? More music? Less music? Your own music? Your own massage cream or oil? A warmer room? A cooler room? Less eye contact? Less chat? Allowing more appointment time because you’re always late for things? Making sure I start bang on time because waiting makes you anxious?
I know that seeing a new therapist or trying a new treatment can be daunting, so I want you to know that all you need to do is ask and I will do my very best to make you feel as comfortable as possible in my therapy room. If you’re not local to me and are looking for a therapist to visit, please make sure you ask them too. If they’re not happy to make adjustments for you, they’re not the therapist for you.
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