Glossary of Neurodivergent Therapy Lingo
𖥸

Examples of Accommodations in our Therapy Office for Our Neurodivergent Clients & Staff

• Sensory Adjustments: Some of the sensory choices available in our office include:

  • weighted blankets

  • adjusting lighting (most of our lighting is on dimmers, and we’re always happy to close the blinds)

  • tons of styles of fidgets to choose from

  • playing with kinetic sand for grounding, centering, and fun

  • adjusting the temperature

  • multiple choices for where to sit

  • (there’s a fuller list on the home page)

• Flexible Interaction Options: Having an affirming therapist that honors your autonomy in the therapy process is so important. Here are a few ways we prioritize that:

  • no pressure to make or maintain eye contact (in fact, as brainspotting therapists, it’s really important to us that you allow your eyes to float wherever they’re inclined to go, whether. you’re neurodivergent or not)

  • you choose what topics are discussed and what is not discussed

  • you choose if you need to do telehealth instead of an in-person session

  • with many of our therapy modalities, you don’t even have to communicate extensively - this is what makes our mind-body (somatic)-focused and other trauma-informed therapies so neat! (examples are IFS parts work, Brainspotting/EMDR, and Sandtray)

• Additional Accommodations: You and your therapist can work together to find specific accommodations that work for you not just in the therapy room, but in your home and work environments, too. It’s so much more encouraging in life when our environments are supporting us instead of thwarting us.

The Impact of Accommodations on Wellbeing for Neurodivergent Folks

For autistic and ADHD individuals, accommodations are more than just conveniences—they’re essential for reducing stress and improving functioning.

When tailored to individual needs, these adjustments help in mitigating the sensory and cognitive challenges that can otherwise lead to fatigue, burnout, and a total waste of our precious executive function. Without appropriate accommodations, the risk of autistic and ADHD burnout increases.

Internalized Ableism and Barriers to Asking for Accommodations for Adult Autism & ADHD

Despite the benefits, many neurodivergent folks struggle with internalized ableism, which can prevent them from seeking the accommodations they need.

Internalized ableism occurs when individuals start to believe negative societal stereotypes about their own neurodivergent traits or when individuals believe they aren’t meant to have accommodations. This can result in:

1. Belief in Self-Sufficiency: Feeling like they should learn to manage without accommodations or that their needs are not valid.

2. Desire to Fit In: Worrying that requesting accommodations will make them stand out or seem different from others.

3. Uncertainty About Needs: Not knowing what accommodations might be helpful or how to articulate these needs effectively.

These internalized barriers can discourage individuals from asking for the supports they need, potentially exacerbating stress and contributing to burnout.

We’d be honored to help you connect with your needs, advocate for yourself in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you, and set your environment up to give you a leg up in life instead of throwing hurdles in your way.