Acupuncture for Neurodiversity
April is Neurodiversity Awareness Month!
It’s a time to honor and embrace the diverse ways the human brain functions. Neurodivergence isn’t a condition and more of a continuum that describes the many different and unique ways the brain processes information. Examples of Neurodivergence include ADHD, OCD, Autism Spectrum, Dyslexia, and more.
Neurodivergent individuals often have strengths in creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail, but may face environmental challenges in sensory processing, decision making, and feeling overwhelmed or anxious in certain stimulating socal settings.
Acupuncture can support neurodivergent individuals by addressing sensory, emotional, and social needs without aiming to “fix” them.
Acupuncture creates an intentional space to connect and feel safe with oneself that empowers individuals to embrace the unique way that they sense the world around them.
It can help an individual slow down and connect with their body- a very rare treat in our overstimulating world. This slow down can help people with sensory regulation, proprioception (knowing and sensing where your body is and how it moves in spaces), stress reduction, and support their environmental and communication needs.
Here are a few ways that I try and support neurodiversity in the clinic:
1. Sensory-friendly environment: We offer ambient lighting and sounds, and provide an overall quiet space to relax. I also suggest and support folks bringing headphones or earbuds to listen to their own sounds which can maximize or minimize their individual sensory needs.
2. Clear communication: Use simple, direct language and offer information in different formats. Education is a very important aspect of healthcare to me, and my aim is to help people know as much information as they want about anything from how Acupuncture could feel for them or how long I will be gone from the room.
3. Patient preferences: Ask about sensory or communication needs and adjust accordingly. Acupuncture is all about being tailored to the individual.
Acupuncture has many different benefits that it can offer all of its patients including neurodiverse folks. This can be helping an individual connect their mind and body experiences.
This can also be having more grounded awareness and compassion for one’s own unique lived experiences.
I’m happy to support anyone on the continuum with Acupuncture.
