What is a neurodivergent-affirming & sensory-friendly acupuncture practice?
A neurodivergent-affirming practice means I welcome and celebrate neurodivergent people, and I adapt my practice to fit each individual’s strengths, needs, and treatment goals.
A sensory-friendly practice has low sensory input, and I am flexible and adjust my treatments to match each patient’s sensory needs and comfort.
The neurodiversity paradigm is more common in other fields, especially mental health care, and occupational and speech-language therapists. But I think it’s past time for acupuncturists to start adapting this model, too!
Before we go further, let’s define neurodivergence and neurodiversity, so it’s more clear how I am using these terms here. There is no one definition for these terms and decades of history behind their use, so I’ll do my best to distill each definition to 1-2 sentences per term at the risk of losing (a lot of) nuance.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that acknowledges that there are a wide variety of human experiences and ways of perceiving the world and that these differences will change how people feel, think, act, etc.
Neurodivergence is a term used to encompass people whose brains process information differently than what is considered “typical.” (Which is a loaded concept in itself!) This most often includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourettes, etc.
In my practice, I believe:
Neurodivergence and neurodiversity are welcome and natural variations of the human experience and do not need to be “cured.” There are no Chinese or East Asian medicine treatments that can “treat” neurodivergence!
There are unique challenges existing in a world designed for neurotypical people, which can contribute to increased stress and negative health outcomes.
Additionally, neurodivergent people have a higher-than-average incidence of some conditions, such as insomnia, digestive problems, chronic pain, etc. These are things that Chinese and East Asian medicine can treat!
You are the expert on your experience. This fits extremely well with Chinese and East Asian medicine! Chinese medicine traditionally relies on patients describing their symptoms to help us reach a diagnosis.
I honor your preference for language, but default to identity-first language. (Ex. autistic person, instead of person with autism.)
Self-diagnosis and self-identification are valid. There are many reasons someone may not be able to or want to go through the diagnostic process!
It is crucial to recognize and fight against ableism in myself and others. Internalized ableism can be difficult to unwind!
What does this mean in my practice?
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Sensory accommodation (see section with examples)
You’re invited to sit (or stand!) in ways that are most comfortable to you, avoid eye contact, fidget, and otherwise make yourself comfortable during your visit! (I won’t make a lot of eye contact either!)
Various methods of communication outside of the clinic, with an emphasis on written communication, including extensive written feedback after your first visit. I am also happy to communicate via writing during the appointment!
Multiple ways to make appointments and easy access to modify appointment times via the Patient Portal.
Reminders of appointments via email and text, including before the late cancel window so you can make changes if you need to without penalty.
Clear, written, easily accessible clinic policies, including a “translation” of the Financial Policies for easier reading.
Lots of information on what to expect, such as pictures of the clinic and tips on the location, and blog entries about what to expect before and during your appointments.
Providing resources about neurodiversity primarily from neurodivergent people, such as books, websites, podcasts, etc., that are written by neurodivergent creators.
Never claiming or promoting treatments for neurodivergence and avoiding referring to providers who do.
Sensory-Friendly Practice Examples
There are many things I do to create a sensory-friendly clinic space! You can find examples of just some of the things in the accordion below - click each sense to expand the section and see some examples.
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I use low-to-no scent cleaning products throughout the space
I have an air filter continuously running to remove scents
I double-check with you before using any scented products on your body
There are no air fresheners, artificial smells, candles, room sprays, etc. in the clinic space
I do not wear heavily scented products
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The clinic space is very quiet, and I don’t have music playing in the lobby
You are able to choose the music you’d like during the resting portion of your treatment (or no music!)
I have a white noise machine running to dampen ambient noise
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All the clinic lighting is adjustable and overhead florescent lights are never at 100% brightness
There are no overhead lights in the treatment rooms
I check what light level you would like prior to leaving the room while you rest, and have several levels of light to choose from
There are minimal decorations to avoid visual noise
All colors are soothing/calm colors
There is ample natural light in the main clinic space (on sunny days!)
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There are multiple ways to adjust how you are laying, the temperature, and other physical sensations during your treatment (ex. the treatment table to can be raised to a semi-seated position, the table warmer can be adjusted warmer or cooler, etc.)
I am constantly checking in with you regarding the sensory experience of your treatment to make sure it stays within a comfortable range
I offer a variety of treatment types, including treatments without needles
During the resting portion of your treatment, you always have a call button to page me back to the room if your sensory experience changes or needs adjustment
I focus on using soft fabrics
You keep most of your clothing on during treatments, and can wear whatever fabric is most comfortable to you
You are welcome to bring comfortable blankets or other soothing fabrics to use during your treatment, including a weighted blanket
You are welcome to bring fidget toys or other sensory items with you to your appointment
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I use primarily capsules for herbal recommendations to help minimize strong flavors
I offer herbal remedies in a variety of formats (capsules, tinctures, powdered teas, etc.) to accomodate the widest range of needs
I take into account food texture and other food preferences when discussing food therapy recommendations
Are you a practitioner seeking more information on how to create a more neurodivergent-affirming and sensory-friendly experience in your practice? Check out my Mentorship page.