Neurodiversity and neurodivergence are essential concepts in today’s world. Neurodiversity recognises that human brains naturally vary, while neurodivergence refers to those whose neurological patterns differ from the typical, such as autism or ADHD. We need to ensure that systems like education, healthcare, and daily life, support everyone’s ability to express themselves and feel understood.
Helen Neale, therapist at Saffron Walden Counselling, joined us to explore how to empower neurodivergent clients through sensory-informed and neurodivergent-affirming care. The webinar addressed the often misunderstood sensory aspects of neurodivergence. It also equipped clinicians with practical strategies to support clients in understanding, expressing, and advocating for their sensory needs.
Sensory processing: the often overlooked foundation
Sensory processing is one of the most significant and often misunderstood aspects of neurodivergence. While all brains manage constant sensory input, neurodivergent individuals may experience this differently. Some may be overly sensitive to stimuli like bright lights or loud sounds, while others may need increased input to stay engaged. These differences often lead to sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviours, depending on whether the individual is over or under-reactive.
Sensory needs are an important part of the neurodivergent profile, and are typically viewed as a trait within neurodivergence, as opposed to a separate construct. By recognising and affirming these needs, particularly around sensory processing, therapists can adapt their practice to better support neurodivergent clients and create more inclusive, effective learning environments.
These sensory responses are foundational to how someone experiences the world. If a client is overwhelmed by the therapy room’s lighting, smells, or textures, it becomes significantly harder for them to access emotions or engage in the therapeutic process.
Understanding sensory needs goes beyond the five traditional senses. Systems such as proprioception (body awareness), vestibular (balance and movement), and interoception (internal signals like hunger or anxiety) are key to supporting neurodivergent clients, particularly children. By being mindful of these sensory inputs, therapists can help clients feel more comfortable, safe, and understood.
What does neurodivergent-affirming practice look like?
To support neurodivergent clients effectively, therapists must embrace a neurodivergent-affirming approach; one that focuses on acceptance, understanding, and adaptation, not correction.
This means:
- Using identity-first language (e.g. “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”) if that is the client’s preference.
- Not pathologising neurodivergence – recognising that traits often labelled as “symptoms” are valid ways of being.
- Shifting from the medical model to the social model of disability. This is where the focus is on adapting environments rather than trying to “fix” the individual.
Neurodivergent-affirming practice isn’t about framing neurodivergence as a “superpower”. Instead it is about meeting individuals where they are, acknowledging their challenges, and creating supportive, regulated spaces. Small shifts in clinical practice can go a long way in fostering acceptance and support.
Practical implications for therapists and healthcare professionals
Understanding and accommodating sensory needs should be a starting point in therapy. Without sensory safety, emotional regulation and meaningful engagement are unlikely. Supporting neurodivergent individuals begins with meeting these needs to help them move toward self-actualisation.
Some practical steps include:
- Focus on sensory needs before anything else. If clients aren’t able to access their emotions because they are sensory overwhelmed, the experience of counselling is going to be tough for them. By incorporating sensory awareness, we can create a truly empathetic and supportive space for clients.
- Provide a sensory toolbox in your therapy space. For example objects with different textures, weighted blankets, fidget tools, soothing lights or sounds. Be mindful of the impact of different smells, lighting and noise in the room. Giving various options helps children and adults see what works for them.
- Offering non-verbal options for expressing emotions, such as sensory play or tactile tools. This can be particularly helpful for children and adults who struggle with emotional language.
- It’s important to consider parents’ sensory experiences and understanding. Beyond creating sensory-aware counselling spaces, therapists can support parents in meeting their child’s sensory needs at home and in other settings. This can be especially challenging when parents are neurodivergent themselves and their sensory needs conflict with their child’s.
Each neurodivergent client will respond differently, so it’s essential to remain flexible in your approach and adapt your therapy space to what’s appropriate. Embracing sensory awareness as part of your practice helps meet clients where they are, fostering emotional regulation, and, most importantly, a sense of safety and trust that supports positive therapeutic outcomes. Don’t be afraid to try new approaches; they can significantly enhance the experience and outcomes for neurodivergent clients.
This approach aligns with a wider shift toward more inclusive and collaborative healthcare systems. One where individuals are not asked to adapt to the system, but where systems adapt to support individuals.
Resources
For more information and resources, you can visit the Mayden Hub.
Learn more about how digital tools like iaptus could help transform your CYP or neurodiversity service by booking a demo.
To get in touch with Helen Neale via social media, her Instagram page can be found here.
