When Healthcare Feels Impossible: The Adjustments That Change Everything"

Healthcare appointments can be overwhelming for anyone, but for neurodivergent individuals—including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences—the experience can present unique challenges. The good news is that with some thoughtful adjustments, healthcare providers across the UK can create more inclusive and effective care environments.

Understanding the Challenges

Neurodivergent patients may struggle with various aspects of healthcare visits. Sensory sensitivities can make waiting rooms feel unbearable, with fluorescent lighting, background noise, and strong cleaning product smells creating distress. Social communication differences might make it difficult to explain symptoms or understand medical instructions. Executive function challenges can affect appointment scheduling, remembering instructions, or processing multiple pieces of information at once.

These aren't shortcomings to be fixed—they're simply different ways of experiencing and interacting with the world that healthcare systems need to accommodate.

Practical Adjustments That Work

Before the Appointment

Healthcare practices can make a significant difference before patients even arrive. Offering detailed information about what to expect reduces anxiety and helps with preparation. This might include photos of the building entrance, descriptions of the waiting area, and explanations of typical appointment procedures. Some practices now provide "social stories" or visual guides that walk through the entire visit step by step.

Flexible scheduling is crucial. Many neurodivergent individuals function better at specific times of day, so offering early morning or end-of-day appointments can help. Double-length appointments reduce the pressure of rushed consultations and allow time for processing and questions.

Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments

Simple environmental modifications can transform the healthcare experience. Dimmer lighting options, quiet spaces away from busy waiting areas, and reducing strong scents make spaces more comfortable. Some practices designate specific "calm hours" with reduced lighting and noise levels.

Consider the waiting experience carefully. Providing noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, or quiet activities can help. Clear signage and predictable layouts reduce confusion and anxiety about navigation.

Communication Adaptations

Healthcare providers can adjust their communication style to be more neurodivergent-friendly. This means speaking clearly and avoiding medical jargon, giving processing time between questions, and checking understanding regularly. Written summaries of key points help with retention and reference later.

Visual aids, diagrams, and written instructions complement verbal communication effectively. Some patients communicate better through written questions or by bringing a support person to help advocate and remember information.

Reducing Waiting and Uncertainty

Long waits with no information about delays can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent patients. Text message updates about appointment timing, clear communication about delays, and the option to wait elsewhere can help significantly.

Offering virtual consultations where appropriate eliminates many environmental barriers entirely and allows patients to participate from their comfortable, familiar spaces.

Our Commitment at Kernow Psychiatry

At Kernow Psychiatry, we understand that every patient is unique, and we're committed to making our services as accessible and comfortable as possible for neurodivergent individuals. We recognise that traditional healthcare settings can present barriers, and we're always happy to work with our patients to find solutions that work for them.

We offer flexible appointment arrangements, including longer consultation times when needed, and can adjust our approach based on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you need a quieter environment, written information to take away, or prefer to communicate in a particular way, we're here to accommodate your needs.

Our team is experienced in working with neurodivergent patients and understands that what works for one person may not work for another. We encourage patients to let us know about any adjustments that would help them feel more comfortable, and we'll do our best to implement these wherever possible.

If you're concerned about attending an appointment or have specific requirements, please don't hesitate to discuss these with us when booking or at any point during your care. We believe that feeling comfortable and understood is essential for effective treatment, and we're committed to creating an environment where all our patients can receive the best possible care.

Supporting Families and Carers

When neurodivergent children attend appointments, consider the whole family's needs. Siblings might need quiet activities, and parents may benefit from written summaries to share with schools or other healthcare providers. Clear guidance about what to bring, how long appointments might last, and what will happen helps everyone prepare effectively.

Training and Awareness

Healthcare staff benefit enormously from neurodiversity awareness training. Understanding that a patient who won't make eye contact or seems unresponsive isn't being rude, but may be processing information differently, changes the entire dynamic of care.

Recognition that stimming behaviours, repetitive questions, or difficulty with change aren't problematic behaviours but neurological differences helps create more accepting environments.

The Business Case for Inclusion

Beyond being the right thing to do, these adjustments make practical sense. Reduced appointment anxiety leads to better patient cooperation and more accurate symptom reporting. When patients feel understood and accommodated, they're more likely to attend appointments regularly and follow treatment plans. This ultimately leads to better health outcomes and more efficient use of healthcare resources.

Looking Forward

The NHS Long Term Plan emphasises personalised care, and accommodating neurodivergent patients fits perfectly within this vision. Many adjustments that help neurodivergent individuals—clear communication, reduced sensory overload, flexible scheduling—actually improve the experience for all patients.

Some UK practices are leading the way with dedicated neurodivergent-friendly appointment slots, specially trained staff, and sensory-friendly environments. As awareness grows, these accommodations are becoming more widespread.

Making It Happen

Healthcare providers interested in becoming more neurodivergent-friendly can start small. Simple changes like reducing fluorescent lighting, providing clear appointment information, and training staff about communication differences cost little but make enormous differences to patient experience.

Consulting with local neurodivergent communities and advocacy groups provides valuable insights into what changes would be most meaningful. Often, the adjustments that seem minor to neurotypical individuals represent the difference between accessible and inaccessible healthcare for neurodivergent patients.

Creating truly inclusive healthcare isn't about special treatment—it's about recognising that people's brains work differently and adjusting our approach accordingly. When we do this well, everyone benefits from clearer communication, more comfortable environments, and more thoughtful, patient-centred care.

The goal isn't to change neurodivergent individuals to fit healthcare systems, but to adapt our systems to work better for the full spectrum of human neurology. In doing so, we create healthcare that truly serves everyone in our communities.