What is a neurodivergent-affirming & sensory-friendly acupuncture practice?

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.

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

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

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!)

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

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