As a therapist, I want my space to feel welcoming, safe, and truly usable for everyone who walks through the door. Over time, I’ve adapted my approach to be more accessible and supportive for clients with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition). While every person’s needs are different, these small changes have made therapy more inclusive, flexible, and effective.
1. Rethinking Assessment: Beyond the Forms
Many therapy processes begin with long intake forms and questionnaires, but for some clients — particularly those with ADHD or ASC — this can be overwhelming or inaccessible. Instead of relying solely on paperwork, I offer alternative ways to share information:
- Conversational assessments: We talk through key background information together at a pace that feels manageable.
- Client-led writing: Some clients prefer to email me their thoughts before or after sessions, when they can focus better.
- Visual prompts or bullet lists: I use simple, structured questions rather than dense text or jargon.
For example, one of my clients, who was dyslexic, told me that writing long answers felt frustrating and unhelpful. Instead, he created a PowerPoint presentation about his life story. He brought it to our first session, full of images, bullet points, and moments that mattered to him. It was such a creative and expressive way to share who he was — and it reminded me that there isn’t one “right” way to communicate.
Now, I offer different ways to complete assessments. Some clients prefer to talk things through rather than write. Others send me short notes or voice memos before sessions, when they have time and focus. The goal is always to make the process more collaborative and less like filling out a test.
2. Creating a Sensory-Friendly Space
Therapy should feel calm and grounding, not overstimulating. I include sensory supports in my practice so clients can settle comfortably:
- Fidget toys and textured objects to use during conversation.
- Soft, textured blankets or cushions for comfort and grounding.
- Dimmable lighting and minimal background noise to reduce sensory overload.
- Clients are always encouraged to bring their own sensory aids — noise-cancelling headphones, stim tools, or weighted items.
3. Realistic and Flexible Goal Setting
Setting goals can feel abstract or intimidating, so I focus on making them doable and dynamic:
- We set small, realistic goals together, based on what feels possible that week.
- I follow up between sessions with short email check-ins or shared notes, so goals stay visible and manageable.
- Progress is tracked flexibly — through conversation, journaling, or even creative methods like mood tracking or rating scales.
4. Maintaining Focus During Sessions
ADHD and autistic brains often need variety and structure to stay engaged. Some ways I help with that include:
- Offering movement breaks or allowing clients to stand, stretch, or stim freely.
- Using visual aids (like notes, diagrams, or whiteboards) to anchor conversations.
- Summarising key points out loud and at the end of sessions, so information feels more concrete.
- Allowing clients to record parts of sessions (if they wish) for later review.
5. Tracking and Celebrating Progress
Between-session tracking helps clients see patterns and celebrate small wins:
- Shared digital notes or brief journals can help monitor changes in mood, energy, or behaviour.
- Clients can choose methods that suit their style — writing, voice notes, drawing, or using tracking apps.
- I encourage celebrating progress even when it’s small — consistency and self-awareness matter more than perfection.
6. Embracing Flexibility and Autonomy
Above all, accessibility is about flexibility. Some clients prefer structure; others need freedom to flow between topics. Some sessions are talk-heavy; others might include quiet reflection, creative exercises, or just gentle grounding.
My role is to co-create an environment where each client feels empowered to show up as they are, and where therapy adapts to their brain, not the other way around.
7. Using Visuals and Metaphors
One client with ADHD told me that they think in pictures rather than words. Together, we started using visual aids and metaphors to make sense of their experiences. We’d draw mountains to represent challenges, or sketch bridges when we talked about transitions and change.
Sometimes, I’ll jot down notes or diagrams during sessions so we can both see the ideas take shape. This not only helps with focus, but also makes abstract concepts more concrete and memorable.
Closing Thought
Making therapy accessible isn’t about changing everything — it’s about noticing what helps each person feel safe, seen, and supported. These adaptations don’t just benefit ADHD and autistic clients; they make therapy more human for everyone.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’re someone who finds traditional therapy settings overwhelming or difficult to engage with, please know that there are other ways to do this work. My approach is flexible, creative, and shaped around what helps you feel most at ease.
If that sounds like something that would suit you, you’re very welcome to get in touch — we can find a way of working together that fits your pace, your comfort, and your way of thinking.