In section 5.1 we will explore and provide practical tips for addressing the kinds of challenges Neurodivergent individuals might face when accessing and attending venues where interventions are based. This section provides some general good practice advice to making buildings and areas more accessible (e.g., reception, rooms where interventions are delivered) and tips to provide more holistic and individualised support and adaptations for Neurodivergent clients. Environments that are Neurodivergent friendly from the outset will give Neurodivergent individuals the best chance of attending and engaging with scheduled appointments.
Accessing new spaces can be challenging for Neurodivergent people. These challenges can include getting to and navigating unfamiliar buildings, and the sensory environment. Sensory sensitivities are common amongst Autistic and/or ADHD individuals including sensitivity to sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, temperature. Sensory overload(s) can lead to communication difficulties and distress, meltdown or shutdown; presentations which may incorrectly be perceived as ‘challenging behaviour’.
Such experiences may prevent a client from attending, returning to, or engaging meaningfully with a formal appointment or intervention session. As well as being distressing for the individual, this can also have negative implications in respect of the effectiveness of behavioural change interventions (particularly in the context of victim-survivor centred interventions) and where attending an intervention is mandated as part of a supervision or community order.
The two specific areas covered in section 1 are as follows:
- Building (e.g., receptions areas).
- Intervention rooms (e.g., where assessments, appointments and or group work take place).