What is Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Empower Neurodiversity focuses on improving daily life skills through neuro-affirming approaches. This includes support for autistic adults, those with ADHD, and others with neurodivergent conditions to enhance sensory regulation, routines, executive functioning, and overall independence.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help Adults with ADHD?

Answer: Neuro-affirming Occupational therapy for ADHD adults is collaborative and empowering. 'Empower Neurodiversity' supports people with ADHD in ways that honour your brain style, rather than trying to force them into neurotypical moulds. It's strengths-based, collaborative, and geared toward building a life that works with the ADHD brain—not against it. Executive Functioning Support (Without Shame) supporting you with planning, organising, task initiation, time management, and follow-through without judgment. Supporting the use of neurodivergent-friendly strategies, like: Visual timers and reminders, or body doubling (doing tasks with someone else), task chunking and pacing. We may explore energy accounting and pay attention to hyper focus. We may support you to build a routine that sticks and prioritise 'good enough' not perfect. Building self compassion and emotional regulation strategies may support you. Creating systems and support strategies that support you to thrive.

What is Neuro-Affirming Occupational therapy and How Does it Benefit Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Empower Neurodiversity respects and supports the unique ways neurodivergent individuals experience the world. For autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent adults, it focuses on acceptance, empowerment, and self-advocacy, instead of ‘fixing’ people. This approach helps individuals thrive by acknowledging their strengths and challenges.

What Should I Expect During an Initial Occupational Therapy Session?

Answer: In your first Occupational therapy session, we’ll discuss your specific needs, goals, and challenges. The therapist will assess areas like sensory sensitivities, time management, executive functioning, and daily routines. Based on this, a personalised therapy plan will be created to help you achieve greater independence and well-being.

How Does Occupational Therapy Support Autistic Adults?

Answer: Neuro-affirming Occupational therapy is collaborative and empowering. It supports autistic adults in thriving as themselves. We may explore your sensory world and environment, sensory regulation and support. We may explore communication and building advocacy skills, like setting boundaries and acknowledging your own needs. Executive Functioning Support Assists with planning, organizing, prioritizing, and managing time in ways that work for you. Rather than pushing neurotypical methods (like rigid schedules), Occupational therapists collaborate to find flexible, functional strategies—like visual schedules, timers, body doubling, etc. We may explore daily living and independent living skills like cooking, hygiene, transportation, or managing a household in neurodivergent-friendly ways. The focus is on autonomy and comfort—not on conforming to standards of how things should be done. Support with Burnout & Mental Health: Empower Neurodiversity recognises 'autistic burnout' as a legitimate, serious issue. We can explore tools to manage your overwhelm, rest and reduce 'masking.' Building a life that feels good for you Supporting engagement in meaningful activities—whether that’s hobbies, work, rest, or social connections. Respecting individual definitions of success, productivity, and happiness. Encourages building a life aligned with your interests, values, and energy levels.

Can Occupational Therapy Help with Sensory Sensitivities?

Answer: Yes! Occupational therapy can provide effective strategies for managing sensory sensitivities. Whether it’s noise, textures, or bright lights, therapy sessions will help you develop coping mechanisms and environmental adaptations to reduce discomfort and improve overall well-being.

Sensory Processing and Regulation

For individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism, sensory processing challenges can create challenges in daily activities. Occupational therapists use sensory-based interventions to support individuals:

• Identify sensory triggers:.
  
• Develop coping strategies:.
  
• Sensory diets: We can work together to create a personalised sensory diet (a structured schedule of sensory activities) to help regulate your sensory input throughout the day,

Adapting the Environment

Each individual’s sensory needs are different. We may:

• Modify the environment to reduce sensory overload or enhance sensory input in ways that support your individual’s needs. For example, adjusting lighting, sound levels, or providing sensory breaks during the workday or school.
  
• Create sensory-friendly spaces at home, work, or school to help you feel more comfortable and focused.
  

Executive Functioning and Sensory Regulation

Empower Neurodiversity may explore support with executive functioning—such as organizing tasks, staying on track, or regulating emotions—alongside sensory sensitivities.

• Developing strategies for task management by breaking tasks into smaller steps and using visual supports.
  
• Exploring tools for emotion regulation, including mindfulness techniques, grounding exercises, and physical movement activities that help reduce anxiety.
  

Self-Advocacy and Empowerment

Empower Neurodiversity recognises the importance of self-advocacy and choice. This can involve:

• Exploring self-awareness: Supporting you to understand your sensory preferences and needs
  
• Encouraging self-advocacy: Occupational therapy can empower you to 'speak up' in various environments (university, work, or social settings) about your sensory needs and request reasonable accommodations/adjustments

Personalised Strategies and Support

Undertaking and exploring your unique sensory profile. Empower Neurodiversity strategies will be

• Tailored to the individual, considering your sensory needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
  
• Focused on building strengths and creating a supportive environment where you can thrive.

Collaboration with Other Professionals

Empower Neurodiversity can work alongside other professionals, such as those in education, other therapists, and mental health practitioners, to create a comprehensive, holistic approach. This collaboration ensures that the individual’s sensory needs are understood in multiple settings, including home, work, or university. It is your choice if you wish me to collaborate with key people in your support plan ( see exceptions on crisis management and safeguarding ) Support is tailored to you.

Is Occupational Therapy Covered by access to work or personal health insurance for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Access to Work is a UK government program designed to support autistic adults and individuals with other disabilities in the workplace. The program provides funding for workplace adjustments, specialized equipment, and support services that can help improve job performance, workplace accessibility, and overall career development.

For neurodivergent adults, Access to Work may cover a range of support options, including:

• Job coaching or mentoring to help with workplace interactions and communication.
  
• Specialist equipment to accommodate sensory sensitivities or communication needs.
  
• Travel assistance for getting to and from work.
  
• Workplace adaptations to reduce distractions or provide a sensory-friendly environment.
  
• I offer occupational therapy specific coaching for neurodivergent people
  

If you are seeking support to thrive in your current role or to help find employment, Access to Work can provide the financial support and resources needed to ensure a successful career. Empower Neurodiversity can guide you through the application process and help you make the most of the resources available to you.

Many insurance plans do cover Occupational therapy for neurodivergent adults, including those with autism or ADHD. I recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm coverage details. I can also provide the necessary documentation for reimbursement if applicable.

How Long Does Occupational Therapy Take for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: The duration of occupational therapy varies depending on your needs and goals. Some individuals benefit from short-term support to address specific challenges, while others may engage in longer-term therapy to build new skills and strategies. I will work with you to set realistic, individualised goals. The length of each occupational therapy session can vary depending on your needs and goals. Typically, our sessions last between 50 to 60 minutes. However, some individuals may benefit from longer or shorter sessions, especially when addressing multiple areas of concern such as sensory sensitivities, executive functioning, or routine building.

I recommend starting with a 60-minute session for a comprehensive assessment and to ensure we have enough time to explore your goals. After that, the duration can be adjusted based on your preferences and the progress you’re making.

Whether you need shorter, more frequent sessions or longer sessions with a deeper focus on specific challenges, we’ll work together to find the right approach for you. As your therapist, I will always tailor the session length to what feels most supportive for you.

Do You Offer Online Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Yes! Empower Neurodiversity offers online occupational therapy sessions tailored for neurodivergent adults. This includes flexible, remote support for managing sensory needs, executive functioning, and daily life challenges, making therapy accessible from the comfort of your home.

How do I pay for sessions?

Answer: If you are in receipt for access to work or health insurance provision please see above, otherwise payment is by bank transfer. I will provide an invoice for you just before a session and payment is to be received no later than 24 hours after a session. Prompt payments help me to run my small business smoothly and without any delays to your support.

Can I cancel if I am unwell, how much notice do you need?

Answer: To ensure that I can accommodate all of our clients effectively, I kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This helps me manage our schedule and offer the time to others who may need it. Please note that cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a charge for the session. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

How Do I Get Started with Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Getting started is easy! Simply book a free discovery call to discuss your needs with an occupational therapist. During the call, I’ll assess how we can support you in achieving your personal goals and creating a plan that works for you.