“Self-care” means bubble baths and massages, right? As a therapist, your understanding of self-care has probably evolved beyond stereotypes. You know that true self-care goes deeper than spa days – taking care of yourself means committing to strategies like using a planner, setting aside time for chores, or making that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.
But don’t be fooled into thinking you have self-care figured out. Even the most common therapist-approved self-care approaches can fall flat for neurodivergent clients. Google-produced lists of “self-care strategies” may not work for individuals with ADHD, autism, or other differences, and they’ll look to their therapist for ideas tailored to their unique strengths.
Of course, just like neurotypical folks are all unique, neurodivergent will all have their own needs, no matter their diagnosis. No two people with autism, ADHD, or any other condition are exactly alike. But it’s important to avoid asking neurodiverse clients to fit into neurotypical molds. That’s something they have to deal with every day, and shouldn’t have to worry about it in therapy.
Here are a few ideas that might work for self-care for your neurodiverse clients, and a few tips to make sure what you recommend fits their unique needs.
Important Note
This list is meant to provide alternative self-care ideas for clients when traditional methods might not be suitable. It is not meant to force anyone to fit a new “normal,” but rather to inspire personalized approaches that honor each client’s unique needs and strengths
Self-Care for Clients with ADHD
Typical self-care strategies lean towards quiet, structured, and soothing activities, but clients with ADHD might need more dynamic, exciting, and engaging strategies. ADHD clients can be energetic, quick-thinking, and sometimes intense, so self-care should be able to meet their need to remain active and engaged.
Keep in Mind:
- Flexibility: Clients with ADHD may struggle with rigid structures and benefit from flexible, adaptive approaches.
- Stimulation: They often need more engaging and stimulating activities to maintain interest and focus.
- Breaks: Frequent breaks can help manage restlessness and improve overall productivity.
Consider these alternatives if neurotypical self-care strategies aren’t working:
Instead of quiet, still meditation, try active meditation strategies like mindfulness. Techniques such as mindful walking, yoga, or tai chi provide the mental benefits of meditation while incorporating physical movement, in line with the energetic style of many clients with ADHD.
Instead of using a traditional planner, try gamified task management apps like Habitica. ADHD can make it hard to stay organized, and paper planners can lack the engagement factor that helps brains interested. Gamified apps turn tasks into a game with rewards and levels, making task management fun and engaging.
Instead of working alone in a quiet environment, try body doubling. While some people might need to be alone in silence to focus, many people with ADHD have found that working alongside another person (virtually or in person) increases accountability and helps maintain focus.
Self-Care for Clients with Auditory Processing Disorder
Typical self-care strategies often rely on auditory instructions or activities that require significant auditory processing, but clients with auditory processing disorder (APD) might need more visual, tactile, and structured strategies. APD clients can be sensitive to sound environments, so self-care should focus on reducing auditory overload and enhancing their ability to process information effectively.
Keep in Mind:
- Adaptability: Clients with APD may struggle with certain auditory tasks and benefit from flexible, adaptive approaches.
- Visual and tactile support: They often need more visual and tactile aids to support their understanding and engagement.
- Controlled environments: Managing the auditory environment can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Consider these alternatives if neurotypical self-care strategies aren’t suitable:
Instead of relying on verbal instructions, try using visual aids and written notes. Visual supports can help clients process information more effectively, reducing the stress associated with auditory overload.
Instead of engaging in activities that require intense auditory processing, try incorporating more visual and tactile activities. Drawing, painting, or working with clay can provide a relaxing outlet without the need for intense auditory processing.
Instead of noisy environments, try strategies that work in quiet, controlled spaces. Quiet environments can help clients with APD focus better and reduce the stress caused by auditory overload.
Instead of traditional social activities, try smaller, structured gatherings. Large, noisy groups can be overwhelming, so smaller groups or one-on-one interactions might be more comfortable and enjoyable.
Self-Care for Clients with Autism
Clients with autism might thrive on routine and predictability. They may have specific sensory preferences and aversions, making it important to consider the sensory aspects of any self-care activity. Additionally, their interests and passions can be a great source of comfort and relaxation.
Keep in Mind:
- Routine and predictability: Consistent routines can provide a sense of stability and reduce anxiety.
- Sensory preferences: Consider the client’s sensory needs, such as preferences for certain textures, sounds, or levels of stimulation.
- Special interests: Leveraging a client’s special interests can make self-care more engaging and enjoyable.
Consider these alternatives if neurotypical self-care strategies aren’t suitable:
Instead of unstructured social activities, try planned, structured interactions. It’s easy to tell a client to “spend some time with friends,” but that’s not relaxing for some clients with autism. If a client wants to incorporate social interaction into their self-care routine, social stories and scripts can help prepare them for interactions, reducing anxiety and making social engagement more comfortable.
Instead of generic relaxation techniques, try sensory-friendly activities. Weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys can provide comfort and reduce sensory overload.
Instead of suggesting new, unfamiliar hobbies, try supporting their special interests. People know what they like, and encouraging clients with autism to double down on what works for them can be a quick route to more joy and relaxation.
Instead of broad, abstract goals, try specific, concrete tasks. Clear, step-by-step instructions can make tasks more manageable and less overwhelming.
Self-Care for Clients with Tourette’s
There’s no one self-care “hack” that will work for every client with Tourette’s. Some clients may find that quiet and calm environments help reduce their tics, while others might experience an increase in tics in quiet settings. Clients will need to experiment with different strategies to find what works best for them.
Keep in Mind:
- Flexibility: What works for one client may not work for another. Encourage clients to try various strategies to see what suits them best.
- Activity level: Some clients may benefit from active, engaging activities, while others might need calm, relaxing environments.
- Supportive environment: Creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment can help clients feel more comfortable and reduce stress, which can, in turn, help manage tics.
If you’re working with a client who has Tourette’s who finds that typical strategies aren’t cutting it, here are some alternatives to try:
Instead of quiet, still meditation, try active relaxation techniques. Techniques like yoga, tai chi, or mindful walking can provide the benefits of meditation while incorporating gentle movement, which may be more soothing for some clients with Tourette’s. Encourage clients to experiment to see if they feel better with calm or active methods.
Instead of focusing solely on relaxation, try incorporating physical activity. Gentle physical activities like swimming, walking, or dancing can help release energy and reduce tension, which may help in managing tics.
Instead of recommending solitary activities, try group support. For some clients, joining a support group with others who have Tourette’s can be a great way to connect, understand, and share.
Instead of only suggesting mental activities, try tactile activities. Activities like using stress balls, playing with clay, or knitting can give clients the chance to focus on something, which may reduce tics and allow them to relax and enjoy themselves.
Other Neurodivergent Conditions that May Need Modifications
Some neurodivergent clients may need significant adjustments to their self-care strategies, others might only need minor tweaks to make traditional methods work for them.
Here are a few conditions that might be appropriate for simple self-care modifications:
Dyslexia:
Clients with dyslexia often enjoy using audiobooks or podcasts instead of traditional reading materials. Visual aids like diagrams and mind maps can also support understanding and lessen the reliance on text.
Dysgraphia:
Clients who have dysgraphia might find writing in their journals stressful, so you might suggest voice-to-text software instead. Mind maps and graphic organizers can help clients visualize and organize their thoughts, so they don’t have to work as hard.
Dyspraxia:
It’s important for clients with dyspraxia to minimize their coordination and motor skills challenges. The right apps can help them stay organized and stay on top of things, while yoga and tai chi might be helpful for relaxing and improving coordination.
Important Note About Working with Neurodivergent Clients
Neurodivergent clients often face stressors beyond what neurotypical individuals experience. Navigating a world that doesn’t always accommodate their needs can be exhausting, discouraging, and, at times, dangerous. That means for many of these clients, self-care isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s an essential. Clinicians need to approach this work with humility and a willingness to learn, especially if they are neurotypical. Educate yourself about different neurodivergent conditions and their unique challenges.
In these cases, the old cliche rings especially true – your client is the expert on their own experience. They know best what will and won’t work for them. Encourage them to take the lead in exploring self-care strategies and respect their insights. Your role is cheerleader, companion, consultant, and advocate.
Remember that boundaries are an essential part of self-care for neurodivergent individuals. Respecting and supporting clients’ boundaries helps create a safe and trusting therapeutic environment. Encourage your clients to set and maintain boundaries as part of their self-care routine and reinforce that it’s okay (and, at times, necessary) for them to assert their needs and limits, both with you and with others in their lives.
By staying humble, educating yourself, and honoring the expertise of your clients, you can better support their journey toward well-being and self-care.
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