21/03/25

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Creating an inclusive environment at the Hospice for neurodivergent individuals

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It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week! 
Our team has recently been supporting a patient on the autism spectrum. Here are some examples of how we create an inclusive and welcoming environment at the Hospice for neurodivergent individuals: 
• Letting the patient choose the room for their sessions. The team was mindful that the patient was sensitive to acoustics and smells so offered choices to make them more comfortable. 
• Affirming the patient as a person. The patient said they needed to feel acceptance and was relieved to be accepted by others in the group. 
• Enabling the patient to express themselves in alternative ways. The team used a drawing exercise in one session, knowing that visuals worked well for the patient. 
• Working together with the patient. Staff checked in with them about what was working and responded to feedback from the patient.  
• Providing structure. Giving the patient a set end time for sessions offered them reassurance and structure. 
Every patient is an individual, and our teams at the Hospice tailor their support to meet the needs of everyone who comes through our doors.