Neurodiversity: Embracing Different Ways of Being
What is neurodiversity, and why does it matter?
The word "neurodiversity" accounts for the many different ways in which a human brain and personality can express themselves. Frequently (and with good reason, as we'll discuss below), the word "neurodiversity" is something like shorthand for particular neurotypes considered to be "on a spectrum" in some way - inherent intellectualism, "nerdiness," autism, sensory sensitivity, ADHD, genderqueer expressions, and so on. These are normal, natural expressions of the human condition. Or put another way: they are normal human phenotypes.
And in truth, every single individual on the planet has their own unique neurotype - meaning, there is no other person with their exact brain. Moreover, a person's neurotype can be somewhat fluid over the course of their lives. That is not to say that an autistic person will suddenly wake up one morning finding themselves allistic (meaning non-autistic) - that cannot and does not happen. But nervous systems are malleable, and as much remains the same over the course of one's life, they do change somewhat with time. And all of that comes from the perspective of being an autistic man myself, with two children who are neurodiverse.
Neurodiversity matters because neurodiversity is part and parcel to the very Ayurvedic art of seeing each person as the unique individual that they are. There is no right or wrong way of being; there is just the person, their life, their preferences, and their needs.
At The Buddha's Medicine, we welcome and celebrate neurodiversity in ourselves and in our patients. Our neuroaffirming stance stems from both professional expertise and personal experience. With a neurodivergent perspective at the helm of our practice, we understand firsthand the importance of holding an open and supportive healthcare space. Our practice genuinely and unapologetically embraces different ways of thinking, processing, and being human.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Our view is that it is not possible to truly see and understand neurodiversity without celebrating it. And we do. We celebrate neurovariation. Each person's unique way of experiencing the world brings valuable perspectives and abilities to our community, and also to our practice. And we apply this in practice; our care approach is individual-centric, crafted on a person-by-person basis to best serve each individual's needs. This is especially true when it comes to neurodiversity.
We see (and experience) sensory processing differences. We know how environmental factors can impact personal comfort and communication. We value various communication preferences and styles, and we strive for effective, caring interactions with all of our patients.
Accessibility and Customized Care Delivery
Our practice is designed to accommodate everyone's needs - especially our neurodiverse friends and neighbors - through a variety of practical measures. Our appointments are flexible in both duration and format, allowing us to adapt to different processing and communication styles, as well as varying levels of comfort. We offer multiple communication options, including written, verbal, and visual formats, ensuring that information is accessible to everyone. We prioritize clear, direct communication that minimizes ambiguity and maximizes clarity and understanding. And perhaps most importantly, our treatment modalities are adaptable, and we always modify our methods based on individual needs and preferences. We recognize and honor the need for processing time, ensuring that patients never feel rushed or pressured in their healthcare decisions.
Strengths-Based Focus
Our practice celebrates the unique strengths that neurodiverse folks bring to the table. Rather than framing differences as "deficits," we recognize that differences can be delightful. We empower our patients to step into those differences and channel them in their personal lives, studies, and work.
Environmental Considerations
Our physical space has been designed with neurodiversity in mind. The sensory-conscious office design takes into account various sensory sensitivities and preferences. We offer multiple seating options to ensure physical comfort during appointments. Our lighting can be adjusted to accommodate different sensory needs and preferences. We maintain quiet spaces for those who need reduced sensory input. Throughout our practice environment, we've worked to modify sensory stimuli and dramatically reduce the risk of sensory overload. Fidget toys are available, and stimming is welcome.
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A dedication to a neurodiverse-friendly approach is clear throughout the healthcare experience at The Buddha's Medicine. Our patients consistently report high levels of care accessibility, and our adapted approaches make it easier to follow through with care plans. We observe improved health literacy when health information is presented in ways that align with individual processing styles. Patients express increased comfort in our care environment when their neurodivergent needs are recognized and accommodated. And our communication options lead to more effective interactions between patients and providers.
All of these factors contribute to enhanced therapeutic outcomes, as patients feel truly understood and supported in their healthcare journey. So whether you are neurodiverse yourself or simply share a planet with those who are neurodiverse, you are welcome at our practice.
As always, if you are curious about how our Ayurvedic, integrative health approach can support your health (or the health of a loved one), you can book a cost-free, 15-minute Consultation with Dr. Matt. Experience our neurodiverse-friendly environment firsthand and discover how we adapt our care to support your unique way of thinking and being.
Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH
Dr. Matt is an Ayurveda-trained, triple board-certified physician.
