{"id":1245,"date":"2023-05-29T15:35:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-29T15:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=1245"},"modified":"2025-10-03T13:51:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T21:51:38","slug":"treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist","title":{"rendered":"Treating Neurodivergent Patients: A helpful checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\/#Strategies_for_Effective_Collaboration_with_Neurodivergent_Patients\" >Strategies for Effective Collaboration with Neurodivergent Patients<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\/#1_Establish_psychological_safety_using_Engels_biopsychosocial_model\" >1. Establish psychological safety using&nbsp;Engel&#8217;s biopsychosocial model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\/#2_Use_individualized_treatment_plans\" >2. Use individualized treatment plans<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\/#3_Foster_motivation\" >3. Foster motivation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\/#4_Collaborate_with_family_and_caregivers_when_applicable\" >4. Collaborate with family and caregivers, when applicable<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\/#Key_takeaways_and_resources\" >Key takeaways and resources<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\/#About_the_Author\" >About the Author<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\/#Sources\" >Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>When it comes to working with patients who have neurodivergent brains, the key lies in conscious collaboration to achieve the desired outcome. In today&#8217;s Osmosis blog, Stephanie Viggiano, Digital Communications Manager with Elsevier, offers valuable strategies for effective collaboration in treating neurodivergent patients, drawing from her personal experience.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Providing personalized care is important for clinicians because it plays a critical role in patient comfort, including their motivation to comply with treatment and the ability to reach positive outcomes. And when it comes to treating neurodivergent patients, who often experience anxiety about seeing a medical professional\u2014myself included\u2014it\u2019s doubly important to work together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neurodivergence includes an assortment of natural variations in the human brain, such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Autism_spectrum_disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Autism<\/a>, ADHD\/ADD, and Dyslexia. However, rather than thinking of them as disorders, these conditions are simply differences in how our brains process information. In fact, neurodivergent individuals often possess&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/drnancydoyle\/2021\/03\/04\/from-deficit-to-superpowers-is-it-ableist-to-focus-on-neurodivergent-strengths\/?sh=5b0f50ce7b54\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">distinctive strengths and abilities<\/a>&nbsp;that can be leveraged with the right approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to healthcare, neurodivergent patients often encounter challenges in following treatment plans designed for neurotypical patients. Therefore, it\u2019s beneficial to both patient and clinician to prioritize strengths-based approaches for neurodivergent information processing and use tailored care styles and treatment plans.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"551\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/infinite.png?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/infinite.png 2973w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/infinite.png?resize=300,161 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/infinite.png?resize=768,413 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/infinite.png?resize=1024,551 1024w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/infinite.png?resize=1536,827 1536w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/infinite.png?resize=2048,1102 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategies_for_Effective_Collaboration_with_Neurodivergent_Patients\"><\/span>Strategies for Effective Collaboration with Neurodivergent Patients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Establish_psychological_safety_using_Engels_biopsychosocial_model\"><\/span>1. Establish psychological safety using&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0022399909003316\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Engel&#8217;s biopsychosocial model<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the core of patient compliance is trust. Establish psychological safety with your patients using&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0022399909003316\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Engel&#8217;s biopsychosocial model<\/a>&nbsp;to care for the whole person. Some neurodivergent patients may feel overwhelmed in clinical settings or anxious about their appointment. If their needs or diagnoses are disclosed in advance, communicate in a manner that accommodates those needs. Creating a safe environment starts with having clear and concise communication with patients before they see you in a clinical setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider reaching out before the appointment to ensure each patient\u2019s accessibility requirements are met. Depending on the person, this may involve minimizing sensory input (for example, scheduling them in the quietest exam room for their appointment), providing clear and concise written communication (in print and over email) about their care, and allowing ample time for patients to process information and ask questions (e.g., anticipate longer appointment times).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Use_individualized_treatment_plans\"><\/span>2. Use individualized treatment plans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create a neurodivergent patient-friendly system that incorporates email automation and automated appointment reminders. Explore potential technological solutions like apps or text message reminders. Offer visual aids, such as posters or infographics, to enhance understanding. Break down complex instructions into smaller steps. Use technology to improve communication and the overall patient experience by providing care instructions via print at the office and by email after the appointment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Foster_motivation\"><\/span>3. Foster motivation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When people feel seen and praised for their hard work and progress, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Positive reinforcement and recognition can be an excellent path to treatment compliance by helping neurodivergent patients maintain their motivation to stick to a treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Positive reinforcement also comes in a variety of forms. It can be a simple phrase like saying, \u201cGreat job!\u201d Or you can send a quick note of encouragement through your health portal or email to acknowledge their participation. Because, after all, who doesn\u2019t appreciate a kind note filled with praise?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Collaborate_with_family_and_caregivers_when_applicable\"><\/span>4. Collaborate with family and caregivers, when applicable<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s not uncommon for neurodivergent patients to involve a family member or caregiver in their healthcare. Support can involve everything from travel to their appointment, help with paperwork, to being present during an examination to ease patient anxiety. Family members and caregivers can also often provide valuable insights into a patient\u2019s needs and preferences, leading to improved treatment outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key is finding a balance between the patient\u2019s need for support and their desired level of privacy. Acknowledge and respect cultural diversity when working with caregivers and family members. Actively collaborate on coordinating care, making sure to involve the patient in the conversation (when feasible). Offer support, guidance, and training to caregivers on how to best assist at home while including the neurodiverse person in any planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_takeaways_and_resources\"><\/span>Key takeaways and resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Providing effective medical care to neurodivergent patients requires a thoughtful and personalized approach. By embracing and understanding each patient\u2019s individual needs, healthcare providers can create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes positive outcomes. And by prioritizing these strengths-based methods, clinicians can empower neurodivergent patients to thrive as well as ensure they receive the personalized care they deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/checklist-neurodivergent-patient-care.jpg?w=683\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/checklist-neurodivergent-patient-care.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/checklist-neurodivergent-patient-care.jpg?resize=200,300 200w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/checklist-neurodivergent-patient-care.jpg?resize=768,1152 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/checklist-neurodivergent-patient-care.jpg?resize=683,1024 683w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/checklist-neurodivergent-patient-care.jpg?resize=1024,1536 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span>About the Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/stephanieviggiano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stephanie Viggiano<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong>is a Manager of Digital Communications with Elsevier. A Ph.D. student of Global Leadership &amp; Change at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, She holds an MS in Strategic Communication from Columbia University, an MA in Writing Studies from Saint Joseph&#8217;s University, and an AB in German from Bryn Mawr College. Stephanie is an alumna of Digital Media for Social Impact at the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania and is an Emerging Advocate with the American Migraine Foundation. Stephanie is late diagnosed with AuDHD; her research focuses on neurodivergence in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span>Sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.31440\/DFTB.48007\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.31440\/DFTB.48007<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rootedinrights.org\/why-healthcare-providers-need-to-recognize-and-respect-neurodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/rootedinrights.org\/why-healthcare-providers-need-to-recognize-and-respect-neurodiversity\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/womancenteredhealth.com\/neuro-inclusive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">http:\/\/womancenteredhealth.com\/neuro-inclusive\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wtcsb.org\/why-every-clinical-provider-should-have-training-in-neurological-differences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.wtcsb.org\/why-every-clinical-provider-should-have-training-in-neurological-differences\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to working with patients who have neurodivergent brains, the key lies in conscious collaboration to achieve the desired outcome. In today&#8217;s Osmosis blog, Stephanie Viggiano, Digital Communications Manager with Elsevier, offers valuable strategies for effective collaboration in treating neurodivergent patients, drawing from her personal experience. Providing personalized care is important for clinicians [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":213,"featured_media":1246,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-clinical-skills","category-equity-diversity-and-inclusion"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Treating Neurodivergent Patients: A helpful checklist - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/treating-neurodivergent-patients-a-helpful-checklist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Treating Neurodivergent Patients: A helpful checklist - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"When it comes to working with patients who have neurodivergent brains, the key lies in conscious collaboration to achieve the desired outcome. In today&#8217;s Osmosis blog, Stephanie Viggiano, Digital Communications Manager with Elsevier, offers valuable strategies for effective collaboration in treating neurodivergent patients, drawing from her personal experience. 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