Neurodivergent people can have unique care needs in different areas of their lives. Below we discuss the care needs in relation to emotions, communication, sensory sensitivity, social interaction and information processing.

Emotions

Care needs:

• Emotion regulation: Neurodivergent people can have difficulty regulating their emotions. They can benefit from techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises and cognitive behavioural therapy to manage their emotional reactions better.
• Support with stress and anxiety: Many neurodivergent people experience higher levels of stress and anxiety. Therapies such as counselling, stress management strategies and sometimes medication can help to manage these feelings.
• Safe spaces: A quiet and safe environment where they can withdraw when they feel overwhelmed can help enormously in dealing with intense emotions.

Communication

Care needs:

• Alternative methods of communication: Some neurodivergent people, such as persons with autism who speak little or not at all, need alternative methods of communication such as sign language, pictograms or speech-generating devices.
• Social skills training: Training can help if you want it yourself, for example with turn-taking in conversations or reading non-verbal signals. Be careful with training in eye contact or ‘normal’ behaviour: that can lead to masking and exhaustion. Misunderstandings in communication are often mutual (the double empathy problem), so the environment has a task here too.
• Patient and clear communication: Family, friends and professionals need to learn to communicate patiently and clearly, for example by using simple language and giving extra time for responses.

Sensory sensitivity

Care needs:

• Sensory processing therapy: This can help in learning to deal with over- or under-sensitivity to sensory stimuli. It can involve specific exercises and strategies for processing sensory information better.
• Adjustments to the environment: Creating a low-stimulus environment can help. This can mean less bright light, less background noise, and the use of soft fabrics and calm colours.
• Calming aids: Objects such as weighted blankets and noise-cancelling headphones can help. Fidget toys are small objects you can use to keep your hands busy and calm your mind. They can help to reduce stimuli and offer a sense of comfort.

Social interaction

Care needs:

• Social support networks: Groups or clubs where neurodivergent people can meet like-minded people can help in building social skills and reducing loneliness.
• Mentoring and guidance: Mentors or buddies can offer guidance in social interactions and give practical tips for navigating social situations better.
• Respect for social boundaries: It is important that the environment respects that neurodivergent people sometimes need more time alone and that social interactions can be tiring.

Information processing

Care needs:

• Support with planning and organisation: Aids such as planners, checklists and apps can help with organising tasks and managing time.
• Structured learning environments: Clear routines and structured environments can help with processing information and reducing confusion.
• Adjustments in education and work: Offering flexible learning methods, such as visual aids, audio recordings of lessons and extra time for tasks and exams, can make information processing easier.

Conclusion

The care needs of neurodivergent people are diverse and vary with their personal profile of sensitivities and talents. By recognising these needs in yourself or your loved one and offering suitable support, we can create a more inclusive and understanding environment in which everyone gets the chance to thrive.

It is important to take an individual approach, because what works for one person may not work for another. Patience, empathy and flexibility are key words in offering effective support to neurodivergent people.

Read more: Autism calls for recognition, not a cure, High sensitivity is not a disorder and The disease model in mental health care can make you ill.

Prof. dr. Jim van Os, Chair Division Neuroscience, Utrecht University Medical Centre. Jim works at the interface of ‘hard’ brain science, health services research, art and subjective experiences of people with ‘lived experience’ in mental healthcare. 

Jim has been appearing on the Thomson-Reuter Web of Science list of ‘most influential scientific minds of our time’ since 2014. In 2014 he published his book ‘Beyond DSM-5‘, and in 2016 the book ‘Good Mental Health Care’. In 2026 he published 'Wat psychisch lijden is'.

Want to read more?

Blogs by Jim van Os can be read here

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