How Kooth helps people living with neurodivergence

Neurodivergence is a broad term that describes people whose brains work and process information differently from what is considered ‘typical’.

This may include differences in learning, social preferences, communication, and perception of their environment. Some examples of neurodivergence are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, and Tourette’s Syndrome. 

While each individual with these conditions will have some shared core symptoms, they will still have widely unique experiences and needs. Therefore, having a good balance between choice and structure can help to make sure that neurodivergent people are accommodated and supported adequately.

Accessing services can be a challenge for neurodivergent people

Neurodivergent people exist in a world that is, on the whole, designed for neurotypical people, and with this comes potential extra barriers and challenges when accessing services.

There are also greater chances of anxiety, depression, pain disorders, hypermobility, gastrointestinal problems, and more. A neurodivergent person will likely attend several health appointments, often in the same period, throughout their life. 

Telephone and face-to-face appointments, busy waiting areas, and managing travel and time can create significant challenges for someone experiencing difficulties with executive function and information and sensory processing. Many neurodivergent people also engage in masking to fit in and feel safe, which can be emotionally and physically draining.

These experiences can be overwhelming and may lead to missing appointments, struggling to communicate their needs accurately, and feelings of anxiety.

Healthwatch states that “neurodivergent people struggle to get the proper support or information in a suitable format to enable them to engage with health and care services.”  As such, these issues compound each other and can potentially be detrimental to the individual’s wellbeing. 

How can Kooth’s digital support benefit neurodivergence?

There are a number of ways to access support on Kooth, including asynchronous messaging, drop-in and structured live chat, and pre-moderated peer support through forums and articles.

The fully text-based support enables neurodivergent users to process what they read and means they can respond at their own pace, which supports information processing and recall. It may also provide an opportunity to better articulate their needs due to the lesser burden of conversational turn-taking, attention and focus. Text also provides an inclusive space for nonverbal users to communicate effectively without the need for translation or on-the-day adjustments.

The online nature of Kooth means that neurodivergent people can access mental health and wellbeing support from a safe space, free from sensory triggers and travel demands. The potential stressors that come with telephone or face-to-face support can be avoided, removing some of the barriers to talking about their mental health. 

As mentioned, choice and structure can be helpful for accessibility. 

• •

  Message support may benefit those who feel uncomfortable with live, back-and-forth conversations, meaning they can express themselves in their own time, without distraction, or time-pressure. A qualified professional then replies to the message and can be engaged with on the service user’s terms

• •

  Live chat is a good option for those who feel comfortable with in-the-moment support

• •

  Drop-in is especially helpful for neurodivergent people who struggle with scheduling and timing, as they can chat when they need to, for a single session

• •

  Alternatively, individuals who require or rely on routine and precise timing to feel safe can benefit from structured support, where they can build a therapeutic alliance with one named worker, and get support for any difficulties over time

Kooth also has a number of moderated community spaces dedicated to neurodivergence and related needs. The peer-support tackles stigma and isolation when dealing with the challenges that come with neurodivergence, and celebrates strengths. Service users also have the option to post their own articles and creative writing.  

Most importantly, all of this is user-led. The team can inform and make recommendations if the service user is unsure on what would suit them, but ultimately, the service user decides what their care looks like. 

Kooth is here for everyone, and we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where anyone can find non-judgemental support. Below are things that some of our neurodivergent service users have said about their support at Kooth:

“I'm so grateful I reached out because you have seriously helped me and you sound like you actually care. Seriously thank you so much.”

“I’m trying to accept myself the way I am in terms of being autistic. I am going to try and do the things I prefer that help me feel happier like reading and playing music”

“I’m seeing a large improvement because I’ve had someone tell me that it is ok to ask for what I want. I feel less forced to endure exposure to things I don’t like just to make others comfortable.”