How to Make Your Business More Neuro-Affirming
And why accessibility should never depend on disclosure
When I recently asked on Instagram for neuro-affirming services — from hairdressers to therapists and beyond — the responses reminded me of something important: many businesses want to do better, but are not always sure where to begin.
Being neuro-affirming is not about being perfect or knowing everything about every neurotype. It is about creating spaces, systems, and services that are more accessible, respectful, and workable for more people.
And importantly, this should not rely on disclosure.
Many people may not feel safe sharing that they are neurodivergent. Some may not know yet. Others may simply know they have preferences or needs that make a service more accessible for them.
Good accessibility helps everyone.
6 Ways to Make Your Business More Neuro-Affirming
1. Build Options In for Everyone
Offer choices as standard, such as:
- online booking
- written follow-up
- quiet appointments
- waiting outside until called
- communication preferences
When options are normalised, people do not need to justify needing them.
2. Be Clear and Predictable
Tell people what to expect:
- where to go
- what it costs
- how long it takes
- what happens next
Clarity reduces stress.
3. Consider the Sensory Experience
Review lighting, noise, scent, seating, privacy, and visual clutter.
Small changes can make a big difference.
4. Respect Different Communication Styles
Not everyone communicates best through eye contact, quick responses, phone calls, or small talk.
Allow pauses, written communication, direct language, and processing time.
5. Choose Curiosity Over Judgement
Someone who seems blunt, anxious, overwhelmed, frozen, or disengaged may not be difficult — they may be dysregulated.
Respond with care, not assumption.
6. Keep Learning
Move beyond stereotypes. Listen to lived experience. Invite feedback. Adjust where you can.
Neuro-affirming practice is not a badge — it is an ongoing commitment.
What Am I Missing?
What would you add? What has helped you feel genuinely considered and supported in a business or service?
Want Support With This?
If you would like to explore how to make your business a more accessible space for all, I offer consultations, training, and talks for organisations and service providers.
Get in touch via christinedoyle.ie
Neuro-Affirming Services Shared by the Community
Spalsh Swim Schools – Ballaghaderreen ‘small enough that you can swim with low echo. Also the sauna, steam and jacuzzi are so lovely’. (Instagram @splashswimschools)
Clarity Hair and Life – Emma offers a low stimulus environment (Instagram @emma.clairtyhairandlife)
Fitness 4 All – Strandhill (Instagram @fitness4allstrandhill)
Eleanor in The Faythe Medical Centre – listened openly to my concerns and accommodated me fully
Absolute Beauty Navan – ‘very special and completely neuroaffirming’
Laura’s Sanctuary – ‘a home salon space that offers massages, facials, reiki, sound healing, waxing and tinting’ (Instagram @lauras_sanctuary)
Fiona Guiheen – Sound baths and 1:1 Sessions (Instagram @fionaguiheen)
Clara Jones Hair ‘a great neuro affirming hairdresser in Wexford’ (Instagram @clarajoneshair)
Clara O’Connor – Fitness class in Lioness Studio on Mondays at 6:30 – ‘relaxed friendly environment, very much non competitive, clear visual & verbal instruction with alternatives offered to suit fitness level & pace’ (Instagram @o_connorclara)
Present Moment Wellness (Instagram @present_moment_wellness)
Bhakti Healing (Instagram @bhakti_healing)
Sabrina Hill ‘incredible’ (Instagram @sabrina.hill_)
Hair by Samantha Moynihan – ‘an amazing hairdresser who is always so lovely and supportive of me (Instagram @ hair_by_samantha_moynihan)
Frazer Dental Kingscourt ‘an amazing dental practice with very understanding and sensory accepting dentists’ (Instagram @frazer_dental_kingscourt_)
Flourish and Be Salon (Instagram @flourishandbesalon)