Healthcare For Every Mind

Neurodivergent people, including those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, often experience hospital environments as overwhelming and distressing. The glaring lights, constant noise, and lack of clear communication can exacerbate anxiety and sensory overload. The lights are on, but we're left in the dark.

Neurodivergent patients deserve better

At neurobetter, we are calling on all NHS Trusts and hospitals to take immediate action to ensure that neurodivergent patients receive the care and understanding they deserve. It's time for hospitals to recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work.

We're calling on all hospitals to:

1. Appoint a Neurodiversity Champion on every ward

Each ward must have a named individual - a Neurodiversity Champion - responsible for neurodivergent patients, trained to understand their needs and provide appropriate support. We believe every member of staff should have this training and understanding, but ensuring that there's just one staff member, regardless of role, who can champion a neurodivergent patient's needs at the time they need support will make a huge difference.

2. Provide earplugs and eye masks for better rest

Simple tools like earplugs and eye masks can make a significant difference for patients who struggle with sensory overload. Sleep is vital for recovery, and these items should be available to anyone who needs them. Neurodivergent people are much more likely to be overwhelmed by bright lights, as well as loud and repetitive noises, such as beeping from machines and monitors.

3. Recognise the need for better communication

Neurodivergent patients often feel anxious when they don't know what's happening. Clear communication is essential, particularly when answering the question, "What is going to happen next?" Leaving patients in the dark about procedures, tests, or even waiting times can increase distress. Keeping someone updated by saying "I don't know, but I'll come back before the end of my shift, even if I don't have an update" is something concrete for them to focus on as a next step.

4. Realise bedding is more than just clean sheets

Sleeping under thin sheets alone doesn't provide the tactile stimulation that some neurodivergent people need to keep calm. Hospitals should ideally offer options like weighted blankets or textured fabrics that can help with calming their mood and anxiety. Even with existing resources, hospitals can ensure that there are always extra sheets or blankets available for neurodivergent people, to provide more weight to sleep under and further tactile stimulation.

5. Manage the environment for sensory needs

Neurodivergent patients should be placed away from particularly noisy or disruptive patients whenever possible, or prioritised for quieter side rooms if they request it. A quieter environment may be what they need to focus on recovery. Every neurodivergent person is different, but when they are overwhelmed, being in the right environment will reduce the risk of them struggling with their mental health, or being misunderstood in relation to their care.

6. Ensure mental health care is always available alongside physical health conditions

Neurodivergent people are more likely to suffer from mental health conditions, and this, plus the hospital setting, may mean they need mental health support even if they have been admitted with a physical health complaint. Anyone that is physically fit for assessment should be able to access mental health care in a hospital.

All hospitals with psychiatric liaison teams should ensure that they are adopting Side By Side working: there should never be a delay in providing mental health support to a patient admitted to hospital with their physical health due to outdated terminology, lack of training or misunderstood policy. We call on all hospitals to publish their procedures relating to how patients presenting with both physical and mental health conditions are treated.