How to Request Sensory Accommodations at Medical Appointments

If you've ever sat in a medical waiting room feeling like your brain is being scrambled by harsh fluorescent lights and beeping equipment, you're not alone. Medical appointments can be sensory marathons, and for neurodivergent individuals, they often feel overwhelming before you've even seen a healthcare professional. The good news? One simple sentence can transform your entire experience.

Recognising When You Need Accommodations

Medical settings aren't designed with sensory needs in mind. Bright overhead lighting, time pressure, rapid-fire questions, and sterile environments can push your nervous system into overload. You might notice yourself:

• Struggling to process what the doctor is saying
• Feeling anxious or frozen when asked to make quick decisions
• Wanting to leave before you've even been seen

These reactions aren't a sign of weakness—they're your brain telling you it needs support to function in this environment. Recognising this is your first step towards advocating for yourself.

Preparing Your Script

The beauty of a script is that it removes the cognitive load of finding the right words in the moment. Here's a clear, direct example you can adapt:

'Hi, I'm neurodivergent. To make this appointment manageable for me, could you dim the lights?'

You can customise this based on what helps you most:

• 'Could we keep the door open so I don't feel trapped?'
• 'I process information slowly—could you write down the key points?'
• 'Could we schedule a longer appointment so I don't feel rushed?'

Save your script on your phone. That way, if you freeze or go non-verbal, you can simply show your screen to the staff member. Some people even call ahead to add a note to their patient file.

Communicating Your Needs to Medical Staff

You can share your needs with anyone you encounter first—the receptionist, the nurse during triage, or the doctor when they enter the room. Most healthcare professionals genuinely want to help, but they can't accommodate needs they don't know about.

If speaking feels impossible, showing your phone works just as well. Written communication is still communication. You're not being difficult—you're being clear about what you need to participate fully in your own healthcare.

Experiencing a More Comfortable Appointment

Once the sensory load is reduced, something shifts. With softer lighting or a quieter space, your brain has the bandwidth to think, speak, and absorb information. You can actually engage with what the doctor is saying instead of using all your energy to stay regulated.

The first time you ask might feel uncomfortable, but it gets easier with practice. And every time you advocate for yourself, you're normalising these needs for the next neurodivergent person who walks through those doors. Your comfort matters—both to you and to the broader community.

Managing sensory needs is just one part of supporting your neurodivergent brain. At Brainzyme, we also offer scientifically proven plant-powered focus supplements designed to help you navigate daily challenges with greater ease.

Discover how Brainzyme works and find the right formula for your needs at www.brainzyme.com.