Neurodivergent individuals such as autistic people and individuals diagnosed with ADHD or other developmental differences may face unique challenges when seeking support for Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) dependency.
Entering a residential recovery program can be particularly daunting for those with a dual diagnosis of neurodivergence and AOD dependency. This article explores some of the barriers they might encounter and suggests considerations and strategies that recovery programs can adopt to accommodate and support neurodivergent participants effectively.
1. Communication and Sensory Challenges
Neurodivergent individuals may experience difficulties in communication and sensory processing, which can make participation in a residential recovery program challenging. Some considerations and strategies include:
- Providing clear and concise information using visual aids, social stories, or written instructions.
- Creating a sensory-friendly environment by minimising excessive noise, bright lights, and overwhelming stimuli, including avoiding generic sensory input like oil diffusers.
- Offering alternative communication methods, such as visual schedules, pictorial menus, or assistive technology devices.
- Allowing for downtime to assist with managing sensory overload.
- Offering Occupational Therapy (OT) sensory assessments to individualise alerting and calming approaches.
2. Social Interactions and Peer Support
Neurodivergent individuals may struggle with social interactions and find it challenging to connect with others in a residential recovery program.
Considerations and strategies include:
- Making social interactions task-specific to provide clarity.
- Offering structured social activities to facilitate socialisation in a supportive and understanding environment.
- Allowing for breaks from social interactions to allow for mental recovery and prevent social exhaustion.
- Providing peer mentors or support groups specifically tailored for neurodivergent individuals to foster connections and encourage mutual support.
- Offering individual counselling or therapy sessions to address social anxiety and related challenges.
3. Routine and Structure
Maintaining a structured routine is vital for the success of any recovery program. However, it can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals. Considerations and strategies include:
- Providing clear and consistent schedules with visual cues and reminders.
- Allowing flexibility within the routine to accommodate individual needs and preferences.
- Offering quiet spaces or designated areas where individuals can retreat when feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.
4. Individualised Support and Accommodations
Recognising and addressing the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals is crucial for successful recovery. Considerations and strategies include:
- Conducting thorough assessments to identify individual strengths, challenges, and support requirements.
- Assigning trained staff Recovery Coaches or Support Workers who have experience and understanding of neurodivergent conditions.
- Providing individualised treatment plans that incorporate evidence-based practices tailored to neurodivergent individuals.
Conclusion
When neurodivergent individuals with AOD dependency seek residential recovery programs, it is essential to acknowledge and understand the barriers they may face.
By implementing considerations and strategies to accommodate their unique needs, programs can create an inclusive and supportive environment that maximises their chances of successful recovery.
With the right support, including avoiding generic sensory input, allowing for downtime, offering OT sensory assessments, making social interactions task-specific, and providing breaks from social interactions, neurodivergent individuals can overcome the challenges they face and embark on a path to recovery, long-term health and well-being.