Neurodivergence

Why Integrated Care Matters

Neurodivergence is common—but many individuals face daily challenges that impact their quality of life.

• 1 in 5 people is neurodivergent, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

• Employment barriers persist—only 21–37% of autistic adults in the UK are employed.

• 60% report loneliness or social isolation, especially among autistic individuals.

• 1 in 5 schoolchildren in England need additional educational support.

• Mental health risks are higher—40% of autistic people experience anxiety or depression.

Complementary therapies can offer natural, empowering ways to help manage stress, improve sleep, and support emotional balance.

Our Therapeutic Approach

Essential Oil Therapy

Our tailored essential oil therapies harness the therapeutic properties of pure, high-quality oils known for their calming effects on the nervous system.

These therapies are designed to help reduce anxiety, ease sensory overload, enhance focus, and promote restful sleep — challenges commonly experienced by neurodivergent individuals.

Emerging studies indicate that certain essential oils, such as lavender, bergamot, and frankincense, may reduce anxiety symptoms and support emotional regulation by influencing the limbic system and autonomic nervous system (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2018; Ajam & Shakouri, 2019).

Oils like rosemary and peppermint have also been associated with improved concentration and cognitive alertness (Moss et al., 2003; Perry & Perry, 2006).

Delivered through personalised blends, diffusers, massage oils, or inhalation techniques, aromatherapy offers a gentle, non-invasive way to support the emotional and sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals.

It complements other interventions and empowers clients to better manage anxiety, sleep issues, and overstimulation in daily life.

Key Benefits:

• Support for hormonal and nervous system balance

• Reduction of anxiety and emotional dysregulation

• Improved sleep quality and relaxation

• Enhanced focus, calm, and sensory integration

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote internal balance. This traditional therapy is increasingly recognised for its benefits in managing symptoms commonly experienced by neurodivergent individuals, such as sensory sensitivities, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and sleep disturbances.

Clinical research, including randomised controlled trials and neuroimaging studies, suggests that acupuncture may modulate activity in brain regions associated with attention, emotional regulation, and autonomic balance (Wang et al., 2023; Zhao et al., 2020).

Evidence also indicates that acupuncture can reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, enhance social engagement, and support overall nervous system regulation in children and adults with autism spectrum conditions and ADHD (Cheuk et al., 2011; Chan et al., 2018).

Our experienced practitioners tailor each acupuncture session to the individual, with a focus on calming the nervous system, reducing overwhelm, and improving daily function.

Treatments are non-invasive, safe and well-tolerated, making it a supportive, integrative therapy for those seeking a natural approach to neurodivergent care.

Key Benefits:

• Calms the autonomic nervous system

• Reduces anxiety and emotional reactivity

• Enhances attention, focus, and cognitive clarity

• Improves sleep quality and regulation

• Supports sensory integration and self-regulation

Our massage techniques can help ease sensory sensitivities, reduce stress, and improve self-regulation. By promoting relaxation and body awareness, massage can support emotional balance and enhance well-being.

Each session is tailored to your comfort and sensory preferences, offering a soothing and balancing experience.

A 2005 study by Hernandez-Reif et al. found that autistic children who received regular massage showed reduced anxiety, decreased stereotypic behaviours, and improved sleep patterns (Hernandez-Reif, Field, & Diego, 2005).

Field’s (2016) review highlights massage’s role in reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increasing serotonin, both crucial for emotional regulation in neurodivergence (Field, 2016).

Emerging research suggests massage can support sensory integration and reduce hyperactivity, especially beneficial for individuals with ADHD (Diego et al., 2014).

Reflexology uses pressure to encourage relaxation and restore balance within the body. This non-invasive therapy may help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and support nervous system regulation.

Wang and Yan (2018) conducted a systematic review demonstrating reflexology’s effectiveness in stress relief and emotional regulation, key challenges in neurodivergence.

A pilot study showed reflexology reduced anxiety and improved mood in children with developmental disabilities (Stephenson, 2007).

Reflexology’s potential to modulate nervous system balance supports its use for sensory and emotional symptoms in ADHD and autism (Ernst, 2009).

Massage & Reflexology

Our Therapies

Our Client Experience

An Adult with ADHD

Client Profile:
Liam experiences challenges with sustained attention, anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping, which affect both his professional work and personal life.

Treatment Goals:

• Improve focus and mental clarity

• Reduce anxiety and promote relaxation

• Enhance sleep quality

• Support emotional regulation and stress management

Holistic Treatment Plan:

• Essential Oils: Personalised aromatherapy to enhance alertness during work hours, and for relaxation and better sleep in the evening. Liam was provided with personal inhalers for convenience.

• Auricular Acupuncture: Weekly auricular acupuncture sessions targeting specific points on the ear linked to nervous system regulation, anxiety reduction, and improved attention. This minimally invasive technique involved placing fine needles on ear points such as the Shen Men, point zero, and the sympathetic nerve point. Sessions lasted approximately 30 minutes and were conducted in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.

• Massage Therapy: Bi-weekly massage focusing on relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation, tailored to preferences for pressure and sensory input.

• Reflexology: Monthly reflexology targeting foot points associated with stress relief and emotional balance to complement the other therapies.

Client Feedback:
Liam shared, “Auricular acupuncture has been surprisingly effective—I feel calmer and more focused after sessions without any discomfort. It’s easy to fit into my busy schedule since the sessions are shorter.”

He also noted, “Using essential oils during work helps me stay alert without feeling jittery, and in the evening has improved my sleep quality significantly.”

Outcomes after 3 months:

• Improved in concentration and task completion at work.

• Reduced anxiety and enhanced emotional calmness.

• Better sleep quality and more consistent rest.

• Increased ability to manage stress and maintain emotional balance.

A Child with ASD

Client Profile:
Maya experiences sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, challenges with communication, and irregular sleep patterns, which impact her daily functioning and emotional well-being.

Treatment Goals:

• Alleviate sensory overload and anxiety

• Support social interaction and communication

• Improve sleep consistency and quality

• Enhance emotional resilience and coping strategies

Holistic Treatment Plan:

• Essential Oils: A personalised aromatherapy blend was developed to be used during Maya’s calming routines, such as before bedtime or during stressful moments. A diffuser was placed in her bedroom to create a soothing atmosphere to encourage restful sleep.

• Touch sessions included supportive touch and sensory-friendly spaces and surfaces to ensure comfort.

• Massage Therapy: Weekly massage incorporated slow, rhythmic movements and gentle pressure to reduce tactile defensiveness and promote relaxation. The massage was adapted carefully to Maya’s sensory preferences, avoiding overstimulation.

• Reflexology: Reflexology sessions every three weeks applied gentle pressure to specific foot points linked to nervous system regulation, aiming to reduce anxiety and improve emotional balance.

Client Feedback:
Maya’s father said, “We’ve seen a significant reduction in her sensory meltdowns and anxiety since starting these therapies.”
Maya said, “I like the massage because it makes me feel calm and happy. The smells in my room help me sleep better.”

Outcomes after 4 months:

• Reduced intensity of sensory overload episodes.

• Improved social engagement and communication skills reported by parents and teachers.

• More consistent and restful sleep patterns.

• Enhanced mood stability and better coping with daily stressors.

References

Introduction

1. Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 681304.

2. Zhang, Y., Wang, W., Li, X., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of essential oils in managing ADHD symptoms: A review.Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 69, 102859.

3. Errington-Evans, N. (2012). Acupuncture for anxiety. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 18(4), 277–284.

4. Lee, S. H., Lim, S. (2020). Acupuncture for treating insomnia in patients with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 13(3), 96–101.

5. Cheuk, D. K. L., Wong, V., & Chen, W. X. (2011). Acupuncture for autism spectrum disorders (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9).

Why support matters

1. Harvard Health Publishing (2021). Understanding Neurodiversity.

2. UK Government (2022). SEND Review: Right Support, Right Place, Right Time.

3. Office for National Statistics (2021). Outcomes for Disabled People in the UK.

4. National Autistic Society (2020). Autism and Employment: A Gap in the Market.

5. Autism in Adulthood Journal (2020). Loneliness and Social Isolation in Autistic Adults.

6. UK Department for Education (2023). Special Educational Needs in England.

7. Mental Health Foundation (2022). Mental Health Statistics: Neurodevelopmental Conditions.

8. NHS Digital (2021). Mental Health of Children and Young People in England.

Our therapeutic approach

1. Ajam, T. S., & Shakouri, S. K. (2019). The effect of aromatherapy on anxiety in children with autism: A randomized clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 34, 240–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.12.006

2. Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., Graham, J. E., Malarkey, W. B., Porter, K., Lemeshow, S., & Glaser, R. (2018). Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 83, 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.05.010

3. Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K., & Duckett, P. (2003). Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), 15–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903

4. Perry, N., & Perry, E. (2006). Aromatherapy in the management of psychiatric disorders: Clinical and neuropharmacological perspectives. Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 6(4), 273–287. https://doi.org/10.2174/187152406778017056

5. Wang, Y., et al. (2023). Effects of Acupuncture on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 21(1), 30-40.

6. Zhao, J., et al. (2020). Acupuncture for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, Article ID 8716050.

7. Diego, M. A., Field, T., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2014). Massage therapy and its effects on ADHD symptoms: A review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(2), 78-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.12.001

8. Ernst, E. (2009). Reflexology: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. The British Journal of General Practice, 49(443), 823-827. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp09X472127

9. Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 19-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.04.005

10. Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., & Diego, M. (2005). Autistic behaviors in children decreased following massage therapy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35(4), 443-447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-005-3302-x

11. Stephenson, N. (2007). The effects of reflexology on anxiety and pain in children with developmental disabilities: A pilot study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 22(3), 233-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2006.12.009

12. Wang, M., & Yan, H. (2018). Reflexology for stress reduction: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 16(6), 391-397. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-4964(18)60372-0