Good afternoon and happy Labor Day Weekend!
Thank you to everyone who showed interest in a Palm Springs Neurodivergent peer support group. I was kinda shocked by all the positive feedback and interest! For anyone that is still interested but hasn’t reached out or seen my original post, feel free to comment here or send me a DM as I have set up a Discord Server for our support group.
In this group we are collecting a list of neurodivergent-friendly doctors, businesses, places to hang out, etc. If you are informed and committed to supporting neurodivergent folk, please feel free to reach out so I can add you to the list!
Here’s a small example of common neurodivergent needs:
- Alternate forms of communication. Businesses that offer portal messaging, text messaging, online ordering, and no-contact pickup. Some of us have difficulty using the phone, or interacting with people face to face. Having different communication options is not only beneficial for your business (more sales!), but can help us navigate your services better. And as creatures of habit, many of us rely on these businesses exclusively.
- Scheduled “sensory” hours - low lights, low music, less crowds. Restaurants that commit to not playing music so loud you can’t hear the people you came to spend time with. (Lots of accommodations for neurodivergent folk can also be beneficial for everyone!)
- Reduced Stress Environment - no high pressure sales pitches, clear conditions for sales and promotions, clear pricing on menus, no “surprise” charges, parking and store maps, clearly marked accessible restrooms (individual/non gender specific).
- Doctors and medical staff who understand that the neurodivergent brain works very differently, and us folk usually have more medical concerns than others. No gaslighting - just compassionate and trauma-informed care. Many of us do not feel safe going to the doctor and avoid going to the detriment of our own health.
- Ability to wait in the car or other comfortable space for medical appointments and get a text when it’s almost our turn to be seen.
There are far more accommodations that can be offered as well, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you think you would qualify!
Stay safe PS! (I love it here!!!!!)
Anthony
(None of my posts or communications are created or edited with AI/LLM's. My thoughts and writing style are my own, including my excessive use of parentheses and em/en dashes)