How to Plan a Therapy Session with Dyslexia

The process of scheduling a therapy session is supposed to be relaxing. However, to many individuals with dyslexia the pre-appointment process may weigh heavier than the actual appointment. Long intake forms. Dense emails. Instructions hidden in paragraphs. You are already exhausted before you get there.

This does not imply that you should not get massage, acupuncture, or other therapies based on the body. It simply implies the process should not go against the way your brain processes information. Dyslexia is a disability in the shadow. And little changes can change a lot.

Begin With the Booking Process

The reservation process can be the most annoying. Online booking, confirmation mail, policies, reminders, a lot to read, and you are yet to enter the room.

Under the UK disability classification for dyslexia, clinics should take reasonable adjustments that would facilitate this process.

When it seems like a lot to read, you can:

• Make a call rather than online booking, in case it is available.

• Enquire whether forms could be filled either orally or in smaller segments.

• Send request forms in advance so that you are not in a hurry.

• Ask whether one can be led to major questions.

  
  

A variety of clinics are accommodated on the basis of various access needs. You do not ask anything out of the ordinary.

Intake Forms Don’t Have to Be Perfect

Forms of intake can be threatening, particularly when they are long or in clinical terms even in holistic living settings.

A few things that can help:

• Read a summary, and then details.

• Insert what you will and leave the rest to blank.

• Enquire whether employees can explain questions by speaking.

• Carry notes rather than write out descriptions.

  
  

You can say, I think more effectively when I discuss it. That's enough.

Dyslexia, Sensory Processing, and Communicating Preferences

Dyslexic individuals are usually sensibly sensitive, although they do not necessarily refer to it as such.

It can help to mention:

• Photophobia or auralphobia.

• Shy to talk or rather keep quiet.

• Requirement of slowing down the pace of explanation.

• Uncomfortableness in abrupt instructions or change.

  
  

This isn't over-sharing. It assists the practitioners in performing their work better.

Ask for Verbal Summaries

In case a practitioner discusses aftercare procedures, costs or treatment options, it is fine to request a verbal overview.

You might say:

• Please, sum up the key points.

• What are the most important things that I should remember?

• What are the two best things I should be concerned about?

  
  

Other individuals also pose the question of whether short follow up notes can be made in bullet points. This is not a problem with many clinics.

Also READ - 6 Questions to Ask Before Your First Acupuncture Visit

Reminders and Support Tools

It is easy to make appointments without having to keep everything in your head.

Helpful tools include:

• Calendar alerts with notes

• Written notes are replaced by voice memos.

• Reminder apps

• Inviting someone that can be trusted to the initial session.

No law that you must do this by yourself.

Dyslexia and Reasonable Adjustments

In the UK, dyslexia is considered a disability although, it does not always manifest itself. It is important as it implies that reasonable adjustments are widespread and are anticipated in most environments, such as wellness and health care.

The adjustments that may be reasonable may include:

• The other forms of communication.

• Extra time for forms

• Verbal explanations

• Written materials that are simplified.

You Don't Have to Justify yourself

Your nervous system should be assisted rather than trying to overload it in advance, as holistic nutrition does your body by providing consistent care that is easily accessible.

You do not have to explain to anyone how your brain works, why you are diagnosed in a certain way, and what your history is. It does not need to justify, prove or reveal anything about dyslexia, except what you feel comfortable revealing.

It’s a recognized neurological difference that affects how information is processed, not a personal failing or a lack of effort.

You do not need to justify why you need something and defend it. Whether it is verbal instructions, additional time or reduced communication, such requests are not special treatment, but are access related. A simple request is enough.

Making Therapy Accessible for People With Dyslexia

An otherwise stressful process can be transformed into something manageable by planning in advance, clarifying, and using tools that are effective to you.

Sometimes even calming.

It is not about ploughing through the pain.

It is to make the experience accessible.

Once the process is made light, the process of therapy itself is given more space to do what it should do.