How to Explain Conditions to Health Professionals

Example explanations that might be useful

• Differences in Sensory Processing: I may experience sensory overload or underload in ways that others don’t. For example, I might find certain environments (like bright lights or loud noises) overwhelming, which can make it difficult to focus during appointments or engage in treatment.

• Social Communication Differences: I can struggle with expressing myself verbally or understanding social cues. This means I might not always communicate my symptoms or feelings clearly. For example, I might not be able to explain how I’m feeling emotionally because I have difficulty identifying or labeling those emotions.

• Rigid Thinking or Routine Preferences: My thinking can be more rigid, and I may have a preference for routines and predictability. Treatment plans or changes that are not structured, or that require flexibility, might feel confusing or overwhelming for me, making it harder to follow through.

• Emotional Regulation Challenges: It may be hard for me to regulate my emotions, and I can become overwhelmed by anxiety, frustration, or stress. This can affect my ability to participate in therapy or implement coping strategies.

• Difficulty Focusing and Following Instructions: My distractibility and difficulty focusing can make it hard for me to stick with treatment plans or follow through with recommendations. I might forget tasks or feel overwhelmed by too many instructions at once.

• Impulsivity and Restlessness: I might struggle with sitting still or being patient during therapy sessions, especially if the approach feels too slow or doesn't engage my attention. This may make me appear uninterested or disengaged, but it’s more about how my brain is wired to seek stimulation and move quickly between tasks.

• Difficulty with Time Management: My condition means that I find it difficult to manage time effectively. I may struggle with meeting deadlines for treatment goals or remembering to complete assignments, even if I want to improve.

• Overwhelm and Emotional Dysregulation: When my symptoms are affecting me more, they can interfere with my ability to engage in therapy. I might not have the energy or motivation to participate in treatment, or I might feel emotionally overwhelmed, which affects how I process or apply therapeutic strategies.

• Difficulty Identifying Symptoms: I might not always recognise or be able to communicate exactly what’s bothering me. I might not know how to articulate that I feel anxious, sad, or irritable, or I may not even realise that my symptoms are worsening.

• Fear of Being Misunderstood: Because my symptoms might present differently from what you might expect, I fear that they may be overlooked or misunderstood. For example, I may express my anxiety through physical restlessness rather than verbalising distress, or I may shut down in response to a situation rather than act out.

How You Can Help Me Express My Symptoms and Access Treatment More Effectively

• Provide Clear, Structured Communication: Please be patient with me if I struggle to articulate my feelings or needs. Using clear, direct, and simple language can help me understand what is expected of me. If you ask open-ended questions, it might be harder for me to provide meaningful answers, so more specific or yes/no questions might work better.

• Check for Understanding: It helps me when you ask me to repeat or explain things in my own words. This helps me confirm that I understand what’s being said, especially when instructions are complex.

• Be Flexible in Treatment Approaches: I may need a treatment plan that allows for flexibility, as my needs can change frequently. Some days, I may be able to follow through with tasks easily; other days, it may feel like everything is too much.

• Use Visual Aids or Written Instructions: Sometimes, I process information better when I can see it written down or in a visual format. If you give me steps or instructions in writing, it can help me stay organised and remember what we discussed.

• Work at My Pace: Small steps and gradual progress are key for me. If things feel too overwhelming or rushed, I may become anxious or avoidant. Taking time to build a strong foundation can help me feel more confident in participating in treatment.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement and positive reinforcement can help me feel motivated, especially when things are challenging. Acknowledging my progress, no matter how small, is important for building my confidence.

Explanation Templates (To Use/Edit)

• "I would like to explain that my experiences with treatment, symptoms, and communication may be different due to the way my [insert conditions here] conditions interact. These conditions affect [insert how your conditions affect you here, e.g. how I think, process information, regulate emotions, and express myself], which can sometimes make it challenging for me to respond to treatment in the same way others might."

• "I’m sharing all of this because I want to be as involved as possible in my treatment, and I believe that by understanding how my brain and body works and the challenges I face, we can work together to create a treatment plan that meets my needs. I’m committed to improving, but I may need more time, structure, and support to navigate the process. Please be patient with me as I learn to communicate my feelings and challenges more effectively."

Final Thoughts

This explanation helps provide context for a healthcare professional to understand your unique experiences and challenges, offering them the insight they need to tailor treatment to your specific needs.