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Dr. Tia Patychuk ND
naturopath neurodiversity

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for the natural variations in human brain structure and function. Many conditions fall under this umbrella, including autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, learning disorders, dyslexia, and more. Though awareness and understanding of neurodiversity have grown in the last few years, neurodiverse people still face many healthcare inequalities and barriers to accessing healthcare.

Being neurodiverse myself, I feel very compelled to create a better, more accessible and more accommodating neuroaffirming naturopathic medical practice. My practice is rooted in accessibility, neuroaffirmation, and trauma-informed care. I believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected as they navigate their personal health journey. 

Naturopathic Support for Neurodivergent Needs

Neurodiverse individuals often have unique needs in areas like sensory processing, energy regulation, digestion, sleep, and nervous system balance. Being familiar with neurodiversity as a naturopath is important because some of these differences and traits are normal and not something that needs to be fixed/corrected. Simultaneously, however, some common challenges can arise for neurodiverse individuals. These challenges can stem from sensory differences, co-occurring conditions, or even as a side effect from existing in a society that was not built for different neurotypes.

  • Accommodations to support nervous system safety and burnout.
  • Botanical and nutritional support (through diet or targeted supplements). 
  • Nervous system regulation through mindfulness, breathwork, gentle movement, devices, or activities.
  • Recognizing the importance of respecting individual sensory needs when deciding which methods will be best for your body.

  • Collaborative tracking of symptoms, impacts, and progress
  • Clear comparisons between treatment options (herbal, nutritional, pharmaceutical, lifestyle). 
  • Prioritizing your autonomy in your care journey. 
  • Correcting nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to mental health symptoms.

  • Education about how digestion impacts mood, focus, energy, and emotional regulation.
  • Dietary adjustments that honour sensory preferences and food aversions.
  • Using probiotics, thoughtful dietary adjustments, and anti-inflammatory foods to reduce neuroinflammation and support neurotransmitter balance.

  • Assessments for causes of fatigue, stress and stress hormones, hormonal imbalances, and sleep disruptions.
  • Analyzing sleep cycles and assessing for chronic sleep disorders and insomnia.
  • Tools like gentle adaptogens, sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, and pacing strategies.

What You Can Expect in My Neuroaffirming Practice

I continuously reflect on and adapt my practice to support neurodivergent clients. Taking note from research papers and proposals (including the ‘SPACE’ framework) that have explored why neurodiverse people experience poorer health quality and ways to improve it. Here’s what I do to support neurodiversity in my practice:

Choice & Autonomy

You’re the expert in your experience. Together we will go over; 

  • Different treatment modalities, their pros/cons, and the evidence behind them, so you can feel confident making a choice that feels right for you. 
  • Preferred herbal/supplement formulations (liquids, powders, capsules, etc.).
  • Option to go slow and adjust pace as needed. 
  • Sensory-friendly options/accommodations and reduced overwhelm during appointments.

Flexible & Accessible Appointments

  • Virtual appointments for those who prefer to do visits from home. 
  • In-person visits in a calm, sensory-considerate space. Photos of the office or video tours can be requested before in-person visits. 
  • Flexible appointment timing and length. 
  • No unexpected physical exams or physical touch without clear informed consent, indication, and time to prepare and process beforehand.  

Clear Communication & Support

  • Pre-appointment intake forms to ease the pressure of recalling and verbalizing all of your health details on the spot in the appointment, and to guide the appointment to best support your needs. 
  • Option to send in an accommodation report to help me better understand your communication preferences and accommodations to make the visit more comfortable. Click for AASPIRE Autism Healthcare Accommodation Tool.
  • Detailed written treatment plans and visual guides for next steps. 
  • Encouragement to ask questions anytime via email or follow-up calls after visits if there is anything you are unsure of or are having trouble with.

Lived Experience & Empathy

As a neurodivergent person myself, I understand the feeling of being misunderstood, judged, or dismissed in healthcare. I am committed to avoiding pathologizing language, honouring your autonomy, understanding sensory and communication differences, and continuously educating myself in how to best support neurodiverse people as a naturopath. 

Appointment Types

Meet and greet appointments (virtual or phone)

I offer a complimentary 15 minute call for compatibility, questions on how I practise, or to see if I can help you with your specific health needs before booking in. You do not have to book a meet and greet before having an initial visit.

Initial appointments (in person or virtual)

An hour-long comprehensive visit where we will go over your full health history (including any labs), current health concerns, and health goals. This appointment may also include physical exams or ordering more testing if needed. 

Follow up appointments (in person or virtual)

30 or 45 minute visits to check in on progress, review results, adjust your treatment plan, or address any barriers or concerns that have come up.  

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