Reasonable Adjustments

Neurodiversity Hub Wirral

Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are changes your school or family can make to help reduce difficulties linked to your neurodivergent needs, especially around routine and change.
You can ask for reasonable adjustments.

Below are some simple strategies that can help keep life calm and manageable.

people passing a heart as a sign of support

  • Many neurodivergent people notice the world more strongly.
    Lights may seem brighter, sounds louder, and smells stronger.
    This can make some activities, like mealtimes, feel overwhelming.

    Knowing your sensory needs helps you plan ahead.
    Families can support by making small changes that reduce sensory overload.

    Ideas:

    • Adjust lighting, for example use a lamp instead of bright ceiling lights.

    • Reduce noise where possible, or use headphones.

    • Choose a quieter place to eat, such as the garden or a calm room.

  • Many neurodivergent children do not learn new skills just by watching others.
    They may need things to be explained clearly and practised together.

    Parents and carers can help by “teaching” these skills at home.

    Ideas:

    • Show how to interact with food.

    • Learn about new foods together.

    • Cook simple meals together and talk about the ingredients.

    • Model tasting and preparing foods.

    • Choose foods together and talk about likes and dislikes.

  • A daily schedule and familiar routines can make a big difference.
    Many neurodivergent children feel calmer when they know what will happen next.

    Routines reduce the need to make lots of decisions.
    This can make the day feel less stressful.

    Ideas:

    • Make a weekly meal plan.

    • Follow the same steps to set up for mealtimes.

    • Try to keep meals at similar times each day.

  • Everyone’s brain works differently.
    This means misunderstandings can happen, but they are rarely meant to cause harm.

    Try to look beyond the first reaction and think about the person’s intentions.
    Good intentions can help soften situations that might otherwise feel tense.

    Ideas:

    • Give praise often.

    • Find simple and calm ways to communicate.

  • Every family is different.
    What feels “normal” for one family may not work for another.
    You can create your own routines and traditions that suit everyone.

    Ideas:

    • Have mealtimes away from the table if that feels easier.

    • Try family mealtimes where everyone shares the same space.

    • Play gentle music at mealtimes to help keep things calm.