For many neurodivergent people—particularly those with ADHD, autism, or social anxiety—the process of arranging therapy can be daunting. Traditional booking methods often involve making a phone call, navigating conversation scripts, and responding spontaneously under pressure. An online booking system can significantly reduce these barriers, offering flexibility, autonomy, and clarity.
Barriers in Traditional Booking
Making a phone call to arrange an appointment can present multiple challenges:
- Executive functioning demands: remembering to call during working hours, finding the right number, and preparing what to say can be overwhelming.
- Social anxiety: fear of being misunderstood or judged may increase avoidance.
- Auditory processing issues: phone conversations can be hard to follow, particularly if there’s background noise or rapid speech.
For individuals with ADHD, tasks that require sustained attention or coordination between multiple steps can trigger procrastination, even when motivation to start therapy is high.
The Benefits of Online Booking
Online systems offer a sense of control and accessibility that traditional methods often lack:
- 24/7 availability: appointments can be made at any time, even when the impulse to act arises late at night.
- Reduced executive load: clear visual calendars, reminders, and confirmation emails simplify the process.
- Minimised social friction: removing the need for phone conversations can lower stress and decision paralysis.
- Transparency: clients can see available slots and prices clearly, reducing uncertainty.
For some clients, this autonomy can be the deciding factor between engaging with therapy or avoiding it altogether.
Supporting ADHD Clients Specifically
ADHD involves unique cognitive patterns—especially around motivation, task initiation, and time management. An online booking system can align with these needs by:
- Offering visual cues (e.g., coloured slots, countdowns) that help track time.
- Providing automated reminders via email or text, helping counter forgetfulness.
- Allowing rescheduling with minimal friction, which supports flexibility rather than punishment for missed appointments.
Dr James Kustow (2023) highlights the importance of supportive systems that externalise organisation for adults with ADHD, allowing executive resources to be focused on therapy itself rather than the logistics of access.
Inclusivity Beyond ADHD
Neurodiversity encompasses many ways of thinking and processing. Clients who are autistic, dyslexic, or experiencing sensory sensitivities may also find online systems more predictable and less stressful than live communication. For example, being able to read information rather than hear it reduces ambiguity and provides time to process.
Balancing Accessibility with Human Connection
While technology can bridge accessibility gaps, it’s important that it doesn’t become impersonal. Combining online booking with warm, personalised follow-up messages or an option for email-based contact can help maintain relational safety—a key aspect of therapeutic engagement (Erskine, 2015).
Practical Steps for Therapists
Therapists can make small but meaningful adjustments to enhance accessibility:
- Offer both phone and online booking, allowing choice.
- Clearly describe what happens after booking—confirmation, intake forms, and first-session expectations.
- Provide reminders with flexible timing and clear cancellation policies.
- Ensure websites meet accessibility standards (contrast, text clarity, screen-reader compatibility).
Such adjustments signal a welcoming, neuro-affirming stance that encourages diverse clients to engage more comfortably.
Conclusion
An online booking system is more than a convenience—it’s a bridge to accessibility. For neurodivergent clients, particularly those with ADHD, it can transform the daunting task of “making an appointment” into a manageable, self-paced process. By meeting clients where they are—digitally and emotionally—therapists can foster inclusion and lower barriers to care.
References
- Erskine, R. G. (2015) Relational Patterns, Therapeutic Presence: Concepts and Practice of Integrative Psychotherapy. London: Karnac Books. ISBN: 9780429918513
- How to Thrive with Adult ADHD by Dr James Kustow (Penguin, UK) — a recent UK-published book focused on adult ADHD, its diagnosis, and psychosocial strategies ISBN: 9781529909388
- Kapp, S. K. (ed.) (2020) Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement: Stories from the Frontline. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN: 9789811384370
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2018) Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: Diagnosis and Management. NICE Guideline CG142. Available online