Five Signs of Hidden Neurodivergence in Clients, and How to Adapt Your Hypnosis

Practical hypnosis adaptations based on three years of anonymised client data

In the last four years, I’ve seen more clients coming in with anxiety, burnout, overwhelm, sleep problems and trauma symptoms, but often the usual approach doesn’t quite fit. In many cases, the missing piece is undiagnosed or unrecognised neurodivergence (for example, ADHD or autistic traits).

This session shares what I’ve learned from three years of client work in my clinic, presented as anonymous totals and patterns (not individual stories). I’ll explain five common “clues” that suggest a client may need a different approach, and I’ll show you exactly how to adapt your hypnosis so the client feels safe, understood and able to engage.

You’ll learn how to:

• spot five non-diagnostic signs
• ask a short set of screening questions to improve formulation and consent
• use a simple adaptation checklist so you know what to change and why

We’ll cover three practical hypnosis tweaks you can use immediately: choice-based inductions, slower pacing using “micro-steps” to prevent overwhelm, and permission-based deepeners with clear stop/step-back signals. You’ll take away scripts and session templates to use straight away.

Cara Robins (UK) is an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Aberdeenshire, Northeast Scotland. She specialises in neurodiversity, supporting children, teenagers and adults with anxiety, overwhelm, sleep issues and emotional regulation. Drawing on four years of practice-based research and her experience as the parent of a non-verbal autistic daughter, Cara shares practical, non-diagnostic ways to adapt hypnosis so clients engage safely and make progress. She also supports parents and carers with simple tools they can use at home.