Zara (she/her)
Zara is a neurodivergent student navigating sensory sensitivities and mental health needs. She needs healthcare environments that feel predictable, calm, and accessible.
Overview
Zara is a neurodivergent student who finds traditional healthcare environments overwhelming and unpredictable. Sensory overload, unclear processes, and rushed interactions can quickly increase her anxiety. She seeks healthcare that is calm, structured, and respectful of her communication needs, allowing her to feel safe, understood, and in control throughout the process.
How You Seek Help
- Plans carefully before appointments
- Prefers written information over verbal explanations
- Looks for services that acknowledge neurodiversity
What Gets in the Way
- Sensory overload in waiting rooms
- Unpredictable appointment processes
- Feeling misunderstood or dismissed
Culture & Reality
Family, Face & Cultural Expectations
Zara has had to advocate for herself frequently. She values being believed without needing to justify her experience.
Cost Anxiety & Financial Trade-offs
Extra appointments due to miscommunication increase stress. Prefers services that “get it right the first time.”
OSHC & System Navigation
Finds the system difficult to navigate without clear structure. Unclear accommodations increase anxiety.
Situations
Sexual Health & Intimacy
Needs calm, consent-driven communication. Unexpected procedures or rushed explanations are distressing.
Mental Health & Stress
Mental health support is essential but difficult to access safely. Predictability and transparency reduce anxiety.
Urgent vs Non-Urgent Care
May struggle to assess urgency during sensory overload. Needs clear, external guidance.
Safety, Crisis Signals & Support
Crisis may present as shutdown or overwhelm. Quiet, low-stimulation support options are crucial.
What Helps
What Actually Helps
- Sensory-aware environments
- Clear expectations and timelines
- Written summaries after appointments
Your Support Pathway
- Preparation
- Predictable care
- Clear communication
- Reassurance
- Continuity