Access-Need Statements: Where They Came From, How They Fit the Flourish Model, and How to Use Them
What They Are
Access-need statements are short, clear sentences that tell people what you need to participate, stay regulated, and follow through. They are neutral and practical. They reduce guessing and save energy.
Where They Came From
The language of “access needs” comes from disability justice communities and moved into neurodiversity-affirming practice. In that frame, access is a shared responsibility, not a favor. Autistic and ADHD advocates adapted the idea into everyday phrases that name how their brains work best—for example, “My brain needs written steps,” or “Fewer transitions help me follow through.” This is unmasking in action: instead of pushing through silently, we state what makes participation possible.
Why This Matters for ADHD Women
ADHD brains take in more, more quickly, and all at once. When the world is loud, fast, and vague, energy drains fast. Access-need statements create clarity and lower load. They shift the story from “try harder” to “let’s design this so it works.”
How This Fits the Flourish Model
Self-Awareness
Notice where you lose time, energy, or clarity.
Access-need move: “My brain needs written steps.”
Self-Compassion
Needs are normal. You are not a problem to fix.
Access-need move: “This is how my brain works best.”
Self-Accommodation
Design the environment: fewer transitions, clearer tasks, kinder pace.
Access-need move: “Let’s group tasks by tool so I don’t context switch.”
Self-Advocacy
Say the need in simple, observable language.
Access-need move: “Please put the ask and deadline at the top.”
Self-Care
Protect capacity and recovery time.
Access-need move: “I’m at capacity. I can do X by [date], not the full Y.”
Using these statements over time also builds self-trust. You ask for what you need, you get it more often, you follow through, and your trust in yourself grows.
A Simple Recipe for Writing One
Spot the friction. Name one moment you got stuck, overwhelmed, or lost the thread.
Translate to a neutral need. “I’m bad at meetings” becomes “I need an agenda in advance.”
Make one clear request. Choose something people can do: “Please list three action items at the top.”
Pick your channel. Say it, email it, or add it to a template.
Practice a tiny rep. Use the same sentence in a low-stakes moment this week.
Handle pushback. “I hear that. My need still stands.” Optional: “I can’t do Y. I can do X by [date].”
Starter Menu You Can Borrow
Communication
- My brain needs written steps.
- Please put the ask and deadline at the top.
- I don’t decide on the spot. Email works best.
- I prefer text or email over voice notes.
Planning and Executive Function
- One decision at a time works best for me.
- Fewer transitions help me follow through. Let’s keep it simple.
- Give three key points, not the whole backstory.
- Reminders help. Please nudge me the day before.
Time and Energy
- I’m at capacity.
- I can do X by [date], not the full Y.
- I work best with protected focus time. I’ll be offline from [time] to [time].
- Short meetings work better for me. Can we keep it to [length]?
Sensory and Environment
- Background noise is hard. Headphones on means I’m focusing.
- Bright lights are tough. I need softer lighting or a different seat.
- I need cameras off when I’m overloaded.
- I may need to move or stim during meetings to stay regulated.
Social and Feedback
- I process best when I listen first. Please send materials in advance.
- I need turn-taking. I’ll raise a hand or use chat.
- Please give feedback in writing, not hinted.
Health and Body
- I need regular breaks to manage pain and fatigue.
- I need a snack break to keep blood sugar stable.
- If I’m quiet, I’m regulating, not upset.
During Overwhelm
- I’m getting overloaded. I need five minutes to reset.
- I can’t problem-solve right now. Let’s pause and revisit.
- I need a slower pace and fewer inputs.
Direct and Softer Versions
- Direct: I need written steps.
- Soft: Written steps would make this doable for me.