Support for Neurodivergent Children & Parents
At Massage with M, we understand that every child and family has unique needs. For neurodivergent children, traditional wellness spaces can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why Michelle offers a calm, home-based studio designed to feel safe, supportive, and adaptable.
A Sensory-Friendly Space
We know that sensory experiences can feel heightened, so we take care to create a gentle, adaptable environment:
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Sound: Choose what feels best — white noise, rain sounds, favourite tunes, or quiet.
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Scent: Neutral scents are the default, but if you’d like a balm during massage, you can select your preferred fragrance.
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Lighting: Low lighting or lights off for comfort.
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Ease of access: Parking right near the entrance, no busy buildings or crowded waiting rooms.
Parents are welcome to consult with Michelle beforehand to share preferences and discuss any adjustments to help their child feel more at ease.
Holistic Pulsing for Neurodivergent Kids
Holistic Pulsing is a gentle, rhythmic movement technique that helps calm the nervous system and restore balance. For children who may experience stress, anxiety, or sensory overload, pulsing can:
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Encourage relaxation and a sense of safety.
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Support regulation of emotions.
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Help reconnect body, mind, and breath.
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Provide a soothing way to process tension without pressure or expectation.
This approach is non-invasive, deeply nurturing, and suitable for children of all ages and abilities.
Massage for
Children & Parents
Massage offers both physical relief and emotional support. For neurodivergent children, sessions are always adapted with sensitivity to their comfort and boundaries. Benefits may include:
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Reducing stress, tension, and fatigue.
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Relieving muscle tightness or restlessness.
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Encouraging better sleep and relaxation.
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Providing safe touch that supports emotional wellbeing.
Parents are also encouraged to book sessions for themselves — caring for a neurodivergent child can be rewarding but also demanding. Massage provides space to recharge, release tension, and restore balance.
Michelle’s Experience & Training
Michelle combines professional learning with her own lived experience as a parent of a neurodivergent child, and prior support worker experience. This gives her a grounded understanding of the challenges families face and the importance of creating safe, responsive care.
Her training includes:
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Autism NZ Framework 2 day training: providing insight into the autistic experience, communication styles, sensory differences, and practical strategies to support children and families.
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Ross Barker’s 1 day Workshop: focused on working with children and adults on the spectrum, exploring ways to foster connection and reduce overwhelm in therapeutic settings.
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Trauma-Informed Care 2 days: learning to recognise the impact of trauma and how to provide care that is sensitive, respectful, and empowering.
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This blend of education and personal insight means Michelle approaches each session with empathy, adaptability, and respect for every child’s unique needs.
What our neurodivergent clients are saying
Amazing experience. Michelle is so thoughtful with all the little details, showing the many ways that she goes above and beyond for her clients. She is highly knowledgeable in holistic and neurodiversity-friendly practices, intuitively knows what you need, and is flexible in providing it. The little touches like lovely choices of scents, skin care, free mints, a welcome pack and loyalty card were lovely, but I didn’t need any more convincing to make Michelle my regular massage therapist (I was already sold). Thank you Michelle! Highly recommend 💛