ASCP Esty Talk: Episode 318 – Sensory Processing and Neurodivergent Inclusivity

Release Date: April 23, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 318 of ASCP Esty Talk, hosted by Alec Cressman and Maggie Stasik of the Associated Skin Care Professionals, the focus shifts to an essential yet often overlooked aspect of esthetician services: sensory processing and neurodivergent inclusivity. This episode delves into creating sensory-safe environments for clients with autism and other neurodivergent conditions, aiming to foster a more inclusive and supportive skincare industry.

Guest Profile: Janiece Gonzalez

Janiece Gonzalez, the owner of Amora J Studios in Santa Fe Springs, California, joins Alec and Maggie to share her expertise and personal journey. Recognized internationally for her esthetic skills, Janiece is particularly lauded for her commitment to inclusivity. She has pioneered specialized protocols tailored to accommodate clients with autism and sensory processing disorders, advocating for a more empathetic and knowledgeable approach within the spa and personal service industries.

Personal Motivation and Journey

Janiece’s dedication stems from her personal experiences as a mother to a daughter on the autism spectrum. She recounts a pivotal moment when her daughter had an overwhelming reaction during a facial treatment, prompting Janiece to rethink standard skincare practices.

Janiece Gonzalez [04:08]: “I realized like in the small industry it's to cater to the client, right? … there are so many other people like you that are probably wanting their skin taken care of and they either have sensory processing disorder or just like the overstimulation is too much.”

This incident was the catalyst for Janiece to develop sensory-friendly treatment protocols, ensuring that individuals with sensory sensitivities can receive skincare without discomfort or distress.

Understanding Sensory Processing and Neurodivergence

The conversation delves into the nuances between sensory processing disorder (SPD) and being neurodivergent. Janiece explains:

Janiece Gonzalez [12:53]: “The very fine line is really the disability part because someone with ADHD that has autism and things like that, their brain has other things going on with it. Whereas sensory processing disorder is strictly just your sensory nervous system is what gets overloaded.”

Janiece distinguishes SPD as a condition where the sensory nervous system is overwhelmed without the broader cognitive implications seen in conditions like autism. This differentiation is crucial for estheticians to understand the varying needs of their clients.

Creating Sensory-Safe Environments in Esthetics

Janiece emphasizes the importance of adapting the treatment environment to accommodate sensory needs. This includes:

• Minimizing Overstimulation: Reducing loud noises, harsh lighting, and strong scents that can trigger sensory overload.

• Customized Touch: Altering the intensity and type of physical touch based on the client's comfort levels.

• Clear Communication: Engaging in open dialogues with clients to understand their specific triggers and preferences.

Janiece Gonzalez [10:23]: “Understanding your formulations, your actives, how to approach the anatomy of your skin, it all kind of entails on our end to just make that custom routine for them.”

By implementing these strategies, estheticians can create a calming and supportive atmosphere, fostering trust and enhancing the overall client experience.

Broader Impacts and Inclusivity

Janiece extends the conversation beyond autism, highlighting the intersection of SPD with other conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She shares experiences of clients who have endured traumatic events and how tailored skincare services can aid in their healing process.

Janiece Gonzalez [14:31]: “I want to make sure that I leave this world a little more understanding of my baby. And now I'm realizing there are so many other people that we can help.”

Her approach not only benefits clients with neurodivergent conditions but also those recovering from trauma, showcasing the versatile applications of sensory-sensitive skincare practices.

Recommendations for Estheticians

For estheticians interested in expanding their skill set to accommodate neurodivergent clients, Janiece offers several actionable recommendations:

1. Education and Training: Engage in specialized training programs to understand the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals.

2. Build a Support Network: Connect with advocacy groups and professionals like occupational therapists or ABA therapists to create a supportive treatment framework.

3. Customized Protocols: Develop and implement personalized treatment plans that address the specific sensory sensitivities of each client.

Janiece Gonzalez [19:01]: “Learning how to build your network of professionals to aid you in the treatment room is very, very critical when you want to extend your services into this community.”

Additionally, Janiece offers mentorship and virtual classes to guide estheticians in integrating these inclusive practices into their services.

Personal Reflections and Advocacy

Alec Cressman shares a personal revelation inspired by the discussion:

Alec Cressman [19:52]: “I think I have acquired a sensory processing, at least, I don't know, disorder or sensory processing sensitivity. … It makes me think that that's okay for me to ask for myself to change things in a certain environment.”

This introspection highlights the broader applicability of sensory awareness, urging estheticians to not only consider their clients but also their own sensory needs within professional settings.

Janiece echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and setting boundaries to maintain a comfortable and effective working environment.

Conclusion

Episode 318 of ASCP Esty Talk underscores the significance of sensory processing and neurodivergent inclusivity within the esthetician profession. Through Janiece Gonzalez’s insightful experiences and practical recommendations, listeners are encouraged to adopt more empathetic and tailored approaches to skincare services. By fostering an inclusive environment, estheticians can enhance client satisfaction, build lasting relationships, and elevate the standards of the skincare industry.

For more information on this episode or to connect with Janiece Gonzalez, visit Amora J Studios on Instagram or explore the show notes for additional resources.