The 2e Accommodations Checklist
For 2e individuals, burnout rarely comes from a lack of effort but from operating in environments that work against the way our brains are wired. Sensory overload, executive function strain, and constant self-monitoring add up — even when things look “fine” from the outside.
To help you navigate the daily friction that often leads to burnout for 2e adults, I’ve designed a checklist of accommodations designed to support your brain’s unique wiring. These are meant to be “low-friction” changes that you can implement in your personal space or request as professional adjustments.
1. Sensory Management (The “Sanctuary” Protocol)
2e brains often process sensory input with higher intensity, making environmental control essential.
Visual Overload: Use warm-toned lamps instead of overhead fluorescents or install blue-light filtering software on your screens.
Auditory Control: Invest in high-fidelity earplugs (that lower decibels without muffling speech) or noise-canceling headphones for deep-focus work.
Tactile Comfort: Switch to “sensory-friendly” clothing for high-stress days and keep a variety of fidget tools (silent ones for meetings) at your desk.
2. Executive Functioning (The “External Brain”)
Since asynchrony often makes “simple” administrative tasks feel heavy, externalize your memory and planning.
Body Doubling: Use virtual coworking platforms or ask a friend to sit with you (even silently) while you tackle “scut” work like bill paying or filing.
Visual Timers: Use an analog visual timer to make the “passage of time” visible, which helps mitigate “time blindness” during hyperfocus.
