Neurodivergent-Friendly Tattooing: How Our ND-Owned Gloucester Studio Supports Autistic and Anxious Clients
- tiggytattoos
- Oct 21
- 4 min read
If You’re Autistic, ADHD, or Anxious About Getting a Tattoo
You’re Not Alone
Wanting a tattoo is one thing. Actually booking it can feel like a completely different challenge when you’re autistic, ADHD, anxious, or otherwise neurodivergent.
Maybe you worry about the noise of the machine or the shop in general. You’re scared of the pain and not knowing how long it will last. You might be afraid that you’ll “act weird” or not know how to talk, or maybe you're worried about needing a break and being too embarrassed to ask.
If any of that sounds familiar, please know: You are NOT ALONE!
So many people feel exactly the same, trust me, I've been there myself countless times. I understand these worries from a lived experience, so I'm here now to help you put some of those concerns aside.
Why Tattooing Can Feel Hard for Neurodivergent and Anxious Brains
Some of the most common challenges people talk to us about include:
Sensory overload – The buzzing noise, vibrations, bright lights and constant chatter can be overstimulating.
Fear of the unknown – Not knowing exactly how it will feel, how long it will take, or what the process looks like step-by-step.
Social pressure – Worrying about whether you need to chat, how to act, or what to do if you get overwhelmed or go quiet.
Struggling to ask for help – Especially if you’re someone who goes non-verbal or freezes when anxious.
Fear of being a burden – The anxious thought spiral of “What if I slow things down or annoy my artist?”
All of these feelings are valid. All of us at Mt. Moon have experienced these feelings at some point in our lives so we totally get it when our clients have these worries. Please know that we work hard to do everything we can to alleviate these concerns wherever possible, my goal really is to give you a sick-ass tattoo and also for you to have a nice day while getting it done!
How Mt. Moon Tattoo Supports Neurodivergent and Anxious Clients
Mt. Moon is a calm, appointment-only studio in Gloucester, we have cosy lighting, loads of nerdy décor to look at, all of us here are will talk about video games, D&D, birds or whatever you want for hours annd we have a little TV for distraction. However, if that's not your jam, we are perfectly happy to work quietly while you listen to your own music, read a book or generally just zone out.
Most of our team are ND in our own ways, so we’ve shaped the studio experience around comfort, clarity and emotional safety. It's as important to us as it is to you!!
Here’s how we support you:
Clear communication before and during your appointment – We can talk through the process step-by-step, explain what to expect, and answer questions without judgement. I'm always happy to explain anything I'm doing if it helps you feel more comfortable with it.
Sensory-friendly options – Headphones are always welcome, bring fidget toys, blankets your favourite stuffed toy, we won’t ever judge if you!
Breaks are normal – You don’t have to suffer in silence or “be brave.” Breaks are part of the process if you need them. I personally welcome a stretch or a chance to drink some water, so if anything, you're helping me out too because I always forget to look after myself!!
Chatty or quiet - both are fine – You won’t be pressured to make conversation. If you’d rather listen to music, an audiobook, or simply exist quietly, that’s perfectly fine. Or I'll chat about all sorts of random stuff with you all day!
We have a TV on a low level with subtitles – We feel this takes the pressure off of feeling like you have to talk. Generally we will let you have the remote so you can choose your own comfort shows, or if you prefer we can decide for you!
Non-verbal check-ins are possible – If you’re worried about going non-verbal when overwhelmed, we can agree on a thumbs-up/thumbs-down or hand raise system for pauses.
Masking is not required here – You can rock up however your brain and body are that day - excited, anxious, quiet, bouncy, stimmy, info-dumpy, shutdownish. All versions are welcome. Your comfort is important to us and everyone is different.
Small Ways You Can Prepare (If You Want To)
Here are a few things that some of our ND/anxious clients find helpful:
Bring headphones, music, a podcast or comfort sound.
Wear soft, familiar clothes. We value comfort over fashion on tattoo days!
Bring a comfort item like a plushie, fidget or blanket.
Eat beforehand and bring snacks and drinks for stable blood sugar.
Let us know if you prefer clear step-by-step guidance or minimal talk.
Tell us anything that helps - nothing is too silly or dramatic!!
Ready When You Are
If you’re ND, anxious, or just someone who prefers a gentle environment, you deserve a tattoo studio that respects your nervous system rather than overwhelming it.
Whether you’re ready to book or you’d simply like to message us first to see how things feel -we’re happy to answer questions if we haven't answered everything here, and we are always open to hearing your needs in advance. Your comfort matters as much as your tattoo.