The sensory nightmares of daily life- loud traffic, busy streets, itchy fabrics- are commonly overstimulating and horrible for people on the autism spectrum. Whilst everyone typically dislikes these things, being autistic means ignoring discomfort is a lot more difficult.
So, if neurotypical people fear the noisy, painful tattoo needle, it feels safe to assume that those with autism have only freckles, blemishes, and birthmarks decorating their skin.
Laura McClintock, owner of Stirling’s Nevermore Tattoo Studio, scoffs when this preconceived idea is explained to her.
“The majority of my customers are neurodivergent,” she said, crouched over the leg of her client, Poppy Taylor, who is autistic. The tattoo gun in her hand was detailing a peony in one of the few remaining gaps on Poppy’s leg, which is extensively tattooed in designs all created by Laura.
Poppy, with her bleached eyebrows, rainbow-framed glasses and tie-dye bandana, has a dress sense as colourful as her skin. To her, her creativity is part of her autism. What she loves about Nevermore Tattoo is that Laura, despite being neurotypical, understands her stylistic vision and helps her express her personality.
Now 21-years-old, Poppy has been going there since she was 18. She has never once thought about trying another tattooist. As an autistic woman, she feels she is welcomed by Nevermore Tattoo.
The climate that Nevermore has created is not just felt by Poppy. In January 2020, the National Autistic Society (NAS) officially recognised the parlour as Autism Friendly— the first in the UK to receive the award. The accreditation is designed to help businesses show autistic people that they have an autism-friendly environment and inclusive customer service.
Six years on, Nevermore Tattoo is still the only studio certified by the charity. Whilst NAS says several parlours offer measures, such as light dimming, to make tattooing more accessible, none have completed the process to become Autism Friendly.
Poppy found this confusing. Autistic people deserve to know studios are welcoming and accessible, she says. The world is still designed for neurotypical people, and creative spaces should be more flexible and willing to adapt to neurodivergent needs. Like Nevermore Tattoo.
“I can come in here and say anything to Laura,” Poppy says, lying on her stomach as Laura continues tattooing her, “No matter what it is, she won’t bat an eye.
“She asks ‘What do you want out of it?’, ‘Do you want advice?’ or ‘do you want me to listen?’
“It’s less of a tattoo parlour and more like tattoo therapy.”
Laura briefly glanced up from Poppy’s leg, her focused expression softening from the kind words. She nods, agreeing “tattoo therapy” is a good way of describing the atmosphere she tries to create at Nevermore.
“It’s a kind of community here,” she adds.
“We wanted Nevermore to be somewhere people could drop in to say hi or have a safe space to hide or rest without even booking a tattoo… That was our first goal.”
According to NAS, one in 100 people in the UK are autistic. In 2022, YouGov said 26 per cent of British adults have tattoos. This crossover means Laura thinks it is important that parlours be prepared for neurodivergent clients — the chances are that they will tattoo someone with autism.
“Our customers always feel safe,” she says.
“Often, they come in and say, ‘Life is a bit shit at the moment, I need some therapy and I’m coming to see you.’”
As she explains this, the studio door swings open and several of Laura’s clients walk in. They do not have an appointment; they just knew Laura’s coffee order and decided to treat her whilst stopping in for a chat.
As they take off their coats and settle into the corner, they all chime in to affirm that Laura and her studio are great. She provides people with what they need, when they need it, they explained. No request is too grand.
Having spent 24 years as a tattooist in various places— over half her life— the 46-year-old understands the importance of creating a good atmosphere and catering to her clients’ needs.
At Nevermore, fidget toys are available, lights can be dimmed, music lowered or specific tracks played, and face masks are worn. Laura says she will provide any provision necessary to make clients feel welcome.
“I never thought of it as being neurodivergent friendly,” she said, pausing her tattooing, looking upwards in thought, “I always just felt I was meeting people’s needs.
“So, because I sort of was already doing all these things, getting officially recognised just felt like the next step.”
Laura hopes that more parlours will follow in Nevermore’s footsteps. With a few small changes, she said, most studios will become much more accessible. NAS says they are working with tattoo parlours across the country to become certified.
Morton Dunlop, External Affairs Manager at NAS Scotland, said: “Providing a safe space for autistic people is vital in all walks of life but particularly so for a tattoo studio, where needles are used, sessions can last an extended period of time and an understanding of the client’s sensory differences and communication preferences can be key.
“Giving autistic individuals a clear sense of what to expect ahead of their visit can help ease any anxiety and providing a quiet space if needed can also be key in creating a supportive atmosphere.”
For Laura, this is the instinctive approach. In a world tailored to neurotypical needs, she is proud her livelihood is helping to make society a more accepting and less scary place.
“I don’t think I’m doing anything special,” Laura said, “I’m just being myself and doing my job.
“We’re just friendly, so people come to us. That’s all we want, really. To be somewhere for everyone.”
Featured image credit: Alex Paterson
Editor-in-Chief.
Twitter/X and BlueSky: @AlexPaterson01
