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Back in 1998, Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, recognized that everyone’s brain develops in a unique way, and she coined the term “neurodiversity”. I felt very late-to-the-party when I read this because up until about a year ago, neurodiversity was not part of my vocabulary. Seemingly overnight, I went from having to Google the definition, to seeing it published in articles, hearing about it on podcasts and having my own personal experience mentoring a neurodivergent high school senior. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person. This includes people who experience the world through the lens of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, as just a few common examples.
“Too often the neurodivergent are noted as under-performing. Feedback is often focused on what the individual needs to do in order to improve, instead of looking at environmental factors which could be limiting their ability to be successful.”
– Helen Needham, Me.Decoded
Having the opportunity to work 1:1 with my mentee has given me an appreciation for the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent people bring to the table. Forbes notes several of these strengths including creativity, discovering patterns and working well under pressure. And with studies showing that 15-20% of people identify as neurodiverse, I felt compelled to dive deeper into how to design more inclusive spaces. My first stop? Architectural Digest, where Jennifer Carpenter, architect and mother to a child with autism states, “Now more than ever there is growing acknowledgment of neurodiversity as a fact of the world we’re living in. The need has always been there, but we’re having that conversation now in a way we didn’t before.”
The article goes on to include a few considerations and best practices designers should factor in when creating more inclusive spaces, which I have summarized with my top takeaways:
- Plan for different postures. This is about providing choice within the space to appeal to different preferences. For example, provide a mix of structured workspaces like traditional workstations or individual focus rooms, as well as lounge areas that offer soft seating options. Create tech-free zones where you escape the constant pinging of devices. Variety is key.
- Weight movement and balance. Furniture comes into play here by having options like sit-stand desks and rocking chairs, as well as replacing sharp-edged furniture with rounded corners. Also consider texture. Carpenter says, “with modulating sensory input (the brain’s ability to regulate its own activity), it’s important to have surfaces that can be touched.” Incorporate texture into the space with a mix of materials like wood, tile and felt.
- Consider sensory load. Lighting plays a crucial role here, as many neurodivergent people are highly sensitive to light. Avoid LED and fluorescent bulbs/strips, opting for lower, indirect light instead. Utilize window coverings and window film applications to help control the natural light. I also thought this point was particularly interesting, “Another common assumption is that neurodiverse individuals only desire calming spaces, when in fact some need more stimulation to soothe their nervous system, depending on their particular sensitivities.”
- Look to nature. Bring the outside in with plants, access to natural light and even sounds of nature. (maybe swap your John Mayer office playlist for waterfall sounds?) Exposure to nature has a restorative effect and even small things like using natural paint colors can be calming for the mind. Plants also help offset odors which neurodivergent people are often the first to detect.
- Take notes from neuroaesthetics. To break this down, a report from the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics states that your response to an environment is organized into 3 dimensions: fascination (is the space interesting?), coherence (is the space ordered?), and homeyness (does the space feel cozy?). Start with these considerations when designing a space.
- Include more voices in the design process. Don’t just design for people with neurodiversity, design with people with neurodiversity. Listen to self-advocates or their families to better understand the variety of environments needed to best support them.
Work Design Magazine touches on some of these and more, including the importance of wayfinding. Many people with neurodivergent conditions need and thrive on repetition, predictability and clear boundaries. Intuitive wayfinding can help them feel safe and in-control. Consider clear lines of sight, signage, art and strategic use of wall and flooring colors.
While this list certainly isn’t the end-all-be-all of inclusive design principles, it is a good place to start. Using these ideas as a guide will not only better support neurodiverse individuals but will also foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation, benefiting everyone in your organization.
Need help formulating your workplace strategy? Contact Sarah
National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7732033/
Architectural Digest: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/is-designing-for-neurodiversity-a-part-of-your-practice
Work Design Magazine: https://www.workdesign.com/2019/12/designing-for-neurodiversity-and-inclusion/