Designing Housing for Neurodiversity: A Thoughtful Approach to Inclusive Living

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiverse inclusive design ensures that environments are accessible and comfortable for the wide range of neuro-cognitive profiles present in society. While most people are neurotypical, others are neurodivergent—this includes individuals with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and more. Additionally, some people develop neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, which change their cognitive profiles over time.

These neuro-cognitive profiles affect how people think, act, speak, and process information. Processing includes how we recognise, filter, and retain sensory, emotional, and factual information. Even neurotypical individuals can experience temporary changes in how they process sensory data, for instance when they are under the influence of alcohol or suffering from a migraine. In such cases, lights might seem brighter, and sounds may feel louder due to the brain temporarily altering how it processes stimuli. Inclusive design for neurodiversity considers the entire spectrum, offering solutions that can adapt to these varying needs.

Key Considerations for Designing Neurodivergent-Friendly Housing

A major design consideration in housing for neurodivergent individuals is how to manage sensory stimulation. This doesn’t mean stripping the environment of personality or vibrancy, but it does require thoughtful balancing. Bright colours and bold patterns can work well in moderation, especially when paired with more neutral elements. Textures like wood, stone, and other tactile materials are excellent sensory additions. However, bold patterns should be limited to non-permanent or removable features—such as rugs or cushions—while larger, permanent surfaces like walls and floors should be kept more muted to avoid overwhelming the senses.

Another critical feature is the inclusion of transition spaces. A lot of people may resonate with the action of driving home from work but sitting in your car for a while before entering. This would be an example of a person who is experiencing a difficulty with processing transition and it can be a one off experience or a regular pattern. In terms of design, another example may be stepping directly into a living room upon opening a front door to a house and the change in atmosphere can be overwhelming. A transitional space, such as a hallway, offers a buffer that softens the sensory shift from one environment to another. Such spaces help residents adjust as they move between areas with different atmospheres or uses.

Additionally, the ability to preview spaces before entering is important, particularly when moving from a calm area to a busier, more stimulating space. Glazed or semi-glazed doors or side panels offer a sneak peek into a room before entering, helping neurodivergent people to prepare themselves for the sensory environment ahead. This concept is equally useful in private homes where there are more social rooms and in shared spaces, like the communal areas of apartment buildings or student accommodation.

In larger housing developments, a stepped hierarchy of identity is essential for improving wayfinding. Each section of an apartment block might be differentiated by the colour of its brick, helping residents identify which block they live in. Once inside, floors could be distinguished with unique features like colour-coded finishes or distinctive artwork. Corridors within each floor might have additional identifiers, such as painted feature walls, to further aid navigation. Outside each apartment door, personalisation—such as custom door numbers or small decorative items—can help residents quickly and easily recognise their home. This system benefits everyone, including residents with early-stage, undiagnosed dementia, visitors who are unfamiliar with the layout or even those trying to navigate home from a big night out!

Specific Design Features for Neurodivergent Residents

There are several specific design strategies that can improve the experience of neurodivergent people. One is the use of intuitive hardware—such as push plates and pull handles—ensuring that common elements like doors are easy and straightforward to operate without unnecessary cognitive effort. We’ve all been frustrated trying to open a door with two pull handles and it’s pretty much guaranteed that you will do the wrong action on the first try!

Colour choices also play a crucial role. Many neurodivergent people experience colours differently; for some, they appear more vivid or intense. Using low chroma colours—tones that are less saturated—can help reduce the strain on the brain. Rather than using a bright, stimulating orange, opt for a softer terracotta or burnt orange. Rather than lemon yellow, use a mustard or paler yellow. Similarly, replacing brilliant white surfaces with softer alternatives can help minimise glare and visual stress. Brilliant white on walls and tables or desks can reflect light and create more unnecessary visual stimulation.

Adjustable lighting is another feature that can make a big difference. Dimmable lights and those with adjustable temperature or colour settings allow residents to tailor their lighting to their sensory needs at any given time. Additionally, blackout blinds with perimeter strips ensure complete darkness when required, eliminating distracting light seepage.

Lastly, the strategic use of colour and materials can help create distinct zones within a space. For example, in a bedroom, the sleeping area might have calming, neutral tones, while the workspace features more stimulating colours and materials to define each area’s function.

Balancing Sensory Needs with Aesthetic and Functional Goals

Balancing sensory needs with aesthetic and functional goals is one of the more challenging aspects of designing for neurodivergent people. For those who are hypersensitive to stimuli, muted tones, limited patterns, and calming environments are essential. However, some neurodivergent people are hyposensitive and require more sensory input, meaning they might thrive in a vibrant, stimulating environment.

In spaces where individuals with differing sensory needs share the same room or home, careful spatial design can accommodate both. For instance, in a seating area, one side might feature more stimuli, like bright colours or engaging patterns, while the other side is kept neutral and calming. This technique allows individuals to choose the side that best suits their sensory preferences at any given time. This is a technique often used in restaurants so the person sat in the booth has a view of vibrant activity and the person opposite them faces a neutral, plain wall. This allows people with different sensory preferences to dine together.

How Housing Design for Neurodivergence Differs from Other Inclusive Design

In some ways, designing housing for neurodivergent residents is similar to other forms of inclusive design, especially in communal spaces like apartment blocks where a wide range of people will use the same areas. However, in private homes, the design can be tailored to very specific needs. This level of customisation allows for more precise and effective solutions, free from the constraints of needing to cater to multiple users.

Overcoming Challenges in Neurodivergent Housing Design

One of the biggest challenges in neurodivergent housing design is convincing developers and clients of its value. There's a misconception that inclusive design is expensive, but when it’s considered early in the process, it’s often cost-neutral. For instance, choosing a paint colour that’s more suitable for neurodivergent individuals isn’t more costly—it just requires the guidance of an inclusive design consultant and end-user stakeholders.

Additionally, many people mistakenly believe that neurodivergent-friendly design must be bland or devoid of personality. On the contrary, vibrant and dynamic spaces can be achieved, provided sensory stimulation is thoughtfully managed. It’s also important to remember that only 1 in 5 disabled people have a visible disability, and there are over 900 non-visible disabilities, including neurodivergent conditions, making it crucial to design spaces that accommodate a wide range of needs, both seen and unseen.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Neurodivergent Housing Design

The pandemic brought the importance of home environments into sharp focus. Many people discovered that their living spaces didn’t meet their needs, leading to an increase in home renovations and moves. During this time, there was also a surge in adult autism and ADHD diagnosis applications, highlighting the growing recognition of neurodivergent needs. As a result, the NHS waiting list for an adult assessment is now up to 10 years long in some regions.

As neurodiversity becomes more prominent in design conversations, I hope the trend leads to lasting changes. Resources like PAS 6463 Design for the Mind offer valuable guidance, and as more developers and architects embrace these principles, we can expect to see homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also truly inclusive for all.

If you would like to discuss this topic further or require inclusive design consultancy or neurodiversity expertise for your project, please feel free to get in touch.

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Stephanie joined us for our HAPPI Hour webinar on 'Thinking beyond supported housing' on Tuesday 17th September 2024, where she discussed 'Design for neurodiversity and supportive environments for people with a learning disability and autistic people'.