What Is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity encompasses Autism, Attention Deficit Disorders, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia. Neurodiverse students learn, process, and experience the world differently from what is considered ‘typical’. Neurodiversity enables strong classroom skills, such as attention to detail and unique thinking, but also some stress-inducing challenges. Intelligent design adjustments can create a classroom environment that support neurodiversity, enabling all students to perform at their best.

What Adjustments Can Be Made?

Considering sensory input (sight, hearing, smell, and touch) in classroom design, executed through physical division and focus pods and attending to details including lighting, texture, and sound, can alleviate stress caused by the external environment that can be increasingly triggering for people with neurodiverse conditions.

Visual

Harsh or flickering light is often reported as a source of discomfort among neurodiverse students. Student-controlled lighting places the power into the individual’s hand. Whether they are neurodiverse, or not, those with control can create the most work-conducive environment for themselves. Additionally, strong sunlight can be problematic. Using dividing walls that diffuse natural light, paired with curtains and blinds that are non-pattern producing, the problem of natural light can be solved easily. Busy patterns and bold colors are also noted as distracting, so try opting for low-contrast patterns, muted tones, and neutral colors for a neurodiverse-friendly approach.

Aural

Zoning can be useful when creating separate spaces to adjust for sensory overload when it comes to volume-related issues. Shielded spaces for quiet working and space dividers create a sanctuary from crowded areas. Utilizing soft furnishings with fabrics that help to absorb noise, such as cork and felt, create spaces with less echoes, limiting auditory distractions. Additionally, cork offers the added benefit of being environmentally sustainable and can be used in a plethora of applications.

Olfactory

Good air quality helps dissipate smells and unexpected odors that can cause discomfort. Choosing products that have been tested for their VOC offset levels reduce the impact of harmful and distracting odors. Naturally purifying the air with plants absorb toxins and release more oxygen into a room, not to mention, they liven the space, creating a beautiful study environment. Furniture that incorporates biophilic design makes a space feel warmer while also serving to offset harmful pollutants.

Tactile

Soft and comfortable textures are more soothing than rough, scratchy ones that can be overstimulating. Neurodiverse people often fidget with the objects around them, so designing with textures that are smooth can enable relaxing responses, increasing a student’s focus.