The Edge Magazine Vol. 8

The good news, neurodiversity experts note, is that we’re moving away from an outdated medical model that declares neurological differences as something that is broken and must be fixed and toward a social model that sees the disabling environments as broken and something that must be fixed. Part of this road to repair involves meaningful dialogue about design and creating spaces that cohere with different cognitive styles—and it’s just as much about company culture and flexibility as it is about physical space. If people feel ashamed to utilize—or even privately benefit from—amenities or work-style options, the design won’t matter, and no amount of mind-friendly design adaptations will make up for the human need for flexibility, autonomy and self-management. Purposeful, inclusive, sensory-friendly design is intentional, incorporating accessible spaces for employees to bond and socialize but also to rest and recuperate. It might include implementation of the following:

Acoustics design with sound masking reduce noise distraction and offer rest for the mind and nervous system. This can be especially helpful for people with misophonia, a hypersensitivity to sound that can trigger anxiety, anger and a fight-or-flight stress response. Localized temperature control gives workers command over the indoor climate of their workspaces and increases overall comfort level and productivity. (This isn’t only neurodiverse-friendly design— it’s also gender equal .)

Air filtration systems improve indoor air quality and can be a complete game changer for individuals whose hyperosmia, an increased sensitivity to smell, can feel assaultive.

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Hypersensitive/neurodiverse friendly workstations and work environments or neighborhoods —heavy on muted, neutral design— accommodate a variety of needs by providing under stimulating environments that reduce sensory overload.

22 THE EDGE