Inclusivity: The principle of “nothing about us, without us” means asking, listening, and co-designing with the Neurodivergent people who will live in the space.

Insight: We heard that the earlier Neurodivergent people’s voices are brought into the conversations for new construction projects or renovations, the easier it is to build a home that fits.

Tip: Make opportunities for people to share their thoughts in different ways and more than once. Options might include hosting recurring town hall forums, offering online and paper feedback forms, having in-person chats, or making a dedicated a phone line.

Example: We spoke with architects who told us how important it is to involve Neurodivergent people early in the planning process so that their real-life experiences can help shape the design.

“We make sure that we’re engaged with not just the client groups, but actually engaging with the people who are going to potentially live there to understand their lived experience and that’s super important, right? It’s kind of that nothing for us without us kind of thing.”

This engagement happens during all stages of a project, from planning, to designing, to building.

“The more that you can actually connect to the experience of individuals, it enables us to consider more things…it’s really that approach to just being open to feedback and letting the feedback change what we do.”

This process allowed the team of architects to directly connect their design to what they heard from the community.

Application: Check out our Sample Email for Inviting Community Consultations. It’s an example of how to welcome neurodivergent voices and plan for accessible options to support participation.

Insight: We learned that a tour can be especially helpful for people who need to see or move through a space to understand about how it might work for them. It helps them give more detailed and practical feedback on what needs to be changed.

Tip: Show a similar model or layout if the exact home isn’t available and explain the differences.

Tip: Create a guide for giving home tours that highlights the important features. Consult with Neurodivergent community members to learn what features they would want to be shown or highlighted.

Example: We heard from both a tenant and an architect that open houses and tours are a key part of how people understand and connect with a space.

Tenant: It was more than just a walkthrough. It offered a glimpse into what living there would really be like. As they got to know more about the community, they described how landlord and neighbours were helpful, “showing me around, telling me about the safety of the community, the proximity to the health care system” and answering every question without hesitation.

Architect: Open houses are about making sure that the design is accessible and understandable. They emphasized the importance of experiencing a space in ways that people can truly engage with. To do that, they use tools like 3D models and virtual reality instead of displaying traditional drawings that are difficult to understand. As they put it, if the people you’re hosting open houses for don’t know how to read drawings, “there’s no point in showing people a bunch of drawings.”

Inclusivity: Meeting basic accessibility codes is just the starting point. There are many other design choices that make spaces more inclusive and welcoming. Review the current plans. Think who might still be left out and how to adjust the design to make it more accessible.

Tip: Make a short list of organizations or design leaders who focus on neuroinclusion. Follow them on social media, sign up for their newsletters, and explore their projects for inspiration.

Tip: Tour spaces that do neuroinclusive design well and pay attention to things like lighting, signage, entries, exits, shared spaces, quiet zones, or how the space flows.

Application: Check out the sample of Design Guides for Neuroinclusive Housing we’ve collected.

Insight: We learned how easily neuroinclusion can be overlooked. It needs to be discussed at the start and frequently revisited in meeting agendas for any new housing construction or renovation project.

Tip: Invite people to review building or floor plans early and notice things like layout, lighting, or safety, and jot down what feels right or off. These notes can lead to more helpful feedback and spark better questions as plans take shape.

Example: When we spoke with architects about planning for neuroinclusion, one shared that it should be from the very beginning of a project. This architect worked closely with the engineering team on their project to advocate for neuroinclusion at all stages. Because they were involved over time, they designed for neuroinclusion meaningfully, and not just to check a box on accessibility.

They looked to design frameworks and guidelines for neurodiversity to “get a better understanding of how we could integrate that in our process from the beginning to the end rather than something that’s just sent to a third party at certain milestones.”

Insight: We learned that not being able to see what’s ahead, like around corners or down hallways, can make people feel anxious or unsafe. Clear sightlines let people know what to expect.

Tip: Design high-traffic areas like entrances and elevator landings with a nearby side paths or quiet seating alcoves to give people a way to step aside of the space feel crowded or overwhelming.

Application: Check out the sample of Design Guides for Neuroinclusive Housing we’ve collected.

Inclusivity: Good wayfinding supports independence, lowers cognitive load, and helps people feel more confident as they move through a building, and get where they need to go.

Tip: Design pathways with clear signage, lighting, and layouts to easily guide people to important areas like exits, elevators, and washrooms.

Tip: Use clear and consistent signage. Think about size, placement, symbols, contrast, and plain language.

Tip: Try painting wayfinding cues like arrows, right on the walls or floors. It’s a simple and effective strategy that’s used in many settings.

Tip: Offer building maps or floor plans ahead of time, so people can see the space in advance and feel more prepared and confident getting around. It can reduce stress, especially in large or unfamiliar spaces.

Inclusivity: Shared spaces can help people feel connected, but not everyone wants social interaction all the time. It’s important to create environments that support different comfort levels, sensory needs, and energy levels.

Tip: Design shared spaces like patios, gyms, or pools with possibilities for both connection and quiet. Include spots for socializing and areas for alone time, so people can choose how they want to engage.

Tip: Schedule times for specific use of spaces, such as low light, reduced capacity, or open conversation hours.

Example: We spoke with a few designers about how fixtures and furniture could change spaces from being more open and social versus more private.

They talked about having a mix of seating options with one designer describing a modular couch that transforms into different arrangements depending on what’s needed for the people and space.

We also heard about using planters, pergolas, or benches to create natural separation between social and private spaces.

Application: Check out our Tips for Creating Neuroinclusive Spaces That Support Participation for ideas.

Insight: We heard that the right materials not only make a space more comfortable, but they also make cleaning easier, reduce upkeep, and minimize unpleasant sensory experiences.

Tip: Make cleaning easier by selecting durable and easy-to-clean materials and finishes. Try:

• Spot-free appliances and fixtures
• Non-carpeted flooring
• Toilets that flush well the first time
• Cabinets with adjustable organizers

Tip: Reduce strong odours and improve air quality. Try:

• Paints that don’t release gases into the air
• Good ventilation systems that improve clean air circulation
• Cabinets and furniture made without harsh glues or chemicals

Insight: We learned that many people have sensory needs related to brightness, colour, and types of lighting.

Tip: Use adjustable features like dimmers or smart bulbs so people can set the lighting level that works for them.

Application: Check out our menu of options for Modifying Spaces for Sensory Needs, with many ideas of small, low-cost changes that make spaces more comfortable and accessible different sensory profiles.

Tip: Try designing with materials like acoustic panels, soft furnishings, insulation, or carpets to reduce echo and background noise.

Tip: Try pairing devices to headphones or hearing aids for individualized volume control.

Application: Check out our menu of options for Modifying Spaces for Sensory Needs, with many ideas of small, low-cost changes that make spaces more comfortable and accessible different sensory profiles.

Tip: Use zoned heating and cooling systems so people can control the temperature in different parts of the home.

Tip: Have fans, baseboard heaters, or windows that open to give people more control over airflow and temperature.

Tip: Place hooks around the home so extra clothing layers are always easy to reach when needed.

Application: Check out our menu of options for Modifying Spaces for Sensory Needs, with many ideas of small, low-cost changes that make spaces more comfortable and accessible different sensory profiles.