Insight: We learned that pets support Neurodivergent people by offering companionship and encouraging structure and consistent timing for daily self-care activities like eating, going outside, and exercise.

Tip: Connect people to local pet support programs that help with health care and emergency needs.

Tip: Share information about places that provide free or low-cost pet food or pet supplies because taking care of a pet can be challenging when money is tight.

Inclusivity: Support people can give suggestions for changes that might be needed as a person lives in a place over time. These regular check-ins can catch necessary changes early before challenges appear.

Example: We spoke to many people who explained the need to make sure that technology is working well.

A common example was that reliable internet is an essential technology to complete daily tasks, access remote supports, and stay socially connected. It can be an important part of a system that helps people live independently and feel less isolated.

Application: Check out our Is My Living Situation Working Well tool to reflect on the current housing situation and start the process of making any necessary changes.

Insight: We learned the importance of creating opportunities for people to connect with others, to feel supported and to have a sense of community where they live.

Example: In our research, we asked Neurodivergent people what opportunities they had to connect with other people in their communities.

They described participating in a variety of activities, like fitness classes, sports, book clubs, and community events in their building.

For one person, joining a local social group for Autistic people meant that “we can talk of personal issues that are affecting us, and no one judges you. There’s no stigma, we can just share things openly.”

For a community day program organiser hosting an art workshop, designing it to encourage all levels of engagement and trying to “not make assumptions about what people enjoy” was important.

Inclusivity: Close, interpersonal relationships can reduce isolation, help people feel understood and support a sense of belonging. This is particularly important when living alone.

Tip: Social visits can be virtual like gaming or watching online movies together. Virtual hangouts with cameras off can be an option too, if that supports comfort and unmasking.

Tip: Try making a visual calendar to highlight who’s been connected with lately and who might be due for a visit.

Example: We spoke with many people about the importance of social connection and heard some inspiring stories.

Autistic person: “I wasn’t alone, there were so many others going through the same things.”

They recalled how much it meant to be part of a peer support group in high school and how the group brought together family members and caregivers too.

“We were a family that understood each other. We really supported each other.”

Parent: “There was no opportunity for shared experience, no way to just be with other people who understand. It was just easier to stay at home”.

After reaching out to other families in the community, they began meeting up.

“It gave us a reason to leave the house. To share a few moments. To ask about each other.”

Inclusivity: Caregivers play an important role supporting some Neurodivergent people. And they need social connection too. Making space for their social well-being helps reduce isolation, offers emotional support, and can make it easier to sustain stable housing for the people they care for.

Inclusivity: Changes to mental health are expected throughout life and finding support when it is needed is essential.

Tip: Offer assistance with making or attending appointments, so that people can get the support they need.

Inclusivity: Getting support like funding, home care, or services can take time, and there may be waitlists or system barriers. Planning early doesn’t fix everything, but it gives you more time to explore options and find flexible solutions.

Insight: We heard that when people take time to look into care and support options early, it’s easier to get the right help in place and to adapt it when a person’s needs start to shift.

Inclusivity: Consulting people who live in the space before renovations or repairs reduces disruptions and makes the changes better meet the needs of people who live there.

Tip: Consider the timing, sensory considerations, and who will be involved while planning for renovations.

Application: Check out our fillable Work and Disruption Notice template that can be used and shared with people before making renovations or repairs to prepare them for disruptions and help them plan ahead.

Insight: We heard that home modifications are often needed over time and that the process to ask for them can be unclear or slow.

Tip: Provide opportunities to make some adjustments to rental homes such as wall paint colours, cabinet knobs, or storage shelving.

Example: In our research, we talked with people who tried or made modifications to their homes to better suit their needs.

But making changes can sometimes be challenging, especially for renters. One person shared that it is often unclear what you can or cannot change without a landlord’s permission.

For small changes, several people explained that they tried renter-friendly options. For example, attaching foam soundproofing panels to the walls to improve the noise levels in their home.

For larger things that cannot be easily modified, such as overhead light fixtures and ventilation systems, people chose smaller-scale fixes like floor lamps and fans instead.

Insight: We heard that green space supports physical and mental health and helps many people stay well in their homes over time.

Tip: Try to:

• Add seating in outdoor spaces
• Make balconies more usable
• Create paths connecting to nearby parks

Insight: We heard that safe and accessible spaces for physical activity are beneficial for people as they age in place.

Tip: Consider including or improving fitness spaces in long-term renovation goals.

Example: In our conversations with Neurodivergent people, opportunities to keep active supported physical health.

Autistic person: They shared that organized programs and leagues in their community, like bowling were a great option to keep active. For them and their family, bowling was a way to move, connect, and stay engaged.

Family member: They were part of a programming hub that provided activities such as interactive games, boxing and yoga classes, and lower-impact exercise equipment.

Importantly, people shared that these sports, interactive games, and structured classes can be designed or adapted to work for different needs and interests.

Inclusivity: First responders need to be prepared to support Neurodivergent people during an emergency. This includes understanding responses to different sensory situations such as alarms, sirens, or verbal instructions.

Tip: Attend educational events or webinars to learn about neuroinclusivity.

Inclusivity: This step brings neurodivergent voices to decision-making and creates housing where people are invested in staying and shaping the place they call home.

Tip: Include community members in service provider organizations too.

Application: Check out our readiness quiz on Including Community Voice to start thinking about what organizations can do to include Neurodivergent people in decision-making in meaningful ways.

Inclusivity: When people share out their work in neuroinclusive housing through social channels, studies, events, or by other means, it generates momentum and leads to more people adopting good practices, improving standards, and creating new ideas.

Tip: Track what works in neuroinclusive housing. Real examples spread awareness and support solutions that keep people housed.

Tip: Document specific changes that support neuroinclusive housing, like design tweaks or program shifts.

Tip: Share educational materials about neuroinclusion with housing organizations to reduce stigma.