When we talk about adaptive and accessible design, we often focus on designing for seniors and others with physical disabilities.
But as much as 20% of the population is considered neurodiverse, according to Dr. Lawrence Fung, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University and director of the Standford Neurodiversity Project.
That translates to millions of people who have special needs that interior designers can address to make spaces more inviting and accommodating — and people’s lives easier and more fulfilling.
With that in mind, you may want to attend the inaugural “Future of Design Expo: Designing for Neurodiversity,” a daylong event set for Friday, Oct. 25 in High Point.
The free expo, to be held at the Suites at Market Square, will feature five seminars: “Designing for Neurodiversity,” “An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Design,” “Understanding Client Personalities for Tailored Design Solutions,” “How to Successfully Sell Your Interior Design Services” and “Designing for the Mind — Improving Emotional Well-Being Through Design.”
Understanding people’s needs
Neurodiversity refers to the diversity in how people think, process the world around them and interact with others. But today, neurodivergence is most commonly used as a broad term that includes people with autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other neurological and development conditions, according to Harvard Health Publishing, part of Harvard Medical School.
And it’s fitting for High Point to be the location of the upcoming daylong expo. The city was the first certified autism destination on the East Coast. To earn the designation, professionals in High Point received training in autism awareness, understanding and communication techniques to be more welcoming. And the city made sensory-friendly modifications to infrastructure to reduce stimuli, create quiet areas and provide other accessibility enhancements.
The comforts of home
But we haven’t seen as much emphasis on designing for neurodiversity in the home.
How can designers structure client questionnaires and initial meetings to sensitively inquire about the needs of neurodivergent clients and their family members? How can designers best educate themselves about conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? What vendors are making products well-suited for neurodivergent clients?
I am glad we’ll all have the opportunity to learn more in October — and to take the lessons learned then out into the world to make a difference in the lives of others.
