Designing Homes for Neurodivergent Needs

The growing recognition of neurodivergent individuals' unique sensory needs is reshaping home design, as families and architects work to create environments that accommodate diverse sensory processing styles.

The Guardian

Clonan, a mother of two neurodivergent teenagers, has transformed her weatherboard cottage into a space that reflects her family's sensory needs. Diagnosed with autism at 37, she emphasizes the importance of living in a home designed for individual brain functions. “We all deserve to live in a home that’s designed for the way our brains work,” she states. Her home features a bright, open-plan living area for sensory-seeking family members, while a second living room offers a calming retreat with black-painted walls and soft fabrics for those who are sensory avoidant.

The Guardian

Architect Eddie Page, who has ADHD, echoes this sentiment in his design philosophy. He created the J-Pod, a compact studio for a young woman named Josie, who has both ADHD and autism. The design prioritizes simplicity and organization to minimize sensory overload, using materials like hoop pine plywood to create a soothing environment.

The Guardian

Clonan's approach to home design is both personal and practical. She notes that her family’s organization is crucial due to their varying sensory preferences. “It’s a highly organised home,” she explains, highlighting the need for visibility in storage to avoid forgetting items. Page similarly emphasizes the importance of flow in daily life, ensuring that essential areas are easily accessible and clutter is minimized.

The Guardian

The transformation of living spaces has significant implications for the wellbeing of neurodivergent individuals. Clinical psychologist Luisa Livingstone points out that many people with ADHD or autism experience exhaustion from "masking" their symptoms in social settings. A thoughtfully designed home can alleviate the burden of daily tasks, making it easier for individuals to manage their routines. Josie describes her new living space as having a “natural and calming feeling,” which has positively impacted her independence and mental health.

The Guardian

While the focus on neurodivergent-friendly design is gaining traction, some critics argue that such specialized spaces may not be feasible for everyone due to financial or spatial constraints. The challenge remains to balance individual needs with broader accessibility in housing design.

The Guardian

• “We’re not just ticking off a list of rooms – we’re designing around how someone actually lives: their sequencing, their rituals, their sensory patterns.” — Eddie Page, Architect

The Guardian

• “Having the independence of living on my own has been great for my wellbeing …” — Josie, J-Pod Resident

The Guardian

• “Whatever happens out there, you’ve got the safest place to come home to, and it’s a home that knows your brain.” — Clonan, Homeowner

The Guardian

The movement towards designing homes that cater to neurodivergent needs reflects a broader understanding of how environment influences mental health. As families like Clonan's and professionals like Page advocate for empathetic design, the conversation around inclusivity in architecture continues to evolve, aiming to create spaces that truly support diverse ways of living.

The Guardian