1 in 7 people are neurodivergent. Their brains are different with differences in social understanding, sensory processing, communication and information processing. This relates to neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Neurodivergent people think differently and can often excel – at creativity, innovation, specialisation and hyperfocusing. Check out this 2 minute primer on neurodiversity – https://lnkd.in/ebCp2CS6.

We were very pleased at the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund to be able to support research by the Royal College of Art into how neurodivergent people experience streets.

The work revealed 14 key insights (quoting and paraphrasing from the report ‘Streets for Diversity‘):

1. Being neurodivergent is a way of being, an integral part of life – you are often very aware of the way you do things.

2. Preparing for a journey is a complex thing to do and can be so exhausting that you cancel your journey and avoid going out.

3. Wayfinding is often difficult and streets – the built environment – can be passively unhelpful.

4. Waiting can be daunting – an unexpected delay in transport can make for intrusive thoughts, flashbacks and/or trauma.

5. It helps to be able to be seated while waiting – allowing you to feel grounded and have less to attend to and not feel you are drawing attention.

6. Walking is the preferred way of getting around.

7. The sensory environment is part of being able to navitate but can also either overwhelm or provide stimulation to stay focused.

8. Claustrophobic situations compound sensory discomfort.

9. Narrow pavements create frustration and annoyance which means you may spent your time coping with streets instead of enjoying them.

10. Unpredictability is frightening because of its consequences.

11. Familiarity can be learnable and resilience is what gives the freedom to not over-think before the journey.

12. Conflict points (such as crossings) require clear rules and perfect communication.

13. Green and blue spaces are replenishing.

14. The joys of street experience are not to be overlooked.

“Throughout the insights, it can be seen that over stimulation for some can be enjoyable to others”.

The report goes on to identify 12 design opportunities:

1. Quiet space
2. Sensory stations
3. Seating and comfortable furniture
4. Rest rooms
5. More nature on our streets
6. Create safer streets
7. Tools to address the unpredictable
8. Tools to help navigate
9. Individual sensory supports
10. Community street initiatives
11. Opportunities to connect
12. Raising awareness and understanding

Why not take a look at this beautifully presented report and learn a little more about the people around you. Difference matters.

#neurodiversity#mobilitymatters#equalitydiversityinclusion