Crown Paints has published a new report, Designing for Neurodiversity, highlighting the vital role that architecture and design play in creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals.
The report brings together perspectives from leading experts in the fields of design and neurodiversity, including Dr Katie Gaudian of the Royal College of Art, interior design consultant Dr Maria Xirou, Henrietta Walters of GA Architects, and Hannah Cooper of Cygnet Group.
The report explores how thoughtfully designed spaces can better support people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences, and calls on the construction and design sectors to address an urgent need for more inclusive built environments.
It arrives at a time when an estimated one in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent, representing a significant section of the population whose needs are often overlooked in design strategies.
The report explores how thoughtfully designed spaces can better support people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences
Backed by new data from a survey of 250 UK-based architects and specifiers, the report reveals a growing awareness of neurodiversity in the built environment sector, alongside notable gaps in expertise.
Three in five (62%) respondents stated that neurodiversity is being referenced more frequently in the projects they tender for, yet 79% admitted that their practice has a knowledge gap when it comes to designing for neurodivergent users.
The findings emphasise that designing for neurodiversity cannot follow a uniform approach. Instead, it calls for environments to be tailored to the specific sensory and cognitive needs of end users through direct engagement and collaboration.
By involving neurodivergent individuals in the design process, architects and specifiers can create spaces that are more flexible, responsive, and supportive.
The findings emphasise that designing for neurodiversity cannot follow a uniform approach
The report also notes that many of the features which benefit neurodivergent people, such as soft lighting, natural materials, adjustable spaces, and intuitive colour zoning, contribute to improved mental wellbeing for all building users.
In this way, inclusive design strategies not only promote social equity but can also enhance innovation, productivity, and collaborative working.
Crown Paints’ Colour Specialist, Jemma Saunders, said: “Design has the power to make people feel seen, safe and supported, yet often, neurodivergent individuals are overlooked in how we shape our spaces.
“Our goal with this report is to create a platform for open and ongoing conversation — not just among design professionals, but with the neurodivergent community, too. We’re inviting architects, specifiers, and interior designers to join a growing conversation about inclusive design.
“By embracing inclusive design principles, we can create environments that not only meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals but that foster wellbeing, comfort, and belonging for everyone. By doing this, we can harness the full potential of inclusive design to achieve better social and business outcomes.”