4. Designing for neurodivergent attendees and speakers

Neurodivergence is a way of explaining that many people will think, assess and experience the world in different ways. They may be diagnosed with autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), dyslexia, sensory processing disorders or something else. However, we’re all unique and those without a diagnosis could also benefit from the recommendations below. When you design an event with neurodiversity in mind, everyone benefits. When you don’t, you risk alienating and causing distress, confusion or low levels of engagement.

Choosing your venue 

• Consider a location that has breakout areas, quiet space or a wellbeing room for attendees to go to if they need. 
• Consider sensory-friendly lighting and acoustics. 
• Ensure that signage at the venue is clear so attendees can navigate around the venue easily. Consider signs and maps (including maps provided on the day).

Programme scheduling and structure 

It can be tempting to jam pack your day with interesting speakers and streams, which although great for CPD, can be exhausting. 

• Create an easy to follow and predictable timetable.
• Build in reasonable breaktimes giving attendees enough time to attend to their needs.
• If possible, consider hybrid participation, or the option to make recordings available for those who are unable to attend.

If you are advertising your event, consider letting people know in advance that they can ask for adjustments, or let them know what accommodations might be required. Let them know if a wellbeing space is available. Some may require this information in advance when deciding whether or not to attend the event. 

During the registration stage, provide participants, including your speakers, with the opportunity to ask for anything that they need in a safe and non-intrusive way. For example, “Please let us know if there is anything you need to help you fully participate in this event (such as accessibility needs, adjustments, or support). This question is optional, and your information will be handled sensitively.”

A pre-event information pack, sent well ahead of the event, allows predictability and helps individuals plan effectively. Consider including the following:

• Details of the venue, and a map of how to get there from the nearest stations, bus stops. 
• Timetable/programme for the day. 
• Catering details - where possible provide information about what will be available on the day from main meals to smaller refreshments. If catering is not included, state available facilities close by. 
• Visuals of the venue – for example, foyer or seating area.  
• Sensory warnings: noises, smells or lighting with understanding language encouraging attendees to bring with them any useful tools such as headphones or ear defenders. 
• Dress code, ideally with pictures of previous events.

Ensure that signage around the venue is simple and clear. Make sure there isn’t too much text, and that the colour-contrast is accessible. 

1. Lighting: avoid strobe, flickering or harsh overhead lighting. Where strobe lighting is used, ensure this is made clear in advance. Where possible provide low lighting areas for people who may need to step away. Tools: consider providing sunglasses or making it clear that attendees are welcome to wear their own. 
2. Sound: loud, sudden or background noise can all be dysregulating. Ensure microphone quality is tested beforehand, and background noise is minimised or controlled. Tools: some events with multiple speaker streams use headphones to minimise background noise. Encourage attendees to bring their own headphones.
3. Scents: strong smells and scents can be overwhelming. Speak to the venue beforehand about minimising strong scents, including cleaning products, air fresheners and products used in toilets. Tools and support: where possible, use fragrance-free or low-scent products and avoid diffusers, air fresheners and other 
   added fragrances. Allow attendees to bring their own sensory anchors such as a scent stick. 
4. Personal space: consider the layout of the venue and how closely chairs are placed next to each other. Busy lunchtimes can be particularly overwhelming. Tools and support: consider priority lunches and/or seating, spreading lunch over a longer period, or provide quiet seating options. 

Presentations and workshops 

• Provide presenters with guidance beforehand on ensuring any slides are written in an accessible fashion, such as making sure colour-contrasts are in line with accessibility guidance. 
• Where possible, consider alternative formats, such as ensuring slides are available upon demand, using subtitling and/or providing handouts.  
• Where events are digital or hybrid, allow chat-based engagement for those attendees who may prefer to communicate via text or anonymously. 

For staff and volunteers 

• Provide all staff, volunteers and speakers with information on understanding sensory overload before the planning stage so that this can be built in from the start. 
• Provide guidance to staff, volunteers, speakers or any mental health champions on how to provide support to attendees in a discreet and respectful manner, without being intrusive.
• Ensure that acceptance of stimming and movement as regulation strategies is made clear, so that individuals are not seen as misbehaving.
• Tools: provide fidget toys on tables for attendees or encourage them to bring their own, and ensure space is available for those who can’t sit in formal seating (for example, a larger space at the back of the room to sit on the floor or stand).