Weaving Belonging and Inclusion: Reflections on Neuroinclusive Spaces
For many of us who are Neurodivergent, whether formally identified or self-identified, attending events and social gatherings can be an overwhelming and nerve-wracking experience.
Have you ever found yourself feeling out of sync in a room full of people? Now, imagine how much more challenging it becomes when the environment itself isn’t shaped with your needs in mind.
The social dance of large groups — and the pressure to conform to unwritten social rules, like making small talk or performing neurotypicality — can feel like wandering through a labyrinth woven of shifting shadows, where each step unfolds a new pattern and the path dances just beyond reach. This can leave us feeling adrift, out of place, even alienated.
But with care and intention, we can build spaces where Neurodivergent people — including those of us who are Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, Dyslexic, Bipolar and others with beautifully diverse ways of being in and experiencing the world — feel genuinely welcomed, deeply understood and truly valued.
Through my own experiences at inclusive events — especially the AUsome Training: Minding Autistic Minds Conference, which stands out as a shining example — I’ve come to appreciate just how powerful a warm, thoughtful space can be. It’s not just about what’s offered; it's about the feeling of being somewhere you genuinely belong.
In a world that often prioritises conformity, Neurodivergent people can feel invisible, misunderstood and deeply isolated. Everyday spaces — whether at work, in education, in healthcare or during social gatherings — are rarely designed with our needs in mind, leaving us to navigate environments that can feel alienating or overwhelming. But there is hope. As we work towards a more inclusive world, we have the opportunity to reimagine these spaces and create environments where we are embraced for who we are.
I’ve been reflecting on the powerful role of thoughtful, intentional design in shaping neuroinclusive spaces. These environments don’t simply make room for difference — they are built to uplift us, not in spite of our differences but because of them. In such spaces, we can feel safe, respected and connected — something every person deserves.
The Heart of Neuroinclusive Spaces
For me, one of the most meaningful elements of neuroinclusive spaces is that deep sense of belonging. There’s something profoundly affirming about being in an environment where people understand and share some of the same barriers — including the social, cultural and systemic ones — that Neurodivergent people often navigate in their daily lives.
In these spaces, our differences aren’t just accepted — they’re celebrated. Our unique ways of being in and experiencing the world are recognised as valuable. There’s no expectation to mask or mould ourselves to ‘fit in’. Instead, we’re encouraged to show up authentically, without judgement, ‘hierarchies’ or fear of being misunderstood.
Crucially, neuroinclusive spaces also create room for joy — nurturing shared understanding, connection through our passions, deep thinking, creativity and unique perspectives. They honour not only the challenges of being Neurodivergent in a world that values conformity, but also the richness and vitality neurodivergence brings.
Fostering Comfort and Connection in Neuroinclusive Spaces
Inclusive Communication Practices
What really stands out in neuroinclusive spaces is the ease of communication — not in how much is said, but in how intentionally everything is made clear, respectful and accessible. One key aspect of such spaces is the flexibility of social expectations. We can shift away from rigid expectations about how social interactions ‘should’ look and instead embrace a variety of ways people can connect. When silent participation is intentionally welcomed — whether through listening, written expression, gestures, movement or simply allowing people to engage in ways that feel comfortable — many feel more at ease and freer to express themselves naturally. Socialising should always be based on choice, not obligation.
The use of communication badges can be incredibly helpful at events. These small, colour-coded badges let people signal how comfortable they feel with social interaction. A green badge might mean ‘I’m happy to chat’, amber or orange might signal ‘I’m open/interested but might find it a bit hard to start a conversation’ and red could indicate ‘please don’t engage with me right now’. It’s a simple but powerful way to help us navigate social situations on our own terms, without anxiety or awkwardness.
Assuming someone is Neurodivergent just based on how they speak or behave can be both hurtful and inaccurate. Inclusion means embracing and honouring diverse ways of communicating — whether that means needing extra time to respond, preferring direct and clear conversation, communicating as an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) user or communicating as a non-speaking person. There is no single ‘right’ way to interact. When we honour our differences, we create spaces where all of us, regardless of our bodymind and neurotype, can be ourselves — free from the fear of being misunderstood or judged for who we are or how we communicate.
A key aspect of neuroinclusive spaces is the thoughtful integration of assistive technologies. Tools such as speech-to-text software, visual planners, focus supports and screen readers can promote autonomy, honour individual needs and support well-being. When these technologies are embedded in environments as tools of empowerment — not ‘correction’ — they can be truly neuroaffirmative. The goal is to ensure choice and accessibility, allowing us to engage in ways that honour our individual neurodivergence and natural ways of being.
Sensory Considerations
Another thoughtful feature is how sensory environments are considered and adapted. For those of us sensitive to light, for example, dim lighting can make all the difference. Bright artificial lighting can feel overwhelming or even painful, particularly for Autistic people, ADHDers and others who experience sensory processing differences. In truly inclusive spaces, dimmer lighting options are offered, and people feel welcomed and safe wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses indoors. This kind of attention to detail shows how carefully the environment is shaped to support safety, autonomy and comfort.
Another aspect I appreciate in neuroinclusive spaces is the use of 'flappause' (a quiet form of applause involving waving or flapping hands) instead of clapping to reduce noise. For those of us sensitive to sound, noise-cancelling earplugs or ear defenders are often available, providing a way to filter out overwhelming sounds in busy or loud environments. Having quiet spaces (e.g., outdoors) and chill-out rooms where people can go to decompress is also incredibly helpful for those of us who may need a break from overstimulation.
Physical Accessibility
Alongside sensory and communication considerations, physical accessibility is also key to creating neuroinclusive spaces. Clear signage, easily navigable layouts and open, uncluttered spaces are essential. For example, providing wide, accessible pathways for people using mobility aids and creating spaces for decompression — especially for those of us needing a break from sensory or social overload — is just as important as other sensory considerations. It's also important that these spaces make it safe to stim, get up and move about as needed and that people feel comfortable leaving the room whenever they need to.
This thoughtful design shows a real understanding that everyone’s comfort level is different. It moves away from rigid, neuro-conformative expectations and allows for autonomy, choice and trust — all key ingredients in creating environments that truly welcome us all.
Making Space for Authenticity
Another thoughtful approach I’ve seen — and deeply appreciated — is the use of name and pronoun badges. These offer people the option to share their names and gender pronouns in a low-pressure, respectful way, helping to avoid assumptions and signalling inclusion. For many — especially people with diverse gender, sexual and relational identities (those within GSRD communities) — being recognised and respected for who we are is essential to feeling safe and valued.
In neuroaffirming spaces, where authenticity is not only encouraged but embraced, something as simple as a badge can help build trust and signal that this is a space where identity truly matters. Crucially, no one should ever feel obliged to wear a badge. The goal is to offer tools — not requirements — that help people feel safe, respected and in control of how they’re seen and understood. After all, we cannot be neuroaffirming without being gender-affirming.
How Intersectionality Shapes Our Journeys
True inclusion means recognising and honouring the intersectionality of our experiences. Neurodivergent people are not a single story — our needs and identities are layered and diverse. Living at the intersections of multiple marginalised identities, we often face challenges that are compounded by other forms of marginalisation, including racism, classism, ableism and queerphobia. These intersecting layers can significantly impact access to healthcare and mental health services as stigma is often amplified by additional forms of discrimination.
For people experiencing multiple forms of marginalisation, accessing culturally competent, inclusive care that respects our neurodivergence and all aspects of our identities can be a significant challenge — but it’s essential that such care exists and is accessible to everyone.
Building truly inclusive spaces means actively making room for people who are too often left out of mainstream conversations. This includes Black, Indigenous and other racialised communities who experience systemic marginalisation; those of us who are multiply Neurodivergent; Disabled people and people with intellectual disabilities (honouring each person’s self-identification and agency); non-speaking people; people with diverse and dynamic access and support needs; GSRD communities; and anyone navigating multiple, overlapping forms of marginalisation and discrimination.
It also means welcoming asylum seekers, refugees and forcibly displaced people, while acknowledging and respecting their unique experiences and challenges.
It’s not enough to talk about inclusion in general terms — we need to address the unequal access to resources, support and opportunities that many in our communities continue to face. Creating genuinely inclusive spaces requires more than just awareness; it calls for action. This means centring the voices of people who are too often unheard and creating systems of support as diverse and dynamic as the communities they serve.
It is powerful to be part of a community that actively acknowledges and addresses the intersectionality of our diverse voices, especially those often overlooked or silenced.
Neuroqueering: Embracing Fluidity and Intersectionality
Neuroqueer theory and the practice of neuroqueering have been described and theorised by multiple authors, including Nick Walker (2021), Athena Lynn Michaels-Dillon and Remi Yergeau. This concept is shaped by the voices, experiences and evolving conversations within Neurodivergent and queer communities.
Neuroqueering is the practice of queering — subverting, resisting and reimagining both neuronormative and cisheteronormative expectations. It challenges ‘normative’ expectations around neurodivergence, gender and sexuality, inviting us to reject the pressure to conform to dominant cultural conventions — whether neuronormative or cisheteronormative — and live authentically beyond these boundaries. Neuroqueering encourages us to embrace the fluid, evolving nature of our identities. By engaging in neuroqueer practices, we help co-create spaces that honour intersectionality, celebrate difference and make room for the full complexity of lived experience.
Fostering Genuine Inclusion in Workplaces, Education and Social Spaces
In workplaces, educational environments and community settings, Neurodivergent people — including those of us who are Autistic, ADHD or AuDHD — often describe feeling excluded due to rigid systems that don’t make space for our diverse ways of being and engaging with others. Many Neurodivergent people also experience bullying, misunderstanding, microaggressions or being ‘ghosted’ — experiences that can further contribute to feelings of isolation and exclusion. For example, many Autistic people and ADHDers describe feeling excluded by peers, often not being invited to social events, being left out of casual conversations or suddenly being ignored without explanation due to differences in communication styles and social interaction. The emotional toll of navigating environments that aren't designed with our needs in mind can lead to burnout, heightened anxiety and other mental health challenges such as depression for many Neurodivergent people.
Real inclusion goes far beyond formal adjustments; it’s about creating cultures that foster well-being and where everyone is welcomed — regardless of whether others see us as ‘different’ or ‘other’. A truly inclusive space ensures that no one feels left out based on how they communicate or interact with the world.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Extending an invitation to someone who often gets left out. Giving people the time and space they need to engage. Making sure information is shared clearly and accessibly. These everyday acts of care help break down isolation and build communities rooted in empathy and understanding. It’s important to invite people in, not just when others are looking or in a tokenistic way, but consistently and genuinely, making sure everyone feels truly included.
In neuroinclusive workplaces and educational environments, we also see the importance of flexible working arrangements, such as the option to work remotely or adjust working hours and study schedules to better align with individual needs. In schools and universities, this might include lecture recordings, flexible timelines, quiet spaces and clear, accessible communication from educators — not just to support academic success, but to foster a genuine sense of belonging. Digital tools and platforms that support organisation, prioritisation and pacing tasks can be valuable resources for Neurodivergent employees and students, empowering them to work and learn in ways that best suit their unique styles and needs. Offering these tools — along with mentorship opportunities and peer-based supports such as a buddy system — is not just beneficial; it's essential to ensuring equity and fostering environments where Neurodivergent people can truly thrive.
True neuroinclusion goes beyond adjusting to differences; it’s about celebrating neurodiversity and individual neurodivergence. By recognising the unique strengths of Neurodivergent people — such as creativity, problem-solving, divergent thinking and ‘outside-the-box’ perspectives — we foster a culture where differences are honoured and valued for the richness they bring.
The Power of Peer Support and Self-Advocacy in Building Inclusive Communities
Building a supportive community of peers is vital. When Neurodivergent people come together to share their experiences, challenges and joys, it builds a sense of solidarity and belonging. Having a space where we can be ourselves without judgment nurtures a sense of community and emotional well-being, helping us feel supported and understood. These connections can be a lifeline, especially in a world that so often misunderstands or pathologises our differences. Peer support helps us overcome challenges together, celebrate our joys and thrive both within and beyond structured settings.
At the same time, empowering Neurodivergent people — including those with varying and evolving support needs — to advocate for their own needs is key to fostering environments that are genuinely inclusive and dynamic. Self-advocacy fosters autonomy, ensuring support is relevant and person-centred, not assumed or imposed. When people are given the tools, time and safety to express their needs, it nurtures a culture where everyone, regardless of their support needs, feels seen, respected and genuinely understood.
Creating spaces where we as Neurodivergent people can connect and share our experiences fosters solidarity and a deep sense of belonging. Simple actions — such as ensuring communication is clear, providing sensory-friendly spaces and respecting individual communication preferences and sensory needs — are small but meaningful steps towards making environments more accessible and inclusive for us all. By embedding these practices into our daily interactions, we nurture environments where everyone — regardless of their unique ways of being — feels valued and supported.
Building Spaces Where Neurodivergent People Can Thrive: Beyond Inclusion to True Belonging
The key takeaway from all of this? Neurodivergent people don’t just deserve to be included — we deserve to thrive. This means being in spaces that welcome us without question and in communities that recognise the immense value of our perspectives, creativity and care.
One of the most powerful things I’ve witnessed in neuroaffirming spaces — like the Minding Autistic Minds Conference — is the sense of collective healing. You can see it in people’s faces — the way shoulders drop, smiles soften and masks come off. There’s a shift that happens when people can shed the weight of societal expectations and no longer feel the need to protect themselves. When we’re given permission to just be, even for a little while, it can be profoundly healing. This is a reminder that belonging is a deep human need and when we come together in a supportive community, healing can happen.
But these experiences shouldn’t be limited to occasional events. We need to bring that same energy of care and acceptance into our daily lives — into our learning environments, workplaces, healthcare systems, friendship circles and families. Belonging shouldn’t feel like a rare exception — it belongs at the heart of everything we do. True inclusion isn’t something to reserve for special occasions or specific spaces — it’s about making belonging an everyday practice. When we carry that energy of care, respect and openness into all areas of our lives, we create environments where everyone — regardless of bodymind, neurotype, identity or background — can thrive. Inclusion becomes a practice, not a one-time event.
As we continue building our neuroaffirmative practices, let’s remember that true inclusion is not passive — it’s active, ongoing and deeply relational. It requires listening, learning, unlearning and showing up for one another in ways that honour our differences while nurturing our shared humanity. Too often, we Neurodivergent people experience invalidation. This isn’t about labelling or criticising people who may not have been neuroaffirming in the past; it's about creating space for growth, understanding and the development of a more inclusive society. True transformation comes from creating opportunities for everyone to grow, evolve and contribute to a community where differences aren’t just accepted — they bloom, radiating connection, creativity and shared joy. It’s about fostering an atmosphere where practices that are still evolving are embraced as valuable learning opportunities, and where we approach one another with kindness, patience and a shared commitment to grow together.
Let’s keep reimagining and creating spaces — both big and small — that not only welcome difference but actively challenge and transform the systems that have excluded so many. Spaces where every single person, regardless of identity or background, feels truly seen, heard and understood. We need to create environments that aren’t just for the loudest voices, but for everyone — especially those who are typically unheard. In these spaces, the ‘quiet’ voices, the overlooked perspectives and people with diverse ways of being in and experiencing the world are not just included but valued. True inclusion doesn’t just make room for some — it ensures everyone belongs.
Creating inclusive environments is not about ‘fixing’ us to fit into rigid systems. It’s about reshaping those systems and reimagining environments to embrace the full depth and breadth of human experience. True inclusion means shifting the focus away from changing people and instead advocating for a cultural transformation — one that values Neurodivergent people for who we are, honours our creativity, perspectives and the many ways we contribute. This transformation ensures that inclusion is not an afterthought but a foundation — a way of living and being woven into the very fabric of everyday life, where everyone can truly belong and thrive.
Author
Dr Angelina Miley (she/they), Chartered Clinical Psychologist at The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice
