Differences in how people think, learn and process information are increasingly recognized as natural variations of the human brain — a concept known as neurodiversity.
Though not a medical term, neurodiversity encompasses conditions like autism, attention-deficit/
hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, and offers a framework for fostering inclusion and recognizing unique strengths. According to the National Autistic Society, neurodivergent individuals make up about 20% of the global population, making them one of the world’s largest and most underrepresented groups.
In healthcare and beyond, there is growing awareness of the distinct challenges neurodivergent individuals may face. Many hospitals, health systems and public spaces are not designed to accommodate differences in sensory processing — such as hypersensitivity to noise, lighting or touch — which can make accessing care or navigating environments especially difficult.
To explore how the healthcare industry can better support neurodivergent patients, Becker’s Healthcare spoke with Doug Spies, senior vice president and advisory services program director at Gresham Smith.
‘Tunable’ design elements create calming environments for care
Greater attention to the sensory aspects of care environments is proving especially beneficial for neurodivergent patients.
Dayton (Ohio) Children’s Hospital, for example, launched a sensory-friendly program featuring adapted preoperative rooms, labs, imaging areas and calming surgical environments. Since its introduction, the hospital has seen a significant reduction in the use of pre-surgery calming medication — from 90% of procedures to about 20% — along with positive feedback from families.
Gresham Smith works extensively in environmental design across healthcare and other industries. By leveraging adaptable design elements, the firm creates spaces that can be “tuned” to meet the sensory preferences of neurodivergent individuals.
According to Mr. Spies, adaptable rooms often have tactile surfaces and low-light levels, which work to create a calming environment. “With LED lighting, for example, we have many more opportunities to adjust that aspect of a room,” he said. “We can also record preferences related to room conditions and provide a consistent experience that is calming for neurodiverse individuals.”
It’s essential to tailor the care environment throughout the healthcare journey. Given the ED boarding challenges at many hospitals, it’s not uncommon for patients to have to wait for many hours and sometimes even days before they are admitted to an inpatient bed or transferred to another facility that offers the care they need. These long waits can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals. Creating ED environments that are as comfortable as possible is critically important, Mr. Spies said.
All care environments can benefit from more intentional design
While hospitals and physician offices are often at the forefront of designing facilities with neurodivergent patients in mind, the same principles can be applied across other organizations and governmental agencies that serve subsets of this population.
Mr. Spies explained how Gresham Smith is currently working with a department of developmental disabilities that serves individuals with complex neurological challenges and other comorbidities.
“We’re focused on designing spaces that are safe and comforting for the individuals this department supports,” he said, adding that he expects demand for such spaces will likely grow in the coming years.
Gresham Smith’s approach to facility design reflects a deep understanding of how physical environments impact well-being — including for neurodivergent individuals. By prioritizing elements such as safety, adaptability and overall quality, the firm aims to create spaces that support positive, inclusive experiences for all.
“When it comes to the finishes in a room, many of the sensory components relate to touch, sight and sound,” Mr. Spies said. “The ability to control these elements helps to align them with each individual’s expectations and helps them to handle new events in a positive way.”
