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Companies are rethinking how to design workspaces that support diverse employee needs. This shift reflects the understanding that people engage with the world in different ways and that these differences are strengths, not handicaps. As awareness of the needs of people with neurodiverse cognitive and sensory profile grows, organizations are creating more inclusive, tech-enabled environments with AV/IT professionals playing a key role in their design.

What Is Neurodiversity In The Workplace?

Neurodiversity recognizes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia as natural cognitive differences, not deficits. While neurodivergent employees offer unique strengths, traditional work environments often pose barriers through overstimulation, poor lighting, constant noise, unclear expectations, and inflexible communication or workflows.

Understanding the workstyle needs of neurodivergent employees is the first step in designing workplaces that empower them to perform at their best. Each of the following neurodivergent traits shape how individuals experience their environment:

Autism Spectrum

Individuals on the autism spectrum often experience the world through unique sensory processing patterns, which can include heightened or reduced sensitivity to stimuli like bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells. These sensory differences can make certain environments overwhelming or distressing. 

Predictable routines, structured surroundings, and thoughtful design elements—such as adjustable lighting, acoustic control, and clear visual cues—can significantly enhance comfort and productivity. Many individuals on the spectrum excel in areas requiring attention to detail, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning, making them valuable contributors when supported by inclusive environments.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

People with ADHD often experience their environment as highly stimulating, which can be both energizing and, at times, distracting. Many individuals with ADHD process multiple thoughts simultaneously, which can contribute to creativity and energetic problem-solving. 

Open office spaces, background chatter, or task-switching demands can make it challenging to concentrate or stay organized. They benefit from flexible workspaces that allow movement, access to quiet zones, and tools like visual reminders or digital task managers. These supports help channel their high energy in productive ways while minimizing distractions.

Dyslexia And Dyspraxia

Individuals with dyslexia and dyspraxia often navigate the world in ways that differ from the neurotypical experience. While these traits can present challenges, they are also associated with distinct strengths that are highly valuable in many work environments. Understanding the nuances of each helps guide better design choices for more inclusive workplaces.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading and language processing. Individuals with dyslexia may find decoding words, spelling, and reading fluency more effortful. Written instructions, dense text, and fast-paced verbal communication can be difficult to follow.  Many people with dyslexia exhibit exceptional strengths in visual thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. 

They tend to excel when information is presented visually or when tasks involve hands-on engagement. Workplace environments that offer assistive technologies, visual aids, and alternate communication methods can help dyslexic individuals perform at their best.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), affects physical coordination and motor planning. People with dyspraxia may find tasks that involve fine motor skills, like typing, handwriting, or handling small objects, challenging. Spatial orientation and balance can also be affected, which may influence how they move through physical spaces. 

Individuals with dyspraxia often display strong creative thinking, strategic planning, and verbal reasoning skills. In the workplace, they benefit from ergonomic tools, flexible workspaces, and accommodations that reduce the demand for fine motor precision. When supported, they bring unique perspectives and problem-solving capabilities to their roles.

By designing with these differences in mind, organizations can create spaces where neurodivergent individuals aren’t merely accommodated, they’re able to thrive. This is where AV/IT professionals step in, applying technical expertise to shape environments that are quieter, clearer, and more flexible by design.

The Role Of AV/IT Professionals In Fostering Neurodiversity

AV/IT professionals shape the modern workspace by influencing how people experience their environment. Their choices, from lighting and acoustics to communication tools, affect accessibility, inclusion, and flexibility. With hybrid work on the rise, AV/IT plays a vital role in meeting diverse employee needs, especially for neurodivergent individuals. 

Thoughtful solutions like noise control, customizable lighting, and clear interfaces help create spaces where everyone can focus and collaborate. AV/IT is key to building workplaces that promote equity and belonging.

Adapting AV Technology For Neurodivergent Needs

The right AV tools can significantly reduce sensory stress while enhancing communication and focus. AV/IT professionals can make a powerful impact by intentionally designing environments that incorporate technology tailored to neurodivergent needs. Examples of inclusive, flexible, and accessible solutions include:

• Soundscaping and Noise Reduction: Directional speakers, sound masking systems, and noise-canceling microphones help minimize distracting background noise and create calm, focused spaces.
• Adjustable Lighting Systems: Dimmable and color-tunable lights provide personalized comfort and help reduce sensory overload.
• User-Customizable Interfaces: Simple, intuitive platforms with clear visual cues reduce cognitive load and make technology easier to navigate.
• Flexible Video Conferencing Setups: Multiple camera angles, captioning, and transcription services support diverse communication styles.
• Quiet Zones With Personal Audio: Headsets and personal sound bubbles enable focused work without interruptions.
• Visual Signaling Tools: Light indicators or digital signage can provide nonverbal cues to aid communication and transitions.

Together, these tools create environments where all employees can excel, improving productivity and well-being across the board.

Integrating Neuro Accessibility Finishes Into Office Spaces

AV/IT teams have a unique opportunity to transform workplaces into calm, productive environments through thoughtful design and technology. By integrating low-stimulation elements, digital windows, and assistive technologies, they create spaces that support diverse sensory and cognitive needs.

• Assistive Technology Compatibility: Ensure all systems seamlessly support screen readers, captions, and voice commands to enhance accessibility for everyone.
• Quiet Zones And Sensory Retreats: Design low-light, sound-dampened areas where employees can focus deeply or decompress when overwhelmed.
• IoT-Enabled Personalization: Implement smart systems that automatically adjust lighting, sound, and temperature to fit individual preferences and needs.
• Digital Windows: Incorporate virtual views of nature or outdoor scenes to foster connection and reduce stress, helping to combat sensory overload.

By weaving these elements together, AV/IT teams help build inclusive workplaces where all employees can thrive and bring their best selves to work.

Overcoming Challenges In Neuro-Inclusive AV Design

Building neuroinclusive spaces isn’t without obstacles. Budget limitations, outdated infrastructure, and lack of stakeholder buy-in can all stall progress. Yet, despite the difficulties of modernizing traditional workplace systems, meaningful advancements can be made with the right approach. The following strategies help organizations build momentum toward truly inclusive AV/IT design:

• Educate Leadership and Stakeholders: Communicate the benefits of inclusive AV/IT to build awareness and secure essential support.
• Pilot and Prototype: Test new solutions with neurodivergent users early to ensure they are effective and user-friendly before wide deployment.
• Engage Cross-Functional Teams: Collaborate with HR, DEI, facilities, and other departments to align AV initiatives with broader inclusion and workplace goals.

Future Trends In AV/IT For Neuroinclusive Workplaces

Emerging technologies are unlocking new possibilities for designing neuro-inclusive workplaces. As awareness grows of the needs of neurodiverse employees, organizations are looking beyond traditional accommodations to create environments that proactively support all kinds of thinkers. The following trends highlight where innovation is headed and how it can transform the employee experience:

• Artificial Intelligence for Customization: AI-powered systems learn individual preferences and automatically adjust settings like lighting and sound.
• AR/VR for Immersive Collaboration: Augmented and virtual reality offer alternative, low-stress ways to interact and collaborate.
• Data-Informed Optimization: Smart sensors and analytics provide insights that guide ongoing improvements in space layout and AV functionality.
• Voice-Activated Controls: Voice interfaces simplify interaction with workplace technology, reducing cognitive load.
• Wearable Tech Integration: Devices that monitor stress or focus levels enable environments to respond dynamically to employee needs.
• Adaptive Soundscaping: Audio systems that automatically adjust background noise help enhance concentration and comfort.

Neurodiversity In The Workplace: AV/IT’s Next Steps

AV/IT professionals play a crucial role in creating inclusive workplaces through smart design and a commitment to universal design principles, an approach that requires intentionality, flexibility, and a people-first mindset. Here are some next steps that professionals can take to lead the way in supporting people of all thinking and sensory styles:

1. Embrace Universal Design Principles: Design systems and spaces that consider neurodiverse employees, not just the majority, to benefit all users.
2. Design for Flexibility: Build adaptable environments that can be easily adjusted to meet diverse individual needs over time.
3. Keep People At The Center: Prioritize the “human experience” by focusing on usability and comfort rather than just technical specifications.
4. Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with HR, Facilities, DEI leaders, and end users to ensure designs align with broader inclusion goals.
5. Stay Educated: Stay informed on the latest research and best practices around neurodiversity and inclusive technology.
6. Pilot and Iterate Solutions: Test designs with neurodivergent employees and be ready to refine them based on their feedback.
7. Advocate for Budget and Resources: Make the business case for inclusive design investments by highlighting long-term benefits like productivity and employee retention.
8. Leverage Data and Analytics: Use insights from smart sensors and user feedback to optimize and personalize work environments continually.

Neurodiversity is reshaping how workplaces support diverse cognitive and sensory needs. Inclusive AV/IT design plays an important role in creating environments where everyone thrives. By embracing flexible, human-centered technology, AV/IT professionals have the power to lead this transformation. 

If you’re attending InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, check out Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being to learn more about neuroinclusive workplaces. The AVIXA Diversity Council will also be holding a meetup and book signing with Kay Sargent, author of Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Minet Zahirovic