Great Minds Don’t Think Alike: Planning for Neurodiversity

We all think and interpret the world around us very differently. This session introduces recent (and ongoing) efforts regarding neurodiversity and planning. Learn about the “Cities of Neurodiversity” project in Cork City, Ireland, which aims to build awareness and knowledge of the complexity and intersectionality of neurodiversity, and of the everyday lives and experiences of neurodiverse people in urban environments. Learn about first-of-its-kind research on neurodiversity and public spaces now underway in Australia. Through exposure to data and narrative findings that speak directly to neurodivergent people’s lived experiences, understand how the built environment impacts their daily lives, how neurodivergent people interact with public spaces, what experiences and challenges they face, and how planners can create more inclusive spaces.

Participants ask questions and engage in an open discussion of future approaches to inclusive planning and research. This presentation highlights the importance of understanding neurodiversity and how planning can directly impact the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals.