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Forum » If you could design a "neurodivergent-friendly" world, what would you change?
If you could design a "neurodivergent-friendly" world, what would you change?
neuronnoodle — Feb 14, 2026, 04:15 PM
I was walking through a department store yesterday — fluorescent lights, overhead music, perfume counter assaulting my nose — and thinking: who designed this? Who decided this was the default human environment? Because they were clearly not consulting anyone with sensory sensitivities.
So let's dream a little. If you could redesign the world to be ND-friendly, what would you change? Big or small. Practical or fantastical. I'll start:
- All public spaces have a "sensory quiet room" — dim lights, no music, comfortable seating, soundproof walls. A place to decompress, not a bathroom stall.
- Fluorescent lighting is banned. BANNED. Warm, dimmable LEDs only.
- Phone calls are opt-in, not default. Every business has text/email alternatives.
- Clothing stores organize items by TEXTURE, not just size and color. A "soft fabrics only" section.
What's on your wishlist?
Replies (28)
softskymarin [admin] — Feb 17, 2026, 12:01 PM
A "SOFT FABRICS ONLY" SECTION. I would weep with joy.
My additions: grocery stores with sensory-friendly hours that are ACTUALLY sensory-friendly (I'm looking at you, stores that dim the lights but keep the music on). Every workplace has a "no fluorescent" lighting policy and private workspaces available by default. And mandatory neurodiversity training for all medical professionals, teachers, and customer service workers. Not a 20-minute video. Actual training.
overstimulatedowl — Feb 21, 2026, 03:15 AM
people stop saying "how are you?" as a greeting when they don't actually want the answer. either ask and mean it, or say hello and move on. the fake question is EXHAUSTING.
lilpawz — Feb 21, 2026, 12:23 PM
all clothes have printed tags instead of sewn-in ones. all socks are seamless by default. "scratchy" is an allergen warning like "contains nuts."
jellycatjamie — Feb 21, 2026, 03:36 PM
public stimming is normalized. you see someone flapping their hands in the grocery store, you don't stare or ask if they're okay. it's just... a thing people do. like coughing or yawning.
tentativefern — Feb 24, 2026, 06:54 PM
"Coming out" as autistic/ADHD isn't a thing because there's no stigma. It's as neutral as saying you need glasses. "I'm autistic" gets the same reaction as "I'm nearsighted" — just practical questions about what you need.
raccoonking — Feb 25, 2026, 04:22 PM
restaurants have a "no, i don't want to have a conversation with my server" button. or a flag system. green flag = "i'd love to chat about the specials." red flag = "please just bring my food and don't perceive me."
marzipandreams — Feb 25, 2026, 05:32 PM
@the_raccoon_king The flag system!! I want this everywhere. Not just restaurants. Doctor's offices. Stores. Workplace lobbies. A universal "I am open to social interaction / I am not open to social interaction" signal.
crayoncryptid — Feb 26, 2026, 04:58 AM
job interviews are illegal. replaced by practical skills demonstrations and trial periods. no more judging someone's competence by their ability to make eye contact and answer "where do you see yourself in five years" with a straight face.
plushieprotector — Feb 26, 2026, 05:20 AM
Public seating is actually comfortable. Benches have cushions. Waiting rooms have varied seating options — armchairs, floor cushions, standing desks. Not just those connected metal chairs that make your back hurt AND are freezing cold.
noodlearms — Feb 26, 2026, 09:16 AM (edited)
the workday starts at 11am. this is non-negotiable.
ghostedmyself — Feb 26, 2026, 07:46 PM
Online harassment is treated as a crime with actual consequences. Mocking people's content on forums designed for cruelty isn't "free speech" — it's targeted harassment. Platforms are accountable. Victims are believed.
seashelleyes — Feb 26, 2026, 08:45 PM
All social events have a quiet room, and using it is NOT seen as antisocial. It's just "oh, they're taking a sensory break, cool." No explanations needed.
latebloomerlydia — Feb 27, 2026, 11:02 AM
All of these are wonderful. I have a small one: public spaces have more benches. Just... more places to sit. I'm 67 and sometimes I need to rest, and the lack of public seating is a quiet cruelty. Benches everywhere. Shaded benches. Benches near gardens. Benches facing the ocean. Let people rest. 🌊
neuronnoodle — Feb 27, 2026, 01:02 PM
Reading through these, I'm struck by how many of them are just... basic human dignity. Quiet spaces. Comfortable seating. Being believed when you say what you need. Not being forced into performative social interactions. This isn't a utopia — it's just a world that doesn't assume neurotypicality as the default. Thank you everyone. I'm saving this thread for when I need hope. 💛
sparklybadgergrove7305 — Apr 7, 2026, 03:49 PM (edited)
A "SOFT FABRICS ONLY" SECTION. I would weep with joy.
My additions: grocery stores with sensory-friendly hours that are ACTUALLY sensory-friendly (I'm looking at you, stores that dim the lights but keep the music on). Every workplace has a "no fluorescent" lighting policy and private workspaces available by default. And mandatory neurodiversity training for all medical professionals, teachers, and customer service workers. Not a 20-minute video. Actual training.
damppotato49010 — Apr 7, 2026, 09:09 PM (edited)
people stop saying "how are you?" as a greeting when they don't actually want the answer. either ask and mean it, or say hello and move on. the fake question is EXHAUSTING.
loudpillow5078 — Apr 8, 2026, 06:20 AM (edited)
all clothes have printed tags instead of sewn-in ones. all socks are seamless by default. "scratchy" is an allergen warning like "contains nuts."
meltykiwi352 — Apr 9, 2026, 12:16 PM (edited)
public stimming is normalized. you see someone flapping their hands in the grocery store, you don't stare or ask if they're okay. it's just... a thing people do. like coughing or yawning.
sparklyjuice57139 — Apr 10, 2026, 04:13 AM
Schools designed for ND kids by default, with accommodations for NT kids as needed — instead of the other way around. Flexible seating, movement breaks, quiet corners, visual schedules on every wall. If we designed classrooms for the most sensitive students, they'd work better for EVERYONE.
grumpybird94946 — Apr 15, 2026, 12:57 PM (edited)
"Coming out" as autistic/ADHD isn't a thing because there's no stigma. It's as neutral as saying you need glasses. "I'm autistic" gets the same reaction as "I'm nearsighted" — just practical questions about what you need.
loudcactus6332 — Apr 27, 2026, 05:18 AM (edited)
restaurants have a "no, i don't want to have a conversation with my server" button. or a flag system. green flag = "i'd love to chat about the specials." red flag = "please just bring my food and don't perceive me."
sillystar0675 — Apr 28, 2026, 03:02 PM (edited)
@the_raccoon_king The flag system!! I want this everywhere. Not just restaurants. Doctor's offices. Stores. Workplace lobbies. A universal "I am open to social interaction / I am not open to social interaction" signal.
sunnyfrog5768 — May 8, 2026, 10:02 AM (edited)
job interviews are illegal. replaced by practical skills demonstrations and trial periods. no more judging someone's competence by their ability to make eye contact and answer "where do you see yourself in five years" with a straight face.
cozyfernfield247 — May 13, 2026, 08:25 AM (edited)
the workday starts at 11am. this is non-negotiable.
glitterglue — May 19, 2026, 03:44 AM (edited)
@noodle_arms you have my vote for president.
damppuddle520 — Jun 6, 2026, 01:44 AM (edited)
All social events have a quiet room, and using it is NOT seen as antisocial. It's just "oh, they're taking a sensory break, cool." No explanations needed.
happypancake44984 — Jun 6, 2026, 06:51 PM (edited)
Online harassment is treated as a crime with actual consequences. Mocking people's content on forums designed for cruelty isn't "free speech" — it's targeted harassment. Platforms are accountable. Victims are believed.
fluffyfireflyridge935 — Jun 18, 2026, 06:30 AM (edited)
Reading through these, I'm struck by how many of them are just... basic human dignity. Quiet spaces. Comfortable seating. Being believed when you say what you need. Not being forced into performative social interactions. This isn't a utopia — it's just a world that doesn't assume neurotypicality as the default. Thank you everyone. I'm saving this thread for when I need hope. 💛
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