Supporting diverse sensory needs
Lighting plays a fundamental role in shaping our environments. For individuals with neurodivergence—a term encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders, among others—lighting can profoundly influence their ability to function and thrive. Unfortunately, despite its importance, the specific needs of neurodivergent individuals have often been overlooked in our field.
Neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently. They often have heightened sensory responses, making them more sensitive to environmental factors such as light, sound, and touch. Lighting, one of the most pervasive elements of any environment, can act as a supportive tool or a source of distress. For example, glare, flicker, or the hum of a light fixture driver may be minor annoyances to some but can completely derail focus or overstimulate a neurodivergent person.
The stakes go beyond individual comfort. Neurodivergent people contribute significant value to society through their unique strengths—such as creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and pattern recognition. Research indicates that neurodiverse teams are 30% more productive than neurotypical teams alone, underlining the importance of creating environments where these individuals can thrive. Yet, by ignoring their specific needs, we risk alienating a substantial segment of the population—estimated at 15 to 20% or more—and hindering their contributions.
Designing with neurodivergence in mind is not just about inclusion; it’s about embracing and empowering all individuals and making progress. When we create environments that support diverse sensory needs, we unlock the potential of a significant portion of the population. Lighting professionals have a unique opportunity to lead this charge by rethinking traditional practices and championing designs that reflect the diversity of human experience.
Overlooking Neurodivergent Needs
The historical oversight of neurodivergence in lighting design stems, in part, from limited awareness and a tendency to generalize environmental standards. Conventional lighting solutions often prioritize energy efficiency, aesthetics, or cost over individual comfort, particularly for those with unique sensory processing needs. This one-size-fits-all approach has unintentionally marginalized neurodivergent individuals.
For decades, building codes and design guidelines have largely been written with neurotypical individuals in mind, treating the diverse ways people experience light as outliers rather than fundamental considerations. Furthermore, the subjective nature of lighting preferences has made it easy for designers to default to what works for the majority rather than exploring how to accommodate a broader spectrum of needs.
Although the conversation about inclusivity in design has expanded in recent years, it has often focused on visible or physical disabilities, leaving neurological and other sensory differences underrepresented. The tide is beginning to shift, but there remains a significant gap in knowledge and implementation regarding how lighting impacts neurodivergence.
To address this gap, the industry must embrace a shift in perspective. Viewing lighting through the lens of neurodivergence means acknowledging that sensory needs vary widely and that flexible spaces serve everyone.
Creating Significant Impact
For neurodivergent individuals, the relationship between lighting and well-being is multifaceted. Poor lighting can exacerbate anxiety, disrupt focus, and lead to overstimulation—a state where sensory input becomes overwhelming, potentially triggering a shutdown or meltdown. Such environments can be not only uncomfortable but also exclusionary, limiting access to workspaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and public spaces. Conversely, thoughtful lighting design can transform spaces into places of comfort and functionality. It can reduce sensory distractions, promote emotional regulation, and enhance overall quality of life.
Moreover, the benefits of inclusive lighting extend beyond neurodivergent individuals. When environments are designed to reduce sensory triggers, everyone benefits from reduced stress, improved focus, and greater comfort. Neurodivergent-inclusive design is essentially universal design—providing thoughtful solutions that uplift all users.
Creating lighting environments that incorporate neurodivergent needs requires addressing basic sensory triggers and building flexibility in the system. High-quality LED fixtures with flicker-free drivers and low-glare optics are the first step to reducing unnecessary discomfort. Offering adjustable lighting and controls further empowers individuals to tailor the environment to their needs, whether it’s through dimming, color temperature adjustments, or even colorchanging lights that allow users to select hues that best support their focus or relaxation.
Spatial awareness and navigation can also present challenges for neurodivergent individuals in both familiar and unfamiliar settings. Using lighting to define clear pathways and exit routes provides practical navigation and fosters a sense of security, ensuring that individuals can leave a space easily, if needed.
Task lighting is another simple yet effective solution for workspace settings. Adjustable desk lamps or localized lighting enable individuals to fine-tune their environment for specific activities.
Finally, sudden changes in brightness or color temperature can feel jarring and stressful, making it essential to implement systems that smoothly shift lighting levels. Intuitive and userfriendly controls, such as physical buttons or touchscreens, ensure everyone can adapt their surroundings to their unique preferences.
A Call to Action
To fully unlock the potential of neurodiverse collaboration, designers must prioritize spaces that accommodate everyone’s needs and remove unnecessary barriers. Collaboration and education are key. Designers must engage with neurodivergent individuals to better understand their needs and invest in research to explore the nuanced ways lighting impacts sensory processing. For example, partnering with advocacy groups or conducting user-centered design workshops can provide valuable insights into how lighting affects neurodivergent people’s daily lives.
Additionally, the industry must prioritize raising awareness among lighting professionals. By integrating neurodivergent perspectives into design education and professional training, we can shift the focus from traditional norms to a more inclusive approach that benefits everyone.
The path forward also involves rethinking metrics of success in lighting design. While energy efficiency and aesthetics remain important, they should not come at the expense of human comfort and well-being. Incorporating metrics that measure sensory inclusivity can help ensure that design projects adequately address neurodivergent needs.
As we look to the future, the goal is clear: prioritize lighting that fosters comfort, focus, and well-being. This will ensure that neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered in every environment they encounter. By doing so, we will create not only more inclusive spaces but also a better, brighter world for everyone.
Amanda Schaneman is the director of marketing at Kirlin Lighting.