Neurodivergent Users

Neurodivergent users include people with autism, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, and other neurological differences. Experiences vary widely - not all neurodivergent users share the same needs - but common themes include challenges with sensory processing, attention regulation, executive function, and interpreting ambiguous communication.

Common barriers

• Overloaded pages that present too much information at once with no clear hierarchy
• Unpredictable layouts or navigation that change between pages
• Animations, flashing elements, or unexpected sounds that create sensory overload
• Vague, indirect, or implied instructions that require the user to infer meaning
• Time pressure - timed sessions, countdown timers, or urgency cues that increase anxiety
• Dense content with no clear pathways to the most important information

Predictability and consistency

• Navigation should appear in the same location on every page
• Page layouts should follow a predictable template
• Interactive elements should behave the same way each time they are used
• Avoid layout surprises - content should not shift or rearrange unexpectedly

Reduce sensory overload

/* Respect the user's preference for reduced motion */
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  *, *::before, *::after {
    animation-duration: 0.01ms !important;
    transition-duration: 0.01ms !important;
  }
}

• Implement prefers-reduced-motion to disable or minimize animations for users who have set this OS preference
• Avoid auto-playing media or sounds
• Use restrained color palettes - avoid intensely bright or highly saturated colors for large background areas
• Provide the ability to pause or dismiss any automatically moving content

Clear, direct communication

• Say what you mean directly - avoid idioms, sarcasm, and indirect phrasing that assumes the user will infer the actual intent
• Provide explicit instructions - don't assume users will know what to do next. State it clearly
• Avoid vague calls to action - "Submit" is clearer than "Let's go". "Download the PDF" is clearer than "Get it here"
• Use consistent terminology - if you call something a "Contact Form" on one page, don't call it "Get in Touch" on another

Information architecture

• Surface key information prominently - don't bury it in menus or require multi-step navigation
• Provide multiple pathways to important content: top navigation, in-page links, search
• Use clear, descriptive page titles so users always know where they are
• Avoid infinite scroll or "load more" patterns that make it hard to find a specific item again

Why it matters

Estimates suggest 15-20% of people are neurodivergent in some way. Designing for predictability, clarity, and sensory restraint does not compromise visual appeal. A calm, clear, consistent site is more professional and more usable for every visitor.

WCAG criteria