How to design a home office for neurodiversity
The WFH age has been good news for so many, but for neurodivergent individuals, the typical home office environment and its accompanying stressors can derail focus, impede productivity and cause unnecessary anxiety.
Neurodivergence as an umbrella term is fairly broad, and includes but is not limited to those with ADHD, autism, OCD, PTSD and dyslexia. Neurodivergent individuals demonstrate a real variety of traits, and struggle with different areas of everyday life.
When it comes to working from home, most are keenly aware of environmental factors that either hinder or help – bright overhead lighting can be overstimulating, or a view of the outdoors distracting – and most will benefit from carefully managing their surroundings to better support their individual needs.
Ban Hass, a psychotherapist (MBACP) from London who works with both private and NHS patients, talks to House Beautiful about designing a home office with neurodiverse needs in mind.
'Home can be filled with distractions and not always optimised for the neurodivergent individual, especially when it comes to work. A dedicated space with some small design adaptations is essential,' says Ban. 'Do remember that one size does not fit all, there are differences between conditions and diversity within individual preferences.'
Choosing a desk
Designing a space that offers a bit of variety can be helpful in supporting individuals who tire of spending hours confined to one spot.
'If you struggle with restlessness or issues with attention and motivation, consider having different desk options like a standing desk or walking pad,' says Ban.
Acknowledge too that some forms of neurodivergence like ADHD can result in disorganisation and a propensity to lose things, so streamline your desktop must-haves and make sure everything has a home. 'Give stationary a place and minimise clutter on and around the desk. And save yourself hours digging through drawers with desk trays and drawer organisers,' says Ban.
Arranging your seating
'A comfortable, inviting chair as part of the desk set up is key. Not all individuals want to sit at a desk all day,' says Ban. 'And if space allows, a cosy armchair or bean bag chair with a structured back could also provide a change of scenery.'
In lieu of a standard desk chair, there are interesting ergonomic models available that encourage gentle movement.
'When designing a space with neurodivergence in mind, aside from being aware of sensory sensitivities such as noise, harsh lighting and use of patterns or colours, our key consideration is movement,' says Romilly Newbound, HR manager and ergonomics expert for Back in Action. 'Movement can help with providing a low level of physiological stimulation which is said to boost productivity and allow some neurodivergent minds to focus better.
'The Aeris Swopper can bounce up and down, side to side, forwards and backwards. It is quite literally the ultimate chair for someone who wants more movement when sitting.'
Light – artificial and natural
Overstimulation is a real barrier for the neurodivergent mind, and harsh lighting and excessively loud or repetitive noises are common culprits.
'Lighting needs to be adjustable. Do not rely on harsh ceiling lights that can be overstimulating and may cause irritation and distress. Dimmable lamps with different light settings are far more appropriate,' says Ban.
'Natural light from windows is preferred by many individuals and can provide focus, but for others, windows can be too much of a distraction. Adjustable blinds are key to control how much sunlight comes into the room too – shadows or glare on a computer screen can be too distracting for some.'
Colour and pattern
A colour that you love at first glance may not be a colour that you can surround yourself with for upwards of eight hours a day. Boisterous colour and pattern can be incredibly stimulating for the neurodiverse, and regardless of personal taste, it might be beneficial to keep decor simple and unfussy.
'While some individuals feel energised by bright and vibrant colours, others prefer a clean, muted and tranquil environment. Minimal designs may be favoured over busy patterns which can result in sensory overload,' says Ban.
Ban shares some extra helpful tricks for managing your space.
Use a charging tower. It will save you going on a quest in the middle of the work day, and you can charge multiple things at once.
Keep a mini fridge in your home office with prepared snacks and meals.
Always have big bottles of water – think Stanley cups – visible on your desk. Some people with neurodivergence need a visual reminder to drink.
If you live with family or housemates, put a sign on your door to dissuade interruptions.
Fidget toys can really offer relief for some, and are best used during calls or long meetings to help with focus.
Have a digital desk clock and timer in front of you if you find it hard to organise your day or struggle with time blindness.
Depending on individual preference, use noise cancelling headphones, a white noise machine or ear plugs to minimise distraction from outside.
Ban Hass works online and in person with both private and NHS patients, and can be reached at banhass.com or on Instagram @banhass.
Follow House Beautiful on TikTok and Instagram.
You Might Also Like
