Neurodiversity refers to the concept that variations in the human brain - how we think, learn, process and behave - are natural and should be recognised as part of human diversity. Neurodiversity typically includes but is not limited to the following:

- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

- Dyslexia

- Dyscalculia

- Dysgraphia

- Dyspraxia

- Tourette Syndrome

- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

- Sensory Processing Disorder

- Intellectual Disabilities (in some contexts)

- Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia etc. (debated)

The list itself is not set in stone, some contain more and some contain less mental health and cognitive conditions. At NeuroPlaces we are neuroaffirming - we do not believe that neurodivergent folk's brains need'fixing', be believe that the environment does in order to cater for the wonderful mix of neurotypes.

We believe that the need for neuroinclusion in public places is no longer optional but overdue. A 'public place' should be accessible to all members of the public, but in reality this is not the case and we aim to change this. Neurodivergent people have been systematically excluded, and with more and more people identifying as neurodivergent, there is no better time to fully embrace every neurotype within public places.

Neurodiversity refers to neurological differences, natural variations of the human brain, examples of these are Autism, ADHA, Dyslexia, OCD and many others.

We live in a world consisting of a diverse set of neurotypes yet the environment is built predominantly for the neurotypical or 'neuro-dominant' brain. We are on the cusp of a long awaited paradigm shift where neurodiversity is no longer considered a 'disorder' that needs to be fixed, rather it is the environment that needs to be adapted in order to support all neurotypes.

First-hand accounts from neurodivergent individuals are crucial in design of public places as many experience sensory overload, communication or social differences, masking, burnout, misunderstanding etc. There are many invisible barriers that challenge outdated assumptions, NeuroPlaces aids in reframing the conversation from "what's wrong with you?" to "what do you need?". This in turn helps to build empathy and systematic change towards a truly neuroinlclusive environment.

The question to ask is, why not? In adapting and designing for neuroinclusion, we are not just supporting neurodivergent individuals, but everyone. Accessibility encapsulates all aspects of inclusion, and with 15-20% of the UK population 'diagnosed' as neurodivergent, and only 5% of public places neuroinclusive, there is a long way to go.