🧠 Neurodiversity Types
Understanding different neurotypes helps designers create more inclusive experiences. Each neurotype has unique characteristics and design needs.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading and writing skills. Users may struggle with text processing, spelling, and reading speed.
Characteristics
- Difficulty with reading fluency
- Problems with spelling and writing
- Slow text processing speed
- Trouble with phonological awareness
Design Support
| Recommendation | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Clear fonts | Use sans-serif fonts, avoid decorative typefaces |
| Adequate size | Minimum 16px, preferably 18px |
| Increased spacing | Line height 1.5-1.8, letter spacing 0.02-0.05em |
| Text-to-speech | Provide audio alternatives for text content |
| Avoid italics | Use bold for emphasis instead |
| Left alignment | Avoid justified text |
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. Users may struggle with focus, organization, and time management.
Characteristics
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity (in some cases)
- Challenges with organization
- Time blindness
Design Support
| Recommendation | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Reduce clutter | Minimize visual distractions |
| Chunk content | Break information into smaller sections |
| Clear navigation | Provide consistent, predictable navigation |
| Progress indicators | Show completion status in multi-step processes |
| User control | Allow users to control pace and timing |
| Reminders | Provide gentle prompts for incomplete tasks |
Autism Spectrum
Autism Spectrum conditions affect social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. Users may have specific routines, intense interests, and sensory sensitivities.
Characteristics
- Differences in social communication
- Preference for routine and predictability
- Sensory sensitivities (hyper or hypo)
- Intense focus on specific interests
- Literal interpretation of language
Design Support
| Recommendation | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Consistent layout | Maintain same structure across pages |
| Predictable interactions | No unexpected changes or animations |
| Clear language | Avoid idioms, sarcasm, and ambiguous terms |
| Sensory controls | Provide options to reduce sensory input |
| Explicit instructions | Be direct and specific |
| Warning before changes | Alert users before page transitions |
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) affects motor coordination. Users may struggle with fine motor tasks and coordination.
Characteristics
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Clumsiness
- Challenges with typing and mouse control
Design Support
| Recommendation | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Large targets | Minimum 44x44 pixel click/touch areas |
| Reduce precision | Avoid drag-and-drop when possible |
| Keyboard alternatives | Ensure all functions are keyboard accessible |
| Extended time | Allow more time for timed tasks |
| Clear focus | Visible focus indicators |
| Error tolerance | Allow easy undo/redo |
Irlen Syndrome
Irlen Syndrome (also called Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome) affects visual processing. Users may experience visual stress, light sensitivity, and reading difficulties.
Characteristics
- Visual stress and discomfort
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty reading on white backgrounds
- Words appearing to move or blur
- Headaches from visual tasks
Design Support
| Recommendation | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Dark mode | Provide dark theme option |
| Tinted backgrounds | Allow custom background colors |
| Reduce glare | Avoid pure white backgrounds |
| Lower brightness | Softer, muted color palettes |
| Contrast control | User-adjustable contrast settings |
| Reading overlays | Option to add colored overlays |
Design Matrix
| Feature | Dyslexia | ADHD | Autism | Dyspraxia | Irlen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear typography | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Reduced clutter | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Consistent layout | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Large targets | ✅ | ||||
| Dark mode | ✅ | ✅ | |||
| Audio alternatives | ✅ | ✅ | |||
| Extended time | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
| Predictable behavior | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Checklist
- Typography is clear and readable
- Content is chunked and organized
- Layout is consistent and predictable
- Click/touch targets are large enough
- Theme options (light/dark) are available
- Audio alternatives are provided
- Time limits are flexible
- Interactions are predictable