Addressing Barriers in the University Campus Environment for Neurodivergent Students

About 15% of the global population is considered neurodivergent (having different ways of sensory processing than what are perceived as neurotypical persons). Persons with neurodivergence typically include those with autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Down Syndrome. Studies have shown that many neurodivergent persons experience sensory processing disorder (SPD). Noise, lighting, temperature, and aesthetics are some factors that can significantly impact the quality of interaction with the built environment for these individuals. A significantly lower proportion of youths with SPD enter higher educational institutions (HEI), hindered in part by physical design on university campuses. Universities in Canada are now mandated to address barriers in the campus environments for persons with disability. However, space design needs of neurodivergent students are often overlooked. We interviewed eight neurodivergent persons with SPD (NPSPD) about their experiences as students navigating a university campus located in Halifax, Canada. We asked what specific spaces on campus pose barriers to them (to enter, traverse, and use), and how the design should be improved. The participant responses revealed many elements on campus that act as barriers-largely consistent with existing literature. However, the participants' comments illustrated more complex dynamics of these factors, which can exacerbate their stress and anxiety. Oftentimes, barriers are more to do with lack of information about the characteristics of the space prior to using it, which would otherwise allow students to plan ahead their journey to destinations and use of given spaces. A wayfinding aid that informs what to expect in spaces or pathways on campus would be a potential area for innovation, along with multiple services to comprehensively and flexibly cater to individual needs to alleviate sensory overload. Ongoing communications about barriers across campus by all users of the university campus would facilitate implementation of pragmatic solutions needed to address diverse needs existing in HEI.