Building belonging: Architects and advocates unite for neurodiversity-inclusive design

The Altro Neurodiversity Forum 2025 gathered leading architects, designers, thought leaders, and advocates on 26 March at the Manly Pacific Hotel in Sydney for a powerful day of dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. Focused on reimagining the built environments through the lens of neurodiversity, the event featured keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and a shared commitment to more inclusive, human-centred design.

A call to rethink design norms

In a powerful opening keynote, Patricia Falcetta, an inclusive design consultant and neurodivergent advocate, shared a compelling vision for the future of our built environments. Drawing from her own lived experience, Patricia challenged attendees to move beyond checkbox accessibility toward spaces that actively promote sensory, cognitive, and emotional well-being. With vivid real-world examples and actionable frameworks, she illustrated how inclusive design not only supports everyone but also sparks creativity, enhances productivity, and fosters a sense of belonging for all. Her keynote was both a personal reflection and a rallying cry for architects, designers, and decision-makers to see neurodiversity as a design strength, not a constraint.

Designing from lived experience

Next, Jo Viney, Principal at Brinnie T Design, delivered a deeply personal and humorous presentation that traced her journey of being diagnosed with autism later in life and how it transformed her approach to design. Through heartfelt stories, client experiences, and research insights, Jo emphasised the urgent need for flexible, sensory-considerate spaces that truly reflect the diverse needs of users. She highlighted how common design oversights, from overwhelming signage to one-size-fits-all calming colours, can inadvertently exclude neurodivergent individuals. With warmth and clarity, Jo made the case for universal design as a tool for empathy and empowerment, inspiring the audience to rethink familiar environments through a more inclusive lens.

Transforming schools through inclusive design

The final presentation, a case study presented by Sarah Davis, explored how inclusive design can reshape educational environments for autistic students. Drawing on extensive work with Aspect Schools across Australia, Sarah shared a transformative case study that shows how schools can move from overstimulating, rigid settings to calm, adaptive spaces that support every learner. The talk highlighted the power of co-design, where students, families, educators, and support staff inform everything from master planning to the fine-tuning of classroom furniture. With an emphasis on sensory-friendly design, visual clarity, and iterative feedback, Sarah offered a practical blueprint for schools that prioritise equity, understanding, and student success. It was a poignant reminder that the right environment can profoundly impact a child’s educational experience.

The Altro Neurodiversity Forum 2025 made one thing clear: inclusive design is not a niche practice; it’s an urgent and necessary shift in how we shape the world around us. As we face growing demands for equity, innovation, and human-centred thinking, the forum’s message resonates powerfully: when we design for neurodiversity, we design for everyone.

Presentation videos, slides and resources are now available in the Forum Content Hub.

Assess the Hub here.