ND focus

#3: Sensory considerations

Neurodiverse people tend to have a different way of processing sensory information and this can lead to what’s known as “sensory overload” if an environment if an environment is too overstimulating.

This can cause the person affected to be unable to focus on the “right” information: for example in a crowded restaurant they will likely be unable to process what the people on their own table are saying due to the chatter from other tables.

In a work environment – especially an open plan office – this is most often triggered by noise or the bright, flickering light from a fluorescent bulb. This overstimulation can negatively affect a neurodiverse person’s concentration and flow and subsequently their productivity, and can in severe instances lead to difficulty speaking or performing regular tasks for a while.

The simplest solution to the issue is to provide quiet workstations at which people affected by sensory overload can work. If this isn’t practical, noise-reducing headphones and fluorescent light blocking glasses can help reduce the triggers. Setting aside a quite relaxing space for people to unwind or decompress when they need to can also make a big difference.