At Brands at Brunch, we explored how businesses can create truly inclusive experiences that don’t just accommodate neurodivergent individuals, but actively design for them from the start. Here are 10 key takeaways from the session that will help comms and event professionals put inclusivity at the core of your strategy:

1. Design for Delight

Inclusivity should never be an afterthought. By using pre- and post-campaign surveys, brands can invite individuals to share their preferences, request accommodations, and provide feedback on their experiences. Neuro-inclusive practices benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent audiences.

Expand Your Knowledge: Inclusive Design Toolkit – Cambridge University

2. Traits Over Terms

It’s more inclusive to focus on the traits of neurodiversity rather than rigid labels. Terminology can be limiting, and lived experiences differ greatly between individuals. A more flexible, needs-based approach ensures a better experience for all.

Expand Your Knowledge: The UDL Guidelines – A framework to improve and optimise learning based on scientific insights into how humans learn

3. Safety First

Psychological safety starts with leadership. Employees should feel safe to self-identify and discuss their needs without being asked. Leaders who model vulnerability and share their own experiences with neurodivergence help foster an open and accepting culture. 

Expand Your Knowledge: WithYouWithMe – Research, benchmarks and recommendations for enabling diversity, equity and inclusion

4. Cater for Choice

Turns out, one size does NOT fit all. Who’d’ve thought? Providing multiple ways to submit, digest, and interact with content – from voice notes to alternative text formats – enhances accessibility and personalisation. Choice isn’t just about inclusion, it’s about empowering people to engage in ways that work for them.

Expand Your Knowledge: Making Content Accessible to a Neurodivergent Audience – A guide for technical writers

5. Show Change, See Trust

Audiences need to see that organisations are actively taking steps toward inclusivity. How, we hear you ask? Accessibility audits of channels and formats help identify areas for improvement. Clear communication about changes builds trust and reinforces belonging. 

Expand Your Knowledge: Creative Differences – A handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the creative industries by Universal Music

6. Make Room for Innovation

Neurodivergent individuals bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills. But poorly designed environments can be barriers to success. Using inclusive design principles – such as limiting sensory triggers – creates spaces where innovation thrives. 

Expand Your Knowledge: Eventwell – Event services that prioritise attendee welfare, neuroinclusion, and mental wellbeing

7. Foster Familiarity

New environments can be overwhelming. Pre-event meetups, step-by-step guides, and clearly identified event guides help reduce anxiety and create a sense of belonging before an event even begins. Familiarity leads to better participation and engagement. 

Expand Your Knowledge: The Quietest Places In The World – Quiet spots in the loudest cities

8. Commit to Consistency

Inclusivity isn’t a one-time effort. It must be built into your brand’s DNA. Standard practices like captioning are a good start, but what about text-to-speech options, colour palettes, and UX design? Establish non-negotiables for accessibility and challenge the norm. 

Expand Your Knowledge: One Idea Per Line – A guide to making easy read resources by Autistic Self Advocacy Network

9. Embrace Empathy, Stay Curious

Neurodiversity is an evolving field, and even the experts don’t have all the answers. Encouraging education and open conversations without judgment leads to stronger, more inclusive workplaces. Top tip: Reverse mentorship programmes can help create a culture of continuous learning. 

Expand Your Knowledge: An Event Professional’s Guide to NeuroInclusion – The Neu Project is a global community for neurodivergent communities

10. Get Experimental

There’s no single blueprint for inclusivity. Pilot initiatives, internal focus groups, and ERG collaborations help refine approaches and drive engagement. Trialling new ideas invites contribution, fosters innovation, and strengthens commitment to inclusion. 

Expand Your Knowledge: The Valuable 500 Standards – Partnership of 500 Companies, unified in accelerating disability inclusion through business

Inclusive design is about unlocking creativity, innovation, and engagement for all. By rethinking how we communicate and create experiences, we can break down barriers and build a future where neurodivergence isn’t just accommodated, but celebrated. 

So the question is: How will you tailor your next campaign, event, or workplace experience to truly include different thinkers?