Designing content for assistive technology, like screen readers, is one thing. But how do we design our websites to work for human brains that function, learn and process information differently to what’s considered typical?
With 20% of the global population estimated to be neurodiverse (including me!) we need to ensure our websites are accessible to everyone.
The answer is actually less complex than you might think – the number one recommendation is to keep it simple.
Jump straight to the 10 tips
Sensory overload
Neurodiversity encompasses a range of conditions, including memory problems, dyslexia, sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities, and issues following brain injury – not just people with autism and ADHD.
Visible and audible interruptions – from auto-playing videos, intrusive ads, and distracting design elements like tickers, clashing colours, flashing animations, automatic carousels and pop-ups – are irritating to many neurotypical users, but they can actually be painfully overwhelming for those with neurodiverse conditions, causing sensory overload.
This isn’t about personal taste – there’s actually a neurological basis for it. Humans have an automatic response to movement, rooted in evolution, known as the orienting reflex.
For someone with ADHD (whose ability to suppress unwanted stimuli is already compromised) pulling attention away from moving elements doesn’t happen automatically – it actually takes conscious effort.
And many autistic people experience hypersensitivity, which means that movement and sound are perceived more intensely and difficult to filter.
When visual noise becomes too much to manage, the real-world consequences are the same for both groups – cognitive fatigue, sensory overload, and difficulty completing tasks.
Check whether your website’s fully accessible – book an audit with me.
Cognitive load
Digital best practice for all users means designing content to minimise cognitive load.
In the context of websites, cognitive load is the total amount of mental effort required for a user to process information, navigate the interface, and complete intended tasks online.
We want to remove as much ambiguity as possible.
Websites with complicated layouts or overwhelming information are frustrating and stressful for most users to navigate, so designing for neurodiversity actually benefits everyone. It’s common sense. Here’s how to do it…
Website content design tips for neurodiversity
1. Keep it clean
Clear, uncluttered layouts help users to read more easily on a screen. Leave plenty of space around text and break up large sections of copy. Chunking information into smaller, manageable parts helps users to process it more effectively.
Also stick to sans-serif fonts and align text left, to make reading easier.
2. Speak clearly
Always use Plain English – clear, concise language – and avoid jargon. Try to avoid using idioms, metaphors/similes, cliches, euphemisms and proverbs, as these all require more brain power for neurodiverse people to ‘translate’.
Opt for calm, emotionally neutral phrasing (e.g. ‘We’ll be in touch if any information is missing’, rather than ‘If you fail to provide the correct information, your application may be rejected’.)
3. Make it scannable
Eye-tracking research consistently shows that people scan web pages for the content they need. Always use descriptive, contextual subheadings, and include elements like bulletpoints,= to break up the text and help users find the information they need more quickly.
4. Order content logically
A clear visual hierarchy is crucial for neurodivergent users – it reduces the chance of information overload and helps them to navigate your content more easily.
Those with ADHD benefit from focusing on one task at a time, so progressive disclosure can be helpful (allowing users to hide or collapse sections of content until they’re ready to engage with them).
5. Minimise motion
Moving elements like auto-playing carousels, auto-playing videos or gifs, or ticker text can overwhelm neurodiverse users, making the site difficult to use. Unexpected movement or sound can be disorienting in a way that goes beyond what neurotypical people might consider distraction.
6. Stay predictable
Consistent design patterns help reduce cognitive load, making it easier for users to navigate websites without getting lost or overwhelmed.
Predictability is key – when users can anticipate where to find information or how to interact with a site, cognitive load is reduced.
So use familiar design standards, like placing navigation menus in the same place on every page, and keeping elements like buttons, links, and icons uniform in style and placement.
7. Keep formats fresh
Maybe text isn’t the best way to deliver some of your content. Videos, infographics and diagrams can be a helpful way to present copy-heavy sections or complex concepts.
Just make sure you include comprehensive captions, subtitles, transcripts, descriptive audio and alt text, to ensure they’re all fully accessible.
8. Think about links
Reduce ambiguity, cognitive load, and unnecessary stress, by using descriptive link text that clearly communicates to the user what’s coming next.
This also improves the scannability of your content, so it’s a win-win. Here’s why you should stop using ‘click here’ on your website.
9. Manage expectations
Make it clear how long a task is likely to take. Neurodivergent users often struggle with time estimation, task initiation and anxiety about length.
For example: if your website includes an application form, or a multi-step process, clearly state at the start how long it’s likely to take to complete; if the user will need to access specific information or documents during the application, tell them before they begin so they can get everything ready; if the form times out after a period of inactivity, let them know in advance.
10. Remember, memory matters
Don’t rely on people remembering things from previous pages or steps, as neurodiverse users can struggle with working memory and attention limits. Repeat key facts whenever they’re needed.
How accessible is your website?
Hope you found this useful, and that it gave you more of an insight into the way neurodiverse users might experience your own website.
Book an audit with me to make sure everyone can comfortably use your website, even people relying on assistive technology – and widen your audience in the process.
Further reading – Why you should stop using ‘click here’ for your link text.
