Designing Neurodivergent Outdoor Spaces

September 29, 2025

Poppy Pembleton

Designing an outdoor space can be a deeply personal and creative process, but if there’s someone in your life with neurodivergent needs it’s especially important to consider how that space will feel to them, and how it can support their specific needs.

Whether you’re wanting to create a family garden or a communal outdoor space, thoughtful planning can make the difference between a space that feels overwhelming and one that offers comfort, clarity, and joy.

There’s been a great deal of research into how green spaces benefit people with ADHD and autism and I’ve been digging into some of it myself.

With diagnosis rates rising among both children and adults, now is the perfect time to rethink how your outdoor spaces can better support everyone in your life.

Studies show…

A large study in the United States asked parents to rate how different after‑school and weekend activities affected their children’s ADHD symptoms. Outdoor activities in natural settings led to significantly greater reduction of symptoms than indoor ones. Without the overstimulation and oppressive nature of indoor settings, children were calmer and attention spans were longer. Interestingly, a Danish study found that lower levels of residential green space around homes in early childhood are associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with ADHD.

Another study conducted by the BREATHE project in Barcelona studied children of ages 7-10 and their contact with green spaces and beaches around their homes (naming this blue/green exposure). They found associations between more green/blue exposure and lower behavioural difficulties – children had less behavioural and attention issues, could regulate emotions better and had less problems interacting within their peer group.

It’s a personal experience

First hand accounts from many across the neurodivergent community report that gardens offer a sense of calm, regulation and responsibility. Sensory gardens are used in some therapeutic settings for people of all ages showing that the correct kind of sensory stimulation is powerfully soothing and engaging.

It is however important to consider that sensory issues can go both ways. Whilst careful planning of noise and space can be a massive benefit, unpredictable stimuli, an outdoor space which is difficult to navigate or a garden lacking refuge spaces can create additional stress. For autism especially, structure and predictability are both important – open spaces are great but safe spaces and clear pathways are important to consider.

How gardens may help those with neurodivergent needs

Attention Restoration: Nature seems to rest parts of attention/executive control that are under strain indoors or in overstimulating environments.
Sensory Regulation: Natural environments often provide more gradual sensory stimuli which can allow neurodivergent people to self‑regulate sensory overload more easily.
Physical Activity: Being outdoors encourages movement, which has many benefits down the line.
Emotional Wellbeing: Nature reduces anxiety and generally improves mood. Gardens give spaces of refuge, calm, predictable sensory input.

Results of numerous studies show that gardens and spaces within nature really do offer strong benefits for neurodiverse individuals. Attention, emotional regulation, engagement and cognitive function experience positive effects.

Where to start

If you’re looking to plan a garden build and don’t know where to start, we can guide you through the full process.

It’s important to involve neurodivergent individuals from your very first consultation with us at White Mosaic. Ask the big questions – what makes them feel safe? What smells, sounds or textures are overwhelming? Are enclosed spaces best or open areas?

During our design process, we can take your lead on how we tackle all the senses. We can include quiet zones, tactile features and visual variety to create a positive sensory experience. Running water, smooth stones, and soft, natural colours may seem like obvious choices to promote calm—but everyone is different. Collaborating from the outset ensures the design process remains as stress-free as possible.

Structure and uniformity can majorly reduce anxiety and enhance engagement across the spectrum. Defining clear areas for different activities and creating visual cues such as coloured paving or symbols may be extremely beneficial.

Most importantly it’s vital to prioritise accessibility and comfort and it’s easy to forget that accessibility goes behind wheelchair access. Something as simple as a shaded area can provide relief from sun and sensory fatigue. Through flexibility, inclusivity, and empathy, we can create outdoor spaces that are not only welcoming, but deeply beneficial not only for neurodivergent individuals but everyone who steps inside.

Take a look at our case studies for more garden design inspiration.