Neuroinclusive Interior Design

Designing spaces that accommodate neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, poses a significant challenge due to varying sensory needs and the often-rigid nature of interior spaces. Design may overlook the unique requirements of neurodiverse populations, resulting in spaces that are overwhelming or inaccessible. Interior spaces accommodating various events require adaptable solutions to support these individuals and their families. Collaborative efforts between health and design professionals with the community are critical. Presented through a health, design and lived experience lens, this session will identify a range of Interior Design frameworks that advocate for a sense of health and well-being for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. An overview of design strategies to meet these needs in sensory friendly and flexible ways will promote a sense of belonging in different types of spaces.

Matthew Heckendorn, Registered Architect, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

President at Heckendorn Shiles Architects, Adjunct Professor Drexel University

Heckendorn Shiles Architects

Matthew A. Heckendorn, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB is President of Heckendorn Shiles Architects. Matt’s understanding of Neurodiversity spans parental and professional experience. Matt has designed many projects serving neurodiverse individuals, included both public and quasi-public spaces, independent K-12 schools, pre-school environments, campus plans, occupational spaces, and a summer camp. Matt has served his profession and community as a member and/or lecturer at the American Institute of Architects, the Urban Land Institute, the United States Green Building Council, the Haverford Township Planning Commission, University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, as well as serving as an adjunct professor at Drexel University.

Wendy Ross, MD, Fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics

Director, Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity

Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity

Wendy. J. Ross, MD, FAAP is the Inaugural Director of Jefferson’s Center for Autism and Neurodiversity. She graduated from Mt Sinai School of Medicine and completed Pediatrics residency at Yale and Developmental Pediatrics fellowship at Harvard. She started the first autism air travel program, upon which legislation was based and for which she was named a top 10 CNN Hero. She has worked with sporting venues, museums, and healthcare enterprises to make them places of belonging for the neurodivergent population. She developed interdisciplinary courses at Jefferson University combining design and health with community engagement and speaks internationally on the topic.

Rachel Updegrove, WELL AP, AIA Associate Member

Architectural Designer and Laboratory Planner

HERA laboratory planners & Thomas Jefferson University – East Falls

Rachel is an autistic woman, adjunct faculty, and lab planner who advocates for neuro-inclusion at all her places of work, so that neurodivergents, students, faculty, designers, and scientists are exposed to more neurodivergent culture and thinking. As a neurodivergent woman, she has spoken and advocated for and with neurodivergent people on regional and global AEC stages, encouraging designers to think beyond stereotypes and consider the needs of people changing.

Severino Alfonso, Registered Architect (European Union)

Assistant Professor, Interior Design & Architecture

Thomas Jefferson University

Severino Alfonso, Assistant Professor, College of Architecture and the Built Environment, TJU; co-directs the Synesthetic Research and Design Lab, where he partners with self-advocacy communities to build knowledge around all-inclusive spatial experiences. His work has been exhibited in venues such as the Venice Biennial, the Trajan Market Museum in Rome, the Municipal Theater of Piraeus in Athens, and the IE Creativity Center in Segovia. He holds an MSAAD from Columbia University in NYC and two MS from the ETSA Madrid and is a PhD Candidate at TJU researching the effects of interactive art and embodied therapeutic environments on Autistic Adolescents.

This content will not be available until 06/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT)