Designing a More Inclusive Health Care Space for Neurodivergent Communities: The Honickman Center Specialty Pavilion’s Mission to Change the Status Quo

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Natasha Black, who works part-time at a ceramic studio, enjoys songwriting, fashion design, and braiding hair in her free time. She proudly identifies as autistic and appreciates when people take the time to get to know her. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 11 years old, Black didn’t always understand her behaviors and reactions back then. Now, at 29, she has developed tools and strategies to manage overwhelming situations and keep herself calm.

Despite her coping mechanisms, Black still feels anxious and misunderstood in busy and noisy health care waiting rooms and offices. This led her to express frustration with miscommunication and instances where people struggle to understand her. The average person is considered neurotypical, but an estimated 15-20% of the global population are neurodivergent, with diagnoses like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other intellectual or developmental challenges. These individuals experience the world differently, but often find that the world is not accommodating to their needs.

Recognizing the need for a more inclusive environment, Jefferson Health collaborated with physicians and designers to create the Honickman Center specialty pavilion in Philadelphia. This initiative aims to build a neurodiverse health care space that caters to a larger portion of the population. By considering the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals