Report on the housing design needs of Neurodivergent residents and residents with Learning Disabilities

The housing needs of neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities can be overlooked. This guide by The Occupational Therapy Service for the London Borough of Newham, features the council’s approach to assessing the needs of neurodivergent people in existing stock.

Developed as part of the council’s Local Plan to better understand current and future housing need, it recognises that the challenge of meeting neurodivergent and learning disability needs is real. It reports that, in Newham, the number of adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder is expected to increase by 15% between 2020 and 2040, and the number of people with learning disabilities will go up by a similar amount.

In terms of local provision, the study revealed a significant gap between current housing provision and the estimated need in Newham for adults with Learning Disabilities and those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. To address this, those involved in the project recommended the following design features that will benefit the diverse and evolving needs of neurodivergent people and those with learning disabilities, will have equal benefit for those living with dementia and other conditions that cause mobility and visual impairments in older people that can support people to age in place. They are

• Incorporate the specific design requirements, which are laid out in the Design Guide that accompanies this report, for Neurodivergent residents and those with Learning Disabilities into the Local Plan, housing design guidelines and planning requirements, particularly for social housing schemes. This should include considerations for sensory friendly design, safety features, and adaptable spaces.
• Continue strengthening partnerships between the planning department and key stakeholders such as the Integrated Health Care System, Public Health, and health and social care services to ensure that new housing developments are designed to meet the physical and support needs of Neurodivergent residents and those with Learning Disabilities. By working together, these partners can create a holistic approach to housing that considers accessibility, support services, and community integration.
• Have input from a housing occupational therapist to ensure new housing developments and major refurbishment schemes meet the physical, sensory, and behavioural needs of Neurodivergent residents and those with Learning Disabilities.
• Establish a consultation process involving Neurodivergent residents, those with Learning Disabilities and their families in designing and planning new housing developments.
• Provide housing officers, planners and developers with training on the specific housing needs of Neurodivergent residents and those with Learning Disabilities, to improve their understanding and implementation of appropriate design features.
• Increase the provision of specialist and supported housing options within the borough to reduce out-of-borough placements and better meet local needs. This could include a mix of purpose-built accommodations and adaptations to existing properties.
• Expand alternative housing models, such as the Shared Lives scheme, which can provide community-based living options within general needs housing; however, funding for adaptations to existing homes would need to be considered.

To support the implementation of this design guide, Policy H11.4 of Newham’s Submission Local Plan (2025) includes a requirement for development referable to the Mayor of London to design a proportion of social rent rooms in accordance with the recommendations of this ‘Housing design needs study’ guidance. This is featured separately here. And, as Newham progresses with its housing development plans, implementing these design principles at the outset in the design of housing can contribute to a more inclusive approach to housing design. By considering these design recommendations, Newham is working towards creating a community where all residents, including those who are neurodivergent or have learning disabilities, can thrive in their homes.