Beyond Basic Accessibility: WCAG with a Neurodiversity Lens

Design inclusive spaces for every brain!

Webinar Video

Watch on Youtube for full transcript.

Ready to go above and beyond? In this video, we explore various Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) criteria that support neurodiversity. Together, let’s learn how conforming to WCAG helps support people who are neurodivergent navigate and understand your site or platform.

What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?

Neurodivergence refers to people whose brains develop or process information differently from what is considered “typical.” It isn’t negative. It simply means that someone approaches tasks, learning, and problem-solving in a different way.

Common neurodivergent conditions include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia (reading challenges)
• Dysgraphia (difficulty writing or interpreting handwriting)
• Dyscalculia (difficulty with numbers and math)

Digital experiences should support that diversity.

A Quick WCAG Refresher

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the primary global standards for making websites accessible to people, including those with neurodivergent conditions.

They’re organized into three conformance levels:

• A – Minimum accessibility
• AA – Most widely adopted, and often legally required (WCAG 2.1 AA is today’s common standard)
• AAA – Highest level of accessibility

WCAG is built around four foundational principles, known as POUR:

• Perceivable: Can users recognize that there is content?
• Operable: Can users use the content and components?
• Understandable: Is the information and way to navigate understandable?
• Robust: Can many users and many technologies use the content or components?

Applying WCAG Concepts to Help Neurodiverse Users

1. Use Plain, Clear Language

Language should be readable, understandable, and coded properly for assistive technology. Avoid complicated words or ambiguous syntax.

Relevant WCAG criteria:

• 3.1.1 Language of Page: Ensures screen readers announce content correctly (no robotic “English voice trying to read Spanish” moments).
• 3.1.5 Reading Level (AAA): Encourages content to be written at a basic reading level so users aren’t excluded by overly complex text.

Not sure if your language is easy to understand? Try reading it out loud. Any areas that feel awkward likely should be reviewed. Get someone unfamiliar with the topic to review it and point out unclear sections.

2. Allow Extra Time When Needed

Different brains process information at different speeds. Strict time limits can create unnecessary stress.

Relevant WCAG criteria:

• 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable: If time limits exist (like filling out a form), users must be able to extend or pause them.

Whether someone is carefully reading, managing attention challenges, or processing instructions in a different way, flexibility matters. Make sure any changes are easy to find and are clear in what they do.