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.

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 and understandable. It should also be 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. Or, get someone unfamiliar with the topic to review it and point out unclear sections.

2. Allow Extra Time and User-Adjustable Flexibility

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 easy to understand!

3. Offer Alternate Ways to Experience Content

Not everyone understands or enjoys consuming information in the same way. Offer alternatives!

Relevant WCAG criteria:

• 1.1.1 Non-text Content: All images and non-text content must have text alternatives.
• 1.2.2 Captions and 1.2.5 Audio Description: Many neurodivergent and neurotypical people absorb information better through text than video or audio.

Thankfully, many platforms have options to include alt text, transcripts, and other accessible options. Use them!

4. Keep Layouts, Content, and Navigation Consistent

Flexibility doesn’t preclude consistency. Predictability helps users understand what is on your place. By designing your product in a predictable way you reduce cognitive load. It makes sense, a person’s focus shouldn’t be on relearning your interface every time they navigate a new page.

Relevant WCAG criteria:

• 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation: Navigation should be presented using a consistent layout
• 3.2.4 Consistent Identification: Your buttons, menus, and other parts of your site should have the same consistent name.

Keeping labels, menus, nomenclature, and layouts familiar prevents distraction. This is especially important for autistic users and people with ADHD.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Motion or Sensory Overload in Your Design

Movement and flashing content aren’t just annoying: they can be overwhelming, distracting, or even physically harmful.

Relevant WCAG criteria:

• 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide: Users must be able to pause, stop, or hide motion like carousels or marquee text.
• 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold: Originally written to prevent seizures, but also helps prevent sensory overload and attention disruption.

Create calm and stable interfaces. After all, we all need a little more calm where we can find it.

6. In Forms and Other User-Submitted Content Make Errors Easy to Notice and Fix

Forms are stressful enough. Avoid errors so you don’t derail someone’s entire experience.

Relevant WCAG criteria:

• 3.3.1 Error Identification: Errors must be clearly communicated.
• 3.3.3 Error Suggestion: Users should get actionable suggestions to correct mistakes.

Clear instructions and helpful feedback reduce frustration and cognitive disruption, which can be especially important for autistic users who may struggle when routines are interrupted.