Barriers to walking – Neurodiversity

More than just a walk

Last month we started a series of blogs on access barriers to walking.

The focus was Alzheimer’s and we shared Danny’s story who has early onset dementia.

This month's focus: Neurodivergence

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

In support of this we want to highlight the challenges experienced by those with autism and ADHD.

Understanding Neurodiversity

It’s important to recognise that neurodiversity exists on a spectrum. No two neurodivergent individuals will have identical experiences or challenges.

It’s said in the autism community that ‘if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.’

This applies to all forms of neurodiversity, and reminds us of its uniqueness.

We’ll explore some common challenges below. Although it’s important to note that the neurodiverse experience is very individual. What might be overwhelming for one might be manageable or even enjoyable for another.

Sensory Overload

Sensory overload can cause great distress, anxiety and confusion.

It occurs when the brain becomes bombarded with information. This can make it difficult to filter and understand messages.

Many people with autism and related neurodiverse conditions experience sensory overload.

It can make the world and the everyday painful, terrifying and intensely uncomfortable.

This short on You Tube aims to give insight into the impact sensory overload can have.

Those with neurodiversity can struggle outside of the certainty and safety of what is familiar.

Sensory overload can affect all the senses for an individual or it can affect just one or two.

It can be a large contributing factor to neurodivergent people being able to enjoy a walk.

The Sensory Experience: Sight, sound and smell

Outside, particularly in more urban areas there can be a lot of activity.

There are things we see, hear or touch everyday. Things that are always or often there, things we don’t always even notice. All these and more, can feel as though they are hurtling at great speed in the midst of sensory overload.

It can be hard to isolate what the senses see, hear, touch, taste or smell from the information received by the brain.

Below are examples of what the senses can experience, and the potential effects of these.

We have focused on sight, sound and smell. This is because our case studies highlighted these as the most impactful on a walk.

The Urban Environment

For many neurodivergent individuals, navigating urban spaces presents various challenges. The unpredictability of the city environment can trigger anxiety and overwhelm. The very idea of going outside can cause panic.

Some common urban challenges include:

Navigation difficulties: Inconsistent and insufficient signage can make finding their way stressful
Road crossing: Crossing spots aren’t always clearly marked. Individuals might take longer routes to find safe crossing points
Pavement conditions: Narrow or uneven pavements can cause social anxiety when passing others
Sensory overload: Traffic, crowds, lights, and unpredictable or unforeseen conditions all contribute

Other Challenges

Beyond urban settings, neurodivergent individuals may face various challenges when venturing outdoors:

Unpredictability: Weather changes, unexpected encounters, or alterations to planned routes.
Anxiety in new environments: Unfamiliar walking routes or outdoor spaces can trigger anxiety
Communication barriers: Clear, direct communication is essential for neurodivergent individuals. Many spaces lack these.
Physical coordination: Some neurodivergent individuals have difficulty with motor coordination and spatial awareness. This can make physical activity daunting.
Cognitive overwhelm: Several tasks or instructions at once can cause cognitive fatigue
Difficulty with transitions: Moving between different environments can be stressful without clear preparation.

It’s important to appreciate that neurodiversity varies from person to person. There may be similarities, but how the brain manages neurodiversity is very individual.

The National Autistic Society and ADHD UK offer further information, resources and support.

More than just a walk

For our beneficiaries with autism and ADHD, their weekly walks are invaluable. They offer consistency, routine and familiarity.

Our Move Mate Volunteers are the calmness, reassurance and company needed to enjoy a walk.

What makes the Move Mates approach so effective for neurodivergent people?

Consistency: Regular walks with the same companion
Patience: Understanding of the importance of processing time, thought and careful planning
Personalisation: Considered routes to limit sensory challenges
Flexibility: Understanding that some days might be more challenging than others
Clear communication: Direct, explicit information about routes and expectations
Acceptance: Creating a safe environment accepting of any self-regulating behaviours