Neurodivergent Citizens in Search of Wellbeing: Addressing Barriers through Digital Means

Abstract

This paper investigates how digital technologies can support neurodivergent individuals in navigating urban environments and participating in democratic processes, drawing on in-depth interviews with neurodivergent residents of Warsaw, Poland. Participants described a range of cognitive, sensory, and communicative challenges when engaging with urban infrastructures – from navigating transit systems to accessing online public services. Many public spaces or services were found to be inaccessible or overwhelming, contributing to exclusion from civic life. At the same time, interviewees identified the transformative potential of well-designed digital interventions, such as personalized navigation aids, simplified user interfaces, and platforms that allow for asynchronous civic engagement. Framed through the lens of cognitive justice, this study highlights the need for participatory, neurodiversity-affirming approaches in the design of digital government and smart city initiatives. By centering neurodivergent perspectives, the paper contributes to the discourse on inclusive urbanism and proposes strategies that uphold the right to the city for cognitively diverse citizens.