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Our study explored the preferences, needs, and challenges faced by autistic children when engaging with public playgrounds. Drawing on these insights, we developed a set of evidence-based design guidelines to support neurodiverse-inclusive playgrounds through an autism-friendly, attuned co-creation methodology.
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Target audience
Urban designers, policy makers, and autism organizations.
The problem
Public playgrounds often overlook the diverse needs of autistic children, limiting their opportunities for play, social interaction, and inclusion — and preventing them from accessing the benefits that outdoor play offers. These barriers are compounded by the challenges of involving autistic children in co-creation processes and the lack of methodologies tailored to their needs. As a result, their voices are excluded from decision-making, leaving their needs and visions underrepresented in the design of public spaces.
What we did and why
Through an innovative performative co-creation methodology that enabled autistic children to express their play preferences through interaction rather than speech or writing, we carried out a participatory process with autistic children and their families in the city of Barcelona. We translated their insights into design guidelines for neurodiverse-inclusive playgrounds, while underscoring the importance of autism-friendly, attuned co-creation methodologies in inclusive design practice
Our study’s contribution
We developed and applied an inclusive methodology that centers the voices of autistic children in playground design. Specifically, we:
• Created a participatory method enabling autistic children to express preferences through non-verbal interaction.
• Produced evidence-based design guidelines for neuro-inclusive playgrounds.
• Demonstrated how autism-friendly co-creation enhances neurodiverse representation in urban design.
• Promoted more just, inclusive public spaces by involving groups traditionally excluded from decision-making.
Impacts for city policy and practice
We provide evidence to inform urban policies that advance inclusion and health equity for neurodiverse populations. We urge city policymakers and practitioners to:
• Integrate autism-friendly, participatory design methods into planning frameworks.
• Mandate the engagement of neurodiverse children and families in public space projects.
• Apply design guidelines that address sensory accessibility and social inclusion.
• Embed inclusive co-creation as a standard practice to shape equitable, health-promoting urban environments
Further information
Full research article:
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