A neurodiverse-friendly space is an environment designed to accommodate diverse neurological needs, primarily by reducing sensory overload. These spaces aim to minimize bright lights, loud noises and one-size-fits-all standards.
While ASU does not have designated sensory spaces, the campuses do have some relaxation rooms that students with neurodiversity can use as safe spaces.
Tim Feller, a social sciences librarian specializing in education, said quiet spaces may not fully serve as designated sensory spaces because they do not address a person with neurodiversity's needs.
Feller said places on campus are not addressing their needs, he said it might be addressing the perception of needs from a non-neurodivergent perspective.
Percy Rodriguez, a freshman studying theater and secondary education, said it is very easy to tell who these places were designed by and if they were meant to be sensory spaces.
Rodriguez said the spaces on campus have helped them after being overwhelmed.
Here are spaces on campus that students can use as safe neurodivergent spaces.
Tempe campus
Zen Den
The Zen Den is one of the most well-known locations to take a breath on the Tempe campus. It is located in the H.B. Farmer Education Building and is designed specifically as a relaxation and safe space for students.
The room provides a calm environment where students can step away from their academic responsibilities and take time to breathe.
Windows closed with curtains, which Rodriguez said is an essential part of a sensory-friendly space, along with soft lighting that helps students regulate better.
It is also labeled as a no-homework/study zone. Hayden Jensen, a senior studying psychology and co-president of Neurodiverse Devils, said emotional regulation is not something that one can combine with being efficient and getting work done.
"As much as we like to prioritize places that help us continue working through even when we're overstimulated, those recovery places are just as important," Jensen said.
Downtown Phoenix campus
Luna Meditation Room
Students on the Downtown Phoenix campus can access the Luna Meditation Room, which is located on the lower level of The Student Center @ the Post Office.
The room is commonly used for meditation, prayer or silent study, and its calm atmosphere can make it a useful space for students who need a break from sensory stimulation.
It is equipped with hanging chairs and bean bags. It also offers students some yoga mats to practice light physical activity to help the body decompress.
Relax Room
Inside the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, on the second floor in the Student Services Suite, students can find a relax room designed to support student wellness.
The room is rather small when compared to others, but it offers a quiet environment where students can decompress between classes, play with a puzzle laid out on the table or even draw.
Half of the table in the room is filled with dozens of sticky notes with encouragement and warm regards from other visitors.
The students are encouraged to leave one to support their peers throughout the academic year. These include "You're bigger than your anxiety" and "I'm proud of you for taking a break."
West Valley campus
Zen Den
The Zen Den space at the West Valley campus functions similarly to the one in Tempe, offering a designated calm space where students can find an escape.
The room consists of two areas: The main area is a spacious lounge with light green walls and different types of seating options, including pillows, for those who prefer to sit on the floor and bowl chairs.
The smaller room located in the back is equipped with a few desks, allowing students to study without any distractions from the outside world.
Wendy Akemi Juarez, a freshman studying medical studies, said she visits the Zen Den daily. She uses the space to study and to relax because of the comfortable chairs.
"I believe that this is one of the best places for you to just wind down if you're feeling overwhelmed with anything in your life," she said.
Juarez said what contributes to her judgment is that the rooms do not have bright lights, and it is usually quiet due to low popularity among students.
Polytechnic campus
While the Polytechnic campus does not currently have designated sensory or relaxation rooms, students can still find quieter spaces across campus.
Study rooms in the Polytechnic campus Library and some academic buildings, including Santa Catalina Hall, can provide a private and quiet environment.
"We do not have enough of those kinds of spaces," Jensen said. "Having some extra capacity to better accommodate neurodivergent students would never be a bad thing."
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Senna James, Emilio Alvarado and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at dkovalen@asu.edu.
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Diana reports on ASU’s diverse community and culture for The State Press. She is pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Political Science. In addition, she is a reporter for The Cut Network and a radio host at Blaze Radio.
