Neurodiverse-Friendly and Supportive Tech

Tools for Empowerment

 

MindJam occasionally works with the Google Accessibility Discovery Centre (ADC), a space dedicated to understanding diverse user needs and showcasing transformative assistive technologies. The ADC emphasizes inclusive user research, ensuring that the perspectives of neurodivergent and disabled users are integral to the development of accessible products. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to empowering individuals through technology that is designed with everyone in mind.

Technology can be a powerful ally for neurodivergent young people, offering tools that help with organisation, communication, focus, and sensory regulation. Here are some examples of neurodiverse-friendly apps and extensions, including those that align with the principles and tools often explored at Google’s ADC:

Organisation and Executive Functioning Support

    • Many neurodivergent individuals find managing tasks, time, and information challenging. These tools can help bring structure and reduce cognitive load.

      Todoist
      A powerful task management app that helps users organise projects, set reminders, create recurring tasks, and prioritise work. Available on web browsers, Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
      Access: https://todoist.com

      Google Keep
      A simple note-taking app that lets users create notes, checklists, voice memos, images and reminders. It integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace and is available on Android, iOS, and the web.
      Access: https://keep.google.com or open Google Keep from your Google Apps menu when signed into a Google account.

      Notion
      A highly customisable all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases and planning. Its flexibility allows neurodivergent individuals to tailor it to their own organisational style using templates, colour coding and visual layouts.
      Access: https://www.notion.so

      Focus Keeper
      A Pomodoro timer app that encourages focused work sessions followed by regular breaks to improve concentration and reduce burnout.
      Access: https://focuskeeper.co

      Forest
      A gamified focus app that grows virtual trees while users stay off distracting apps, making it easier to maintain attention. Available on Android, iOS and as a browser extension.
      Access: https://www.forestapp.cc

      Goblin Tools
      A free suite of AI-powered tools designed specifically with neurodivergent users in mind. It helps break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, estimate how long activities might take, simplify or change the tone of writing, and organise everyday activities.
      Access: https://goblin.tools

Reading and Writing Support

    • For those with dyslexia or other learning differences, technology can bridge gaps in literacy and comprehension.

      NaturalReader Online
      Converts digital text into natural-sounding speech, making documents, PDFs and webpages easier to understand. Available through any web browser, with desktop and mobile apps also available.
      Access: https://www.naturalreaders.com

      Read&Write by Texthelp
      A comprehensive literacy support toolbar available for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Windows and Mac. Features include text-to-speech, word prediction, screen masking, dictionaries, picture dictionaries and voice typing. Widely used in schools and universities.
      Access: https://www.texthelp.com/products/read-and-write/

      Google Docs Voice Typing
      Built directly into Google Docs, Voice Typing allows users to dictate documents using speech recognition.

      To access:

      • Open a Google Doc.
      • Select Tools > Voice typing.
      • Click the microphone icon and begin speaking.

      Requires the Google Chrome browser for best performance.

      Grammarly
      Provides real-time suggestions for grammar, spelling, punctuation and writing clarity. Available as a browser extension, desktop app and Microsoft Office add-in.
      Access: https://www.grammarly.com

    Sensory Regulation and Focus

    • Technology can help create a more comfortable digital environment and manage sensory input.

      Screen Masking (Read&Write)
      Read&Write includes Screen Masking, allowing users to apply coloured overlays to reduce visual stress, minimise glare and improve reading comfort. This feature can be enabled directly from the Read&Write toolbar.

      uBlock Origin
      A free browser extension that removes advertisements and unnecessary page clutter, helping reduce distractions and sensory overload while browsing.

      Available for:

      • Google Chrome
      • Microsoft Edge
      • Firefox

      Access: https://ublockorigin.com

      Endel
      Uses AI to generate personalised soundscapes that support focus, relaxation and sleep. Available for iOS, Android, Mac and desktop browsers.
      Access: https://endel.io

      White Noise Lite
      Provides calming background sounds such as rain, fans and ocean waves to improve concentration or create a relaxing sensory environment. Available on Android and iOS app stores.

      Communication and Social Interaction

      • Technology can provide alternative communication methods and support social understanding.

        Cboard
        A free Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) platform that uses symbols and speech synthesis to support communication. It works directly in a web browser and has Android and iOS apps.
        Access: https://www.cboard.io

        Proloquo2Go
        A professional AAC app designed primarily for iPad and iPhone users who benefit from symbol-supported communication.
        Access: https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go

        The Google Accessibility Discovery Centre also showcases Project Relate, an Android app that uses personalised speech recognition to help people with non-standard speech communicate more effectively.

        Access: https://sites.research.google/relate/

        Google Meet Multi-pin

        Google Meet allows users to pin multiple participants during meetings, making it easier to follow interpreters, presenters or visual cues.

        To use:

        • Join a Google Meet.
        • Hover over participants.
        • Select Pin for multiple participants (feature availability depends on account type).

        Access Google Meet at: https://meet.google.com

        Lookout (Android)
        Google’s AI-powered accessibility app helps people who are blind or have low vision identify objects, read documents, recognise products and describe surroundings using a smartphone camera.

        Available free from the Google Play Store.

        Learn more: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/9031274

        General Accessibility Features

        • Many operating systems and browsers include built-in accessibility features that benefit neurodivergent individuals. Google’s Accessibility Discovery Centre showcases many of these tools.

          Live Caption (Android & Chrome)

          Automatically generates captions for videos, podcasts, phone calls and other audio.

          To enable on Android:

          • Open Settings > Accessibility > Live Caption

          To enable in Chrome:

          • Go to Settings > Accessibility
          • Turn on Live Caption

          Learn more:
          https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/10538231

          Zoom

          Most browsers and operating systems allow users to enlarge webpages and applications.

          Keyboard shortcuts:

          • Windows: Ctrl + Plus (+) or Ctrl + Mouse Wheel
          • Mac: Command + Plus (+)

          Browser zoom can also be found under the browser’s Settings menu.

          Built-in Screen Readers

          TalkBack (Android) reads screen content aloud and supports gesture navigation.

          Enable:
          Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack

          Learn more:
          https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6283677

          Select-to-Speak (Chromebook & Android) allows users to highlight text and have it read aloud.

          Chromebook:
          Settings > Accessibility > Text-to-Speech > Select-to-Speak

          Learn more:
          https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9032490

          By integrating these neurodiverse-friendly tools, MindJam aims to help young people discover personalised technological solutions that enhance learning, communication and wellbeing. These resources complement the inclusive innovation championed by the Google Accessibility Discovery Centre, empowering users to find approaches that work best for their individual strengths and needs.

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