Discover Synchrony's vision for the future of inclusive social spaces—where neurodivergent adults experience safety, belonging, and authentic connection through structured support, sensory-friendly environments, and community-driven design.
For far too long, neurodivergent adults have had to navigate social spaces that weren’t designed with their needs, communication styles, or experiences in mind. Traditional social environments—loud, unpredictable, unstructured, and filled with unwritten social rules—can leave many feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or misunderstood. Even well-intentioned community gatherings often focus on participation rather than belonging, leaving neurodivergent individuals on the margins of conversations rather than truly included.
Synchrony envisions a future where this changes completely. A future where social spaces are intentionally crafted to honor differences, accommodate various communication styles, and empower neurodivergent adults to build authentic relationships without pressure, fear, or judgment. This future isn’t distant—it’s one Synchrony is actively creating today.
Inclusivity has often been interpreted as simply allowing people to be present. But physical presence is not the same as emotional, social, or psychological inclusion. Synchrony believes inclusion means designing spaces where individuals feel:
• Safe to express themselves • Respected for their differences • Welcomed without having to mask their identity • Encouraged to build connections at their own pace • Supported when communication feels challenging
This definition goes beyond accommodation. It celebrates neurodivergent adults as valuable contributors to social environments—not exceptions to be managed.
One of the biggest barriers to connection is social pressure. Expectations to make small talk, respond immediately, understand humor, or maintain certain levels of eye contact can create enormous stress. Synchrony’s future social spaces intentionally minimize these pressures.
Here’s how:
Open-ended social environments can feel overwhelming. By offering guided activities, step-by-step conversation practices, and predictable formats, Synchrony removes uncertainty and builds comfort.
No one should feel forced to speak, interact, or engage before they’re ready. Synchrony’s approach allows people to warm up at their own pace, easing into connection naturally.
Written guidelines, visual reminders, and gentle facilitator support ensure that everyone understands what to expect—reducing anxiety and confusion.
In the future Synchrony envisions, social engagement becomes a choice, not a demand.
Many neurodivergent adults struggle in environments with bright lights, loud sounds, unexpected movement, or crowded settings. Synchrony imagines social spaces that respect sensory needs without judgement, including:
• Calm, controlled lighting • Sound-dampening environments • Quiet breakout areas • Comfortable seating options • Predictable sensory elements • Freedom to stim, move, or take breaks
Instead of making people “fit” the environment, Synchrony aims to shape the environment to fit the person.
A core part of Synchrony’s vision for inclusive futures is the role of trained facilitators—people who understand neurodiversity deeply and know how to create conditions for authentic connection.
In Synchrony’s ideal social spaces, facilitators:
• Model respectful communication • Help ease individuals into conversations • Support problem-solving during misunderstandings • Encourage participation without pressure • Provide structure, clarity, and reassurance • Celebrate each person’s strengths • Prevent social dynamics from becoming overwhelming
Facilitators don’t lead the group—they guide it, allowing participants to shine as the true center of the community.
One major issue neurodivergent adults face is inconsistency. Many programs or meetups are one-time events, making it hard to build trust or lasting relationships.
Synchrony’s future prioritizes consistency and continuity:
• Recurring sessions • Familiar settings • Repeating group members • Predictable routines • Long-term connection opportunities
This repetition creates comfort and allows individuals to grow socially over time, instead of being thrown into one-off situations where progress is difficult to maintain.
In Synchrony’s view, belonging develops slowly—and that is perfectly okay.
In the future, Synchrony sees technology playing a meaningful role in support, but never replacing human connection. Instead, technology can:
• Offer pre-session previews (videos, agendas, sensory expectations) • Provide social scripts or role-play exercises • Track personal goals and milestones • Facilitate communication between sessions • Create safe digital communities • Help individuals practice conversational skills
Technology becomes a bridge—not a barrier—to real-world connection.
No social space can be inclusive if it is designed without the input of the people it serves. Synchrony believes the strongest communities are shaped collaboratively, with neurodivergent adults leading the conversation.
This means:
• Asking participants what makes them feel comfortable • Incorporating feedback into program design • Allowing individuals to choose activities • Encouraging leadership roles within the community • Recognizing lived experience as expertise
The future Synchrony imagines places neurodivergent voices at the center—not the sidelines.
True inclusion means removing barriers to participation. Synchrony's long-term vision includes:
• More local community hubs • More financial accessibility • Programs for varying communication styles • Hybrid online-and-in-person options • Transportation-support strategies • Partnerships with businesses and organizations • Spaces designed for different comfort levels
Every neurodivergent adult deserves access to community, not just those who can navigate traditional systems.
In the world that Synchrony envisions:
• No one has to mask to feel accepted. • Social spaces feel safe, predictable, and welcoming. • Relationships grow naturally and authentically. • Neurodivergent adults are seen for their strengths, not their challenges. • Community is accessible, compassionate, and consistent. • Individuals feel confident, connected, and valued.
This vision is more than a dream—it is a step-by-step transformation Synchrony is already making possible through its programs, community events, and intentional approach to social wellness.
In this future, belonging is no longer something neurodivergent adults must fight for. It becomes the foundation of every social space.