Designing content for users on the autistic spectrum users

Last updated: 08 Oct 2025

Autism is an example of neurological diversity, or neurodiversity.

Autistic people each have a unique combination of strengths and challenges. It is important not to make assumptions about individuals’ skills, abilities or support needs. Many autistic people have different communication styles and preferences to non-autistic people. They may use and interpret words, tone of voice, body language and facial expressions differently, have a preference for order and structure, and may be more or less sensitive to visual or auditory content.

Here are some useful tips to ensure your communications and content are accessible for an autistic user:

Poster of tips to design content for users on the autistic spectrum. Links to poster download

Do:

  • use simple colours
  • write in plain language
  • use simple sentences and bullets
  • make buttons descriptive
  • build simple and consistent layouts

Don’t:

  • use bright contrasting colours
  • use figures of speech and idioms
  • create a wall of text
  • make buttons vague and unpredictable
  • build complex and cluttered layouts

Download our poster about designing content for autistic users

Find out more about how you can support your autistic colleagues via the links below.