Around 15–20% of people are estimated to be neurodivergent. That means almost all environments are already being used by people with different attention styles, sensory profiles, communication needs, processing speeds and executive function patterns. Neuroinclusion is not about creating something “special” for a few people. It is about designing environments that can support a wider range of brains to function well.

That is exactly what the EASE framework is for. EASE stands for Externalise, Anchor, Simplify, Energise. It is a practical way of reducing friction in an environment so that people are not forced to rely so heavily on working memory, constant self-regulation, ambiguity tolerance or sheer effort. The aim is not to change the person. It is to shape the conditions around them so that thinking, starting, focusing and following through become easier. So what does it mean?

Externalise

A lot of what we’re expected to do relies on keeping track of multiple things at once – what needs doing, when it’s due, what the next step is, what’s already been done, and how it all fits together.

That means constantly accessing and updating information in real time. And if it’s not visible, it’s much harder to hold onto for neurodivergent brains in particular – out of sight often becomes out of mind.

You’ll recognise it as:

• knowing there’s something you need to do, but not being able to bring it to mind
• losing track of time 
• forgetting appointments or tasks
• losing items or forgetting where things are

Externalising means moving that information out of your head and into the environment:

• Make tasks, timelines, and priorities visible
• Use reminders, calendars, timers, and prompts
• Break things into clear, trackable steps
• Make it obvious what’s now, next, and later
• Have somewhere to write down ideas so you can focus on the task at hand

When information is visible, it’s much easier to access and act on

Anchor

It’s very hard to think clearly when your environment is working against you.

Too much noise, unclear expectations, constant interruptions, unpredictable changes – all of that adds pressure. The brain is trying to process what’s in front of it and regulate at the same time.

For many neurodivergent people, that load can build more quickly. Some may be more sensitive to sensory input, others to emotional or social pressure, and others to uncertainty or change. When that builds, it’s much harder to stay focused, make decisions, or follow something through because focus shifts to what is dysregulating and away from the task.

You’ll recognise it as:

• feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated or anxious
• struggling to concentrate when there’s too much going on
• hesitating to start because you’re not quite sure what’s expected

Anchoring creates stability – both around you and within the task itself.

• Reduce unnecessary noise, interruptions, and sensory load
• Be clear and consistent about expectations
• Create structure, rhythm, and predictable next steps
• Consider ways of reducing stress – changing the environment, introducing breathing techniques or mindfulness

When the environment is calmer and clearer, it’s much easier to focus and follow through

Simplify

Sometimes it’s not the task that’s difficult – it’s everything wrapped around it.

Multiple steps, too many tools, unclear processes, constant switching, too much choice… all of that increases the amount of information the brain has to organise and sequence, often leading to overwhelm, avoidance or procrastination.

You’ll recognise it as:

• not knowing where to start
• avoiding certain tasks
• procrastinating or feeling overwhelmed with the amount to do
• feeling unable to prioritise where to start

Simplifying reduces the number of moving parts.

• Cut unnecessary steps or avoid holding information in multiple places
• Reduce tools, tabs, and decision points
• Make processes clear and repeatable
• Consider where automation and routine can help
• Reduce choice where possible

The fewer moving parts, the easier it is to get going and keep going

Energise

Getting started isn’t just about effort – it’s about how something feels.

If a task feels flat, repetitive, or too open-ended, it’s much harder to engage with. If it feels urgent, interesting, or meaningful, it’s much easier to begin.

You’ll recognise it as:

• putting something off even though it matters
• suddenly being able to do it when there’s a deadline
• finding some things easy to start and others impossible
• prioritising things you enjoy and ignoring important things you don’t

Energising is about building in momentum.

• Add time boundaries or urgency on small sections of the task
• Introduce variety or movement – change environment, walk etc.
• Introduce rewards for sections of the task completed
• Link the task to things you are passionate about
• Add things that are new or different

When something feels easier to engage with, it’s easier to start – and continue