How Digital Twins Are Transforming Public Spaces for Neurodivergent Visitors

Public spaces are meant for everyone, yet for neurodivergent visitors they can often feel intimidating and overwhelming. Crowded museums, noisy shopping centres and unfamiliar leisure complexes can trigger intense anxiety or sensory overload. The good news is that emerging technology like digital twins and virtual walkthroughs are helping to bridge this gap. By providing an interactive virtual replica of venues, digital twins are empowering neurodivergent individuals (and their families or carers) to explore and familiarise themselves with public venues before they ever step inside, reducing stress and making outings more accessible and enjoyable.

The Growing Need for Neurodivergent-Friendly Venues

Neurodivergent people (including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other differences) form a significant part of the UK population. Recent estimates show that around 15% of the UK population is neurodivergent, meaning their brains function differently in areas like sensory processing, communication or learning. Within that, more than 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, roughly 700,000 children and adults in the UK. ADHD affects a further 3-4% of adults (about 1.9–2.6 million people) In other words, millions of Britons process the world in unique ways, and many of them have “hidden disabilities” not immediately obvious to others. In fact, only 8% of disabled people use a wheelchair, while around 80% have invisible impairments like autism or cognitive differences.

For these individuals, everyday public environments can present outsized challenges. Research suggests that up to half of all autistic people experience high levels of anxiety on a regular basis, often exacerbated by unpredictable social and sensory situations. One study on sensory experiences found that many autistic adults find elements of the built environment extremely stressful or uncomfortable, with sensory overstimulation (“sensory overload”) leading to heightened anxiety, fatigue and distress. In short, aspects of public venues that neurotypical visitors take in stride – bright lights, loud sounds, crowds, complex layouts can be overwhelming or even disabling for neurodivergent visitors. The root issue is not the person’s neurodivergence itself, but the friction that occurs when a neurodivergent person navigates a world designed by and for neurotypical minds. As the neurodiversity movement points out, many barriers neurodivergent people face “are not caused by ‘something wrong’ in the brain, but reflect the friction... when a neurodivergent person moves through a neurotypical world”. The onus is therefore on society – including operators of public venues – to reduce those barriers by making spaces more accommodating.

Neurodiversity by the numbers (UK):

~15% of people are neurodivergent (have a cognitive difference such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.)
700,000+ individuals are autistic (over 1 in 100), with diagnoses rising rapidly in recent decades.
Up to 50% of autistic people report experiencing severe anxiety regularly. Many find public environments challenging due to sensory and social factors.
80% of disabilities are invisible – meaning many visitors have non-obvious needs (e.g. sensory sensitivities) that venues must proactively consider.

These figures underline a clear message: there is a large community of potential visitors who have different needs and expectations for accessibility. As public awareness grows, so do expectations that museums, galleries, entertainment venues and shopping centres will cater to cognitive and sensory differences just as they do for physical disabilities. Government leaders and city councils are increasingly prioritising inclusive design in public spaces, and venue operators are looking for innovative ways to welcome neurodivergent customers. This is where digital twin technology enters the story as a transformative tool.

Anxiety, Uncertainty and Sensory Overload in Public Spaces

For many neurodivergent individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum a major source of stress in visiting a new place is uncertainty. Not knowing what a venue will look, sound or feel like can create intense anxiety well before the visit. Will the lighting be harsh? How crowded and noisy will it be? Are there quiet corners to retreat to if it gets too much? Where are the exits, toilets, or less busy areas? These unknowns can make the difference between an enjoyable outing and a overwhelming ordeal.

Studies have identified “lack of information, unfamiliarity, and uncertainty” as key factors that can make public places disabling for autistic adults. In other words, unpredictability is the enemy. Autistic people often cope by relying on routine and knowing what to expect; a novel environment full of surprises runs counter to that coping strategy. It’s no surprise then that many autistic people and families prefer to prepare in advance before visiting shops, museums or attractions, as it significantly reduces their level of anxiety. Simply having access to information like maps, photos and clear guides can help visitors manage expectations, reduce anxiety and plan ahead. The National Autistic Society notes that “advance information can be very important for autistic visitors”, enabling them to better manage anxieties by suitably preparing before their visit.

Some common challenges neurodivergent visitors face in typical public venues include:

Sensory overload: Loud background music, PA announcements, crowded atriums, flashing displays or bright lights can bombard senses. 93% of autistic adults report sensory hyper-sensitivity in some form. So environments like a busy shopping centre or a leisure complex arcade can be overwhelming.
Complex layouts and way finding: Large venues like museums or galleries can be confusing to navigate without clear signage. Not knowing where one is or how to exit quickly can spike anxiety. Knowing locations of toilets, exits or quiet rooms in advance is critical to managing stress.
Fear of the unknown: Every new venue has its unwritten rules and social expectations. For someone who finds new social situations stressful, walking into the unknown can be paralysing. Even features like security checks or ticketing procedures can cause worry if unexpected.
Lack of escape options: Neurodivergent visitors may need a quick escape or a break in a calm space if they start feeling overwhelmed. If they aren’t sure such options exist (e.g. a designated quiet room or bench in a low-traffic area), the prospect of “no way out” can deter them from visiting at all. Predictability and the assurance of safe zones are vital.

It’s telling that when information that reassures visitors their needs will be met is not available, many will simply cancel their plans. In a recent access survey, a remarkable 92% of disabled people (including those with hidden disabilities) reported that they seek out access information before visiting a venue – primarily on the venue’s own website. If they do not find adequate information, they will often decide not to visit. This statistic speaks volumes: the neurodivergent community and those with other access needs actively research and plan ahead to avoid unpleasant surprises. They are effectively saying to venues: “Help us help you – give us the info we need to comfortably visit your establishment.”

Public venues have begun to heed this call. Many museums and attractions in the UK now publish “visual stories” or detailed visitor guides for autistic guests, outlining what to expect on a visit. For example, the British Museum offers a downloadable guide with photos showing the interior and exhibits to set expectations and London Zoo provides a visual story highlighting aspects that might be challenging for autistic visitors (like which areas can be noisy). These tools are part of a broader push toward autism-friendly venues. However, static photos and written descriptions have limitations. This is where digital twins and virtual walkthroughs represent the next leap forward in accessibility, turning information into an interactive, immersive pre-visit experience.

Virtual Walkthroughs: Visiting Before You Visit

Digital twin technology allows anyone to virtually walk through a real venue from the comfort of home. A digital twin is essentially a highly accurate virtual replica of a physical space, created with 3D scanning, panoramic imagery or architectural data. When accessed on a computer, tablet, or VR headset, it feels like a Google Street View of the inside of a venue, you can navigate through rooms and hallways, look around 360°, and get a true sense of the environment’s layout and appearance. For neurodivergent visitors, this is a game-changer in accessibility. It means they can familiarise themselves with a venue’s every nook and cranny before ever setting foot inside.

Consider how empowering this is for an autistic individual who gets anxious in new settings. Instead of walking in blind on the day of their visit, they can spend days or weeks prior calmly exploring a virtual version of, say, a museum or arena at their own pace. They can practice moving through the entrance, navigating to each gallery or area, and locate important facilities ahead of time. If certain spaces in the virtual tour appear too narrow or visually intense, they can make note to avoid those. They can seek out where quiet spaces or less stimulating corners might be – for instance, discovering an out-of-the-way bench in a gallery or a lounge on the second floor that might be less crowded. By the time the actual visit comes, the environment feels familiar rather than completely unknown. As one autism accessibility guide emphasises, “the more [autistic visitors] know about what to expect... the more likely their stress will be relieved.”

Virtual walkthroughs essentially provide a “rehearsal” for the real visit. Neurodivergent users can explore multiple times, plan different routes, and even simulate various scenarios. For example, a family with a neurodivergent child could use a digital twin of a science museum to plan a visit that skips the noisy cafeteria (having seen in the virtual tour that it echoes loudly) and instead locate a quieter spot for lunch. They could identify the nearest toilets and map a path from each exhibit hall, ensuring there are no surprises. Carers can also use the virtual model to decide what sensory aids to bring – e.g., if the walkthrough shows a very bright lighting in one area, they might pack tinted glasses or a cap for the child; if it shows a particularly echoing hallway, they know noise-cancelling headphones might be needed at that spot.

The benefits of these pre-visit virtual experiences for neurodivergent visitors are multi-fold:

Reduced Pre-Visit Anxiety: Much of the anxiety comes from uncertainty. Exploring a digital twin replaces unknowns with knowledge. Visitors gain confidence from knowing exactly what the venue looks like inside, how big rooms are, where the exits and facilities lie. This managed expectation dramatically lowers anxiety. As one museum guide notes, providing robust information (maps, photos, virtual tours) in advance “will manage expectations, reduce anxiety and help with planning.”
Familiarity with Layout and Sensory Environment: Virtual walkthroughs let users gauge the sensory landscape. They can observe if a gallery is dim or bright, what the flooring and acoustics might be like, where open atriums (louder) or small rooms (quieter) are located. This familiarity means fewer surprises for sensory processing, the visitor might think, “I remember this room had a high ceiling and might be echoey, I’m prepared for that.” Familiarity breeds a sense of control.
Better Planning for Routes and Schedules: Neurodivergent individuals and families can craft a plan for the visit that suits their needs. For instance, they may choose a path through a shopping complex that avoids the bustling food court at peak lunch hour, because the virtual tour revealed an alternate corridor through a calmer retail section. They can schedule breaks at known quiet spots. Essentially, they can personalise the experience to their comfort. This level of informed planning is a relief for carers too – it reduces the cognitive load on the day of the outing, as they’ve already scoped things out.
Ability to Safely Test and Build Tolerance: For someone who is extremely sensitive or anxious, a virtual tour provides a safe space to gradually build tolerance. They can revisit the digital twin multiple times, focus on one section at a time, and mentally rehearse coping strategies for any challenging parts. It’s akin to exposure therapy in a no-risk environment, getting used to the stimuli in virtual form, which can make the real stimuli less jarring. A parent could even role-play scenarios with a child using the virtual walkthrough (e.g., “Let’s practice walking to the lift and going to the second floor in the virtual museum”) so the child knows what to do and expect.
Empowerment and Inclusion: Perhaps most importantly, having the ability to preview and control their experience gives neurodivergent visitors a sense of empowerment. Instead of being passive recipients of whatever the environment throws at them, they become active navigators of their experience. This psychological benefit, feeling in control – can make the difference between a miserable outing and a positive one. It affirms that the venue values their comfort and inclusion enough to provide these tools.

These advantages aren’t just theoretical. Inclusive virtual exploration tools have already been deployed with success. A great example is Dublin City University’s new “Campus Explorer,” an interactive digital twin of their campus. It was explicitly designed so that “if you are new to campus, are neurodivergent, or are feeling a bit apprehensive about navigating the campus,” you can use the virtual model to get familiar with the layout and structure “before you get here.”(dcu.ie)

The digital twin brings the campus to life online and “highlights a wide range of formal and informal spaces,” allowing students to discover everything virtually and reduce first-day nerves. In a university setting this is incredibly helpful – new autistic or anxious students can tour lecture halls, the library, cafeteria and dorm areas virtually, learning the campus at their own pace. By the time they arrive in person, they already know where to go and what to expect, making the transition much smoother. This concept can be applied just as effectively to public attractions and venues across the UK.

Indeed, forward-thinking museums, galleries and entertainment venues are beginning to invest in virtual tours for accessibility. Some have 360° photo tours on their websites or social media, and others partner with platforms like Google Arts & Culture to provide interior street-view style tours. The evolution now is towards fully immersive 3D digital twins with rich detail and interactivity – not only seeing the space, but also interacting with informational hotspots, audio descriptions, and customisable views (e.g. toggling a “sensory friendly mode” that might visually mark high-noise areas on the map). While a few years ago this might have seemed cutting-edge, it’s increasingly feasible and affordable with modern scanning technology.

Inclusion as a Smart Investment (Ethical and Commercial)

Making public venues more accessible for neurodivergent visitors isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also a savvy business decision and a way to future-proof public spaces. Consider the broader picture: families with neurodivergent members, autistic adults, and others with sensory needs constitute a large customer base that is often underserved. If they find your venue accommodating, they are not only more likely to visit, but also to become loyal customers and enthusiastic ambassadors. If they find it inhospitable, they will stay away and encourage their networks to do the same.

The spending power of disabled people and their households in the UK (coined the “Purple Pound”) is enormous – estimated at over £274 billion per year. (publications.parliament.uk). In the tourism and leisure sector alone, disabled visitors contribute at least £14.6 billion annually in England on trips and days out. Within this, neurodivergent-friendly attractions have a huge opportunity: many neurodivergent individuals go out with family, friends or support networks, so winning their confidence can multiply footfall. Accessibility leads to increased visitors, revenue and reputation for venues. Put simply, inclusive design is good for business.

There is strong evidence that customers reward venues that prioritise accessibility. According to a recent survey, 71% of customers feel the hospitality and leisure industry isn’t paying enough attention to accessibility, and 53% say they won’t return to a venue if they have a difficult time with disabled access. Those are sobering numbers for any museum director or entertainment venue operator. Failing to cater to diverse needs means losing patrons. On the flip side, if a venue invests in tools like virtual walkthroughs and visibly markets itself as neurodiversity-friendly, it can tap into an eager audience. Many autism families actively share information on autism-friendly venues in parent networks and online communities; becoming known as a welcoming venue can set you apart.

Moreover, neurotypical visitors often appreciate these features too – who wouldn’t like a virtual preview of a venue before a visit? Features that assist neurodivergent people (clear maps, walkthroughs, quiet spaces) often improve the experience for all guests, contributing to overall visitor satisfaction.

There’s also a compliance angle. The UK Equality Act 2010 mandates that service providers make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure disabled customers (including those with mental or cognitive disabilities) are not disadvantaged. Providing accessible information and accommodations for neurodivergent visitors is part of meeting these duties. While a digital twin might not yet be a standard expectation under the law, the trend in regulation is toward greater emphasis on inclusive design and proactive adjustments. By embracing virtual accessibility tools now, venues and councils demonstrate leadership and get ahead of any future legal or policy requirements. It’s proactive future-proofing against a landscape where inclusion will only become more paramount.

Another point to consider is generational change. Younger generations have higher rates of diagnosed neurodivergence (due to better awareness and diagnosis), and they also carry expectations of inclusion. A teenager with autism today will be tomorrow’s adult consumer with choices about which cinemas to go to, which gyms to join, which shopping centres to frequent. Venues that start adapting now are essentially cultivating the loyalty of a growing demographic. This is especially relevant for revenue-generating public venues that rely on repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.

Finally, investing in inclusion uplifts an organisation’s brand and public image. City councils and cultural institutions that champion neuro-inclusion can rightfully promote themselves as progressive and community-oriented. In government terms, such initiatives align with social value objectives and building healthier, happier communities. Reducing the barriers that keep neurodivergent individuals from participating in public life has ripple effects, it means more citizens engaging with educational museum content, more families enjoying leisure time together, and a general message that everyone is welcome in our public spaces.

TwinSpace: Pioneering Accessible Digital Twins

One company at the forefront of this intersection between technology and inclusion is us! (TwinSpace). We are pioneering the use of digital twins to make real-world spaces accessible in virtual form. We create immersive 3D walkthroughs of venues that anyone can explore online, and we place a special focus on usability and accuracy – factors crucial for neurodivergent users. A TwinSpace virtual tour isn’t just a series of photos; it’s a faithful digital clone of the venue. Visitors can virtually walk from the lobby to the auditorium of a theatre, or from the entrance to every exhibit in a museum, getting a true feel for the space. Because we capture details down to the placement of doors, seating areas, and lighting, neurodivergent users can trust what they’re seeing to plan their visit. The interface is designed to be intuitive so that users of all ages and abilities can navigate with ease.

TwinSpace has already been working with forward-thinking venue operators to implement these virtual tours. From restaurants and shops to large public attractions, we provide the tools to showcase spaces as if you are really there. Importantly, TwinSpace’s digital twins can be accessed on multiple platforms – whether it’s a VR headset for a fully immersive experience or a simple web browser for convenience. This flexibility means a family can pull up the virtual walkthrough on a tablet at home together, or a support worker can guide a person through it step by step. The goal is to make the technology accessible and beneficial to the people who need it most. By combining technical innovation with empathy for users’ needs, TwinSpace is setting a standard for how digital twins can be leveraged to drive social inclusion.

For venue operators and councils, partnering with pioneers like TwinSpace offers a practical path to implement these solutions. Rather than developing tools in-house, they can rely on experienced providers to create high-quality virtual models of their venues. TwinSpace, for example, not only produces the 3D tours but also advises on embedding them in websites and how to highlight key accessibility information within the virtual tour (such as tagging where sensory aids are available or where quieter areas are located). This kind of partnership ensures that the investment in a digital twin truly serves the intended audience, empowering neurodivergent visitors and isn’t just a tech gimmick.

A More Inclusive Future for Public Spaces

Digital twins and virtual walkthroughs are more than just novel tech, they represent a shift in how we think about accessibility and inclusion. By harnessing these tools, public spaces across the UK can become proactively welcoming to neurodivergent individuals rather than reactively accommodating. A decade ago, an autistic person might avoid visiting a new attraction altogether for fear of the unknown. Today, with a virtual tour available, they can enter that attraction on their own terms, feeling prepared and in control. This not only improves the quality of life for neurodivergent people and their families, but it enriches our communities by allowing more people to participate in cultural, recreational, and economic life.

For government and civic leaders, championing such initiatives can be truly transformative. It signals a commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that as our cities and venues thrive, they do so in a way that leaves no one behind. It’s about turning lofty ideals of equality into concrete tools that people can use in their everyday lives. Likewise, for venue operators, embracing digital twins for accessibility is an investment in longevity: it builds goodwill, expands your audience, and positions your venue as a leader in customer experience. In an era where consumers increasingly value inclusion and social responsibility, this is a powerful differentiator.

In conclusion, digital twins are proving to be a remarkable asset in transforming public spaces for neurodivergent visitors. They reduce anxiety by replacing unknowns with knowledge, mitigate sensory challenges through virtual foresight, and enable detailed planning for those who need it. They also demonstrate that inclusion and innovation can go hand in hand. A virtual walkthrough might seem like a small convenience, but for a neurodivergent visitor it can be the deciding factor that turns a stressful outing into an enjoyable adventure. By investing in these technologies and approaches, we are not only doing right by a large and often underserved segment of our population, we are also future-proofing our public venues for a world that increasingly expects and celebrates accessibility for all. The message is clear: when we make public spaces truly accessible in both body and mind, everybody wins.

📚 References

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UK Government, Department of Education & NHS Digital. (2022). Special educational needs in England. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics
Scope UK. (2021). Disability facts and figures. Retrieved from https://www.scope.org.uk/media/disability-facts-figures
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. (n.d.). Understanding hidden disabilities. Retrieved from https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com
Design Council UK. (2021). Designing for the neurodiverse: Inclusive public space guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.designcouncil.org.uk
Firefly Autism. (n.d.). The impact of sensory processing challenges on autism. Retrieved from https://www.fireflyautism.org
Dublin City University (DCU). (2023). Campus Explorer: Virtual tours for accessibility and orientation. Retrieved from https://www.dcu.ie/campus-explorer
AccessAble & Euan’s Guide. (2020). Accessibility survey data on UK venues and visitor habits. Retrieved from https://www.accessable.co.uk and https://www.euansguide.com
VisitBritain / VisitEngland. (2019). The value of the Purple Pound: Inclusive tourism market report. Retrieved from https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/purple-pound
UK Government Legislation. (2010). Equality Act 2010. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
TwinSpace Ltd. Internal data and case studies on immersive digital walkthroughs for accessibility and inclusion. Sheffield, UK: TwinSpace.