Neurodivergent community living: Cohousing workshop
Building a Future for Neurodiverse integrated Communities in North America
The workshop series explores innovative approaches to neurodivergent cohousing that foster independent living and strengthen community ties, offering an detailed look at the potential for neurodivergent communities across North America. Through an in-depth examination of a successful and flourishing community in Iceland as an innovative model, we can highlight opportunities to promote inclusion, neuro-typical integration, and sustainable living through neurodivergent cohousing efforts. Participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals.
Six-Part | 90-minute Online Workshops
Next Session: Wednesdays July 16 to August 20, 2025
4:00 pm (Pacific Time) | 7:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Are you interested in taking this course? Sign up today!
Antioch University offers group rates up to 50% off the standard fee for individuals in a qualified group of 10 or more. This is available to school districts, all business sectors, non-profit organizations, and small community and family organizers. Please email continuing-education@antioch.edu to learn more.
Value and Key Outcomes: Participants will explore the latest developments shaping neurodiverse communities, including policies, programs, and societal shifts. Dissecting successful initiatives will offer guidance on fostering inclusive environments. We will discuss strategies to advocate for belonging, accessibility, and social integration. As well as collaborative learning and interactive activities that provide opportunities to connect and network with like-minded advocates, professionals, and community leaders.
This course is for all: advocates, legislators, non-profit staff, housing developers, municipal employees, architects, planners, designers, grassroots organizers, activists, urban volunteers, self-advocates & family members, and all good citizens interested in taking action on this topic. The program is particularly useful to the parents of neurodivergent children, who are at their wits end, and need a cooperative effort to mitigate the obvious endless effort necessary to care for a neurodivergent child.
By the end of the series, participants will be empowered with the tools to plan and build a sustainable community that not only supports, but uplifts neurodivergent individuals, paving the way for a more inclusive future across North America.
SESSION BREAKDOWN
Session 1| July 16, 2025
Getting started
Our primary focus is on the first critical step: building a committed team: Learn how to find and engage people interested in creating a neurodiverse community. Learn organizing and outreach strategies, collaboration techniques, and the role of neurodiverse individuals and allies in co-creating these spaces.
Session 4 | August 6, 2025
privacy in homes
The beauty of cohousing is the balance of community and privacy. Private spaces need to meet sensory and personal needs. Examine the design process that turns a house into a retreat and assists in the transition of a new living space. Discover features that accommodate the specific needs of neurodiverse residents while still being accessible and welcoming to neuro-typical family members or visitors.
Session 2 | July 23, 2025
Site feasibility
This session covers how to locate and obtain a site for your community. Learn strategies and how to approach this crucial factor in making your cohousing project a reality, while keeping costs in check. Gain insights on zoning, approvals, and building relationships with local officials, advocating for neurodiverse cohousing, and managing bureaucratic challenges along the way.
Session 5 | August 13, 2025
Funding
Securing funding can be one of the biggest hurdles, but it’s doable: This session provides a roadmap for financing the project, including exploring grants, public-private partnerships, loans, and crowdfunding campaigns. Participants will also learn how to develop a compelling financial plan to attract supporters, investors, and work with peers.
Session 3 | July 30, 2025
Specifics in common areas
Discover how to design a community that meets both functional, social, and sensory needs: Efficient design processes, from working with architects and planners to selecting features that enhance well-being and accessibility for neurodiverse residents. Explore in detail the aspects that make up a neurodivergent supportive community. This session also covers working with the allies involved, peers, that play the most important role.
Session 6 | August 20, 2025
what’s next?
Take all that you have learned and start your project: Dive into your cohousing project head first and utilize your knowledge. Planning your next steps, creating your marketing, find your site, build your group, and get it built!
The program meets CE Credit Certificates and Professional Development Requirements.
An Antioch University Professional Development Certificate
With Charles Durrett, Architect Emeritus AIA
AIA and AICP CE Self-Reported Learning Units