Mental Health Awareness Month: The Architecture of Dysregulation: Addressing Design Ambiguity to Improve Neuroinclusion
AIA NJ WIA FREE WEBINAR Kick off with Mental Health Awareness Month with our Guest Speaker: Dr. Kati Peditto The Architecture of Dysregulation: Addressing Design Ambiguity to Improve Neuroinclusion WHEN: Friday, May 1, 2026, 12-1pm WHERE: Zoom SUMMARY:Â Designers of the built environment often rely on intuitive design, yet cognitive and sensory processing is not universal, and design strategies may not be intuitive to all. This session explores the intersection of cognitive accessibility and mental health, moving beyond basic compliance to understand how design choices impact human stress and agency. By analyzing the relationship between design ambiguities and cumulative stress, participants will learn to identify environmental stressors that lead to dysregulation and exclusion for neurodivergent individuals. Through real-world case studies and evidence-based strategies, attendees will discover how to design for sensory wellness, predictability, and social balance to support diverse mental health needs. AIA Learning Objectives (1LU HSW pending) By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify how environmental design ambiguities contribute to cumulative stress and social exclusion for occupants with diverse cognitive profiles. Evaluate why seemingly intuitive design features, such as navigation and social proxemics, are not universal and can unintentionally create barriers to access. Discuss […]