Invisible cartographies

2026-07-22

Invisible Cartographies is a transnational and interdisciplinary cooperation project that takes a bold approach to co-develop inclusive spatial, cultural, and educational practices and environments that enhance the participation of neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive variations—estimated to represent 15–20% of the global population. Despite the increasing awareness of diversity and inclusion, most public and institutional environments are still designed around neurotypical models, neglecting the wide range of sensory, cognitive, and emotional experiences that influence how people engage with the world. Consequently, many neurodivergent individuals face environments that are not only inaccessible but also actively exclusionary, limiting both their participation and ability to contribute meaningfully to cultural and creative sectors (Armstrong, 2010; Fletcher-Watson et al., 2021). Although the discourse around neurodiversity is growing, public spaces, educational systems, and cultural institutions continue to operate primarily according to neurotypical norms. This persistent lack of adaptation forces neurodivergent individuals to mask their authentic ways of being, leading to exclusion, stigmatization, and significant impacts on mental health and social participation. Invisible Cartographies reframes neurodivergence not as a deficit or disorder, but as a valuable and necessary part of human diversity. Rather than thinking in terms of “normal” vs “abnormal,” the project embraces the understanding that different cognitive styles bring essential skills, perspectives, and creative capacities that enrich society as a whole. We envision a world where neurodivergent ways of sensing, thinking, and creating are not only accepted but actively valued and integrated into the fabric of public, educational, and cultural life.

Serbia, Portugal, Spain

2026-02-15