Understanding and supporting Neuro-diversity in software development.

We begin by taking a historical trip through what we know about cognitive psychology and software development - the mechanisms which allow our brains to manipulate such an intangible and complex domain. We consider the rich mental imagery reported by expert software designers and the creative process itself - particular how we can encourage the incubation of new ideas. We discuss the specialist mind and the unusually large proportion of autism in software development. What do we know about high-functioning autism? How do our practices and workspaces already help? How could they still be improved? What are sensory processing issues? How can we provide kinder workspaces that cater for the different kinds of mind we so dearly need?