Stimpunks is a field guide to understanding and designing environments where neurodivergent minds can flourish.

This handbook introduces the core ideas behind the project and explains how the Stimpunks ecosystem fits together.

The system includes:

• shared vocabulary
• a pattern language
• design recipes
• participation tools
• environments designed for cognitive diversity

Together these form a design framework for neurodivergent life and collaboration.

Subpages

• The Neurodivergent Architecture Handbook

The Core Insight

Neurodivergence is not simply a defect to fix.

It is a form of cognitive diversity that interacts with environments, institutions, and culture.

Many difficulties arise not from individuals but from mismatches between minds and environments.

The goal of neurodivergent design is to create conditions where different minds can thrive.

The Three Forces of Neurodivergent Life

Neurodivergent experiences are shaped by three interacting forces.

Attention
Energy
Environment

Attention

Attention shapes how cognition flows.

Relevant patterns include:

• Pattern 01 — Monotropism
• Pattern 05 — Deep Attention
• Pattern 04 — Processing Time

These patterns explain why deep focus can be powerful and why constant interruption can create friction.

Energy

Energy determines how long people can sustain cognitive, sensory, and social effort.

Relevant patterns include:

• Pattern 06 — Social Energy
• Pattern 10 — Energy Accounting
• Pattern 11 — Burnout Threshold
• Pattern 12 — Energy Recovery

Environments that ignore energy limits often lead to burnout.

Environment

Environment determines whether cognition and behavior can flourish.

Relevant patterns include:

• Pattern 09 — Environment Fit
• Pattern 03 — Sensory Load
• Pattern 08 — Masking Pressure

Designing supportive environments is one of the central goals of Stimpunks.

The Pattern Language of Neurodivergent Life

Patterns describe recurring structures in neurodivergent experience.

Explore the Core Patterns of Neurodivergent Life and the Pattern Library.

Examples include:

• monotropism
• spiky profiles
• sensory load
• processing time
• social energy
• environment fit

Patterns help explain why certain environments create friction or support flourishing.

Design Recipes

Patterns lead to practical design guidance.

Recipes translate patterns into actions.

Examples include:

• Designing Attention Sanctuaries
• Designing Recovery Cycles
• Designing Sensory-Safe Spaces
• Designing Flexible Participation
• Designing Monotropic Workflows

Explore the full set in Pattern Recipes.

Designing Neurodivergent Environments

Recipes shape real environments.

Explore examples in Neurodivergent Environments.

Examples include:

• Neurodivergent Classrooms
• Neurodivergent Workplaces
• Neurodivergent Libraries

These environments align attention, energy, and environmental fit.

Cavendish Space

One model for neurodivergent environments is Designing Cavendish Space.

Cavendish Space organizes environments into zones supporting different activities.

Cave
Campfire
Watering Hole
Library
Habitat
Edges

Each zone supports a different mode of cognition, interaction, or collaboration.

The Stimpunks Knowledge System

Stimpunks itself functions as a knowledge ecosystem.

Ideas move through the system like this:

Concepts
↓
Glossary
↓
Patterns
↓
Recipes
↓
Environments
↓
Frameworks

Explore:

• The Stimpunks Glossary
• Core Patterns of Neurodivergent Life
• Pattern Recipes
• Neurodivergent Environments
• The Stimpunks Framework
• The Stimpunks Stack

Mapping the Ecosystem

Several pages help visualize the Stimpunks ecosystem.

Explore:

• The Three Maps of Stimpunks
• The Stimpunks Universe Map
• The Pattern Atlas
• The Pattern Graph
• Pattern Clusters

These maps help readers navigate the knowledge landscape.

Toward Neurodivergent Civilization

Neurodivergent design extends beyond individuals.

It asks broader questions:

• How should schools work?
• How should workplaces operate?
• How should collaboration happen?

Related pages include:

• The Neurodivergent Operating System
• The Stimpunks Stack
• A Pattern Language for Neurodivergent Civilization

These ideas explore how societies might change when cognitive diversity is expected.

How to Use This Handbook

If you are new to Stimpunks, start here:

1. Read The Three Maps of Stimpunks.
2. Explore the Core Patterns of Neurodivergent Life.
3. Try a few Design Recipes.
4. Explore Neurodivergent Environments.

From there you can navigate the system in many directions.

A Field Guide for Cognitive Diversity

Stimpunks is an evolving ecosystem of ideas and practices.

It is not a fixed doctrine.

It is a design commons where people explore how environments, institutions, and cultures can better support diverse minds.

The work continues through collaboration, experimentation, and shared learning.