If we can prepare astronauts for extreme environments, why not use the same technology and innovation to make society more accessible for autistic people?
Since this year, I’ve been studying neuroscience to better understand myself and others. When I faced the overwhelming selection of online courses at Yale, I could hardly decide. But in the end, I chose something unexpected: rocket science. Many autistic people are fascinated by trains, but that was more of my father’s thing. My heart lies in space exploration. And surprisingly, this course has taught me a great deal about the autistic brain as well. The deeper I dive into the world of space exploration, the more I begin to see parallels between how we train astronauts, build rockets, and how autistic people experience the world.
The classic expression goes: “It’s not rocket science”, meaning, it’s not that complicated. But when we truly examine both autism and space exploration, we begin to see some surprising similarities. What if the way we design rockets and prepare astronauts could teach us something about understanding and supporting autistic people? Below are some examples of this line of thought.
Neuroplasticity
Space exploration is not just a technological adventure, but also a natural experiment in neuroplasticity. When astronauts leave Earth’s gravity, their entire sensory experience changes. Their vestibular system (which controls balance) gets confused, their proprioception (the sense of body position) must adapt, and even their vision changes as fluids redistribute differently in the body.
On Earth, autistic people face a similar challenge, but in a world that isn’t designed for their sensory needs. While astronauts must adjust to microgravity, autistic people adapt daily to a society filled with stimuli that can either be overwhelming or too restrictive for them.
Long-term exposure to microgravity causes structural and functional changes in the brain. MRI studies on astronauts show brain adaptations that help them function better in a weightless environment. Certain networks in the brain are strengthened, while others become less active. Autistic brains are known for their increased neuroplasticity in certain areas, which may explain why many autistic people have unique sensory experiences and adapt to their environment in their own way. Could it be that some of the sensory and cognitive strategies developed by autistic people are comparable to the adaptations astronauts undergo in space?
Application: What can we do with this?
VR Simulations for Sensory Processing
Just as astronauts use VR training to prepare for space missions, we could develop VR simulations to better understand autistic sensory processing. By simulating different environments and stimuli, scientists could observe how both autistic and non-autistic brains adapt to sensory challenges.
Lessons from Astronaut Training for Sensory Overload
Astronauts learn to remain mentally flexible under extreme conditions. They are taught techniques to direct their attention, filter stimuli, and regulate stress. What if we applied similar techniques in training for autistic people? Think of attention control techniques for switching between stimuli without becoming overwhelmed, and sensory zoning. Just as astronauts adjust to varying levels of stimuli (e.g. sudden radio transmissions or alarms in the space capsule), autistic people could benefit from strategies to manage sensory levels.
Rocket Science as a metaphor
In space exploration, everything revolves around preparation, adaptability, and resilience. Space missions are designed with redundancy, backups, and modular systems—each component must function in extreme conditions and be able to handle unexpected situations.
Autistic people do something very similar in daily life. The world is often not built with them in mind, but through strategies, routines, and cognitive adjustments, they find ways to navigate a neurotypical environment. Their thinking and working methods can be as precise and thoughtful as the systems that make space exploration possible.
Mission Control = Executive functions and planning
Mission Control in Houston keeps track of everything: the course of the mission, the status of the equipment, the safety of the astronauts. This can be compared to executive functions in the brain, which are responsible for planning, organisation, and flexibility.
Autistic people often face challenges here: their Mission Control might function differently from that of neurotypical individuals. Some tasks can feel overwhelming without clear structure, there is often a strong need for routines to cope with unexpected situations, and transitions between tasks can be difficult (much like a rocket switching from one phase to the next).
Application: What can we do with this?
What if we designed work and school systems that supported autistic people the same way Mission Control supports astronauts? Think of checklists, clear planning, and real-time support for complex tasks.
Redundant systems => multiple communication strategies
A spacecraft always has a backup. If one system fails, another takes over. This principle of redundancy is essential in space exploration. For autistic people, communication can often be a challenge, and a redundant system can be helpful. Think of alternative forms of communication (such as text, pictures, or gestures alongside spoken language), scripted responses for social situations (much like a space shuttle has standard procedures for emergencies), and dual processing (some autistic people understand language better when they can both read and hear it, just as astronauts receive double-checked commands). Can we develop communication systems that support autistic people the same way backup systems protect a spacecraft?
Rover navigation
Mars rovers such as Curiosity and Perseverance navigate an environment that is completely different from Earth. Their sensors collect vast amounts of data, but it must be filtered: which information is crucial, and what can be ignored? Autistic people experience something similar when it comes to sensory processing: their brains often take in more information than neurotypical individuals, but not all of it is equally useful. This can lead to either sensory overload or under-stimulation.
Application: What can we do with this?
One way we could apply this is by developing techniques that support sensory filtering, such as noise-cancelling headphones, which could be considered a form of “data filtering.” Additionally, we might design low-stimulation environments, inspired by how rovers navigate unknown planets. These environments could focus on minimising disruptive stimuli, providing clear guidelines, and establishing predictable structures.
This could lead to autism-friendly systems based on space exploration principles. Imagine creating work and learning environments that are as thoughtfully designed and robust as space systems. These could include structure and planning inspired by Mission Control, with clear steps and real-time support. Communication could be backed up with various methods of processing and transmitting information. Sensory-friendly designs could be based on how Mars rovers handle unknown environments, ensuring that sensory overload is avoided.
Future vision
Space exploration is not only a technical challenge but also a psychological one. Astronauts undergo months of training to adapt to unfamiliar conditions: microgravity, sensory changes, and extreme sensory environments. But doesn’t that sound like the daily reality for many autistic individuals? What if we could apply methods from astronaut training and rocket science to improve autism research and support?
Astronauts train in underwater simulations to experience weightlessness, live in isolation capsules to test social effects, and work with VR scenarios to simulate unfamiliar environments. What if we applied these principles to autism? Virtual sensory simulations could allow neurotypical individuals to experience what sensory overload feels like, just as astronauts prepare for the transition to weightlessness. This could foster better understanding and lead to better adjustments in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Astronauts learn to cope with stressful sensory environments through controlled exposure and adaptive strategies. Could we develop similar methods to help autistic people with sensory regulation and energy management? Just as astronauts form new neural connections by living in microgravity, research could show how autistic brains adapt to different environments and how we can use this knowledge to improve support systems.
If we applied space exploration principles to society, we could create a world where autistic individuals don’t just survive but thrive. Imagine mission control rooms in schools and workplaces: special spaces where low-stimulation environments are combined with clear structures and backup systems for communication and planning. Modular learning systems could be built like the phases of a rocket launch, allowing autistic students to work through modules at their own pace and in their own order—free from the rigidity of a linear school system. Sensory-smart urban planning could create public spaces with built-in sensory resting points, clear navigation, and flexible lighting and sound dampening.
The future of neurodiversity could be inspired by the future of space exploration. After all, if we can prepare astronauts for extreme environments, why not use the same technology and innovation to make the world more accessible for autistic people?
Perhaps autism is a bit of rocket science, in a fascinating and innovative way. Just as astronauts face extreme conditions with smart adaptations and advanced training, autistic individuals navigate a world that isn’t always designed for them. Yet, with the right insights, technologies, and a new, interdisciplinary framework, we can build a society where neurodiversity is not only understood but also valued and supported.
If humanity is capable of building rockets and exploring new worlds, then surely we can create a world in which neurodiverse individuals can fully thrive. Mission accepted?