04 | Designing for Specific Circumstances

Design for Autism

Whereas most research on autism has focussed on children and younger people, it is only recently that there has been growing concern of how to plan for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), after they have left school and to consider how they might live outside the parental home. The following research based guides provide guidance on how to design homes, and other environments, that enhance the lives of people.

REFERENCES AND WEBSITES

  • APLUSnfp is a charitable organization mandated to research and apply design strategies that better the lives of people living with cognitive differences like Autism, Alzheimers, and Aging related disabilities. Availble at: https://www.architectureforautism.org/. (Accessed August 2018).
  • Architecture for Autism, (online). The Autism ASPECTSS Design Index. The Autism ASPECTSSS Design Guide , is a matrix to help guide design, as well as to assess the appropriateness of a standing building for individuals with autism. The Index presents seven design/criteria issues that have been shown to foster positive behaviour and skill development in people with autism. They are Acoustics, Spatial sequencing, Escape spaces, Compartmentalization, Transition spaces, Sensory zoning, and Safety.
  • Brand, A. (online). Living in the Community, Housing Design for Adults with Autism. Available at: https://www.rca.ac.uk/documents/390/Living_in_the_Community.pdf. (Accessed August 2018).
  • Spectrum. How to design spaces for people with autism. Available at: https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/design-spaces-people-autism/ (includes two videos of schools). (Accessed May 2019).
  • Steele, Ki. and Ahrentzen, S. (2015). At Home with Autism: Designing Housing for the Spectrum. Policy Press. At Home with Autism offers a close look at current practices for designing housing that will support the needs and aspirations of people with autism, and it mounts a powerful case that there should not be a singular residential model or approach. The book provides comprehensive guidance on designing various home living arrangement for adults with ASC.

At Home with Autism: Designing Housing for the Spectrum Steele, Kim and Ahrentzen, Sherry, 2015. At Home with Autism offers a close look at current practices for designing housing that will support the needs and aspirations of people with autism, and it mounts a powerful case that there should not be a singular residential model or approach. The book provides comprehensive guidance on designing various home living arrangement for adults with ASC.

Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bourne, Gaines, Kleibrink and Pearson, Published by Taylor and Francis Ltd, Routledge, 2016.

Living in the Community, Housing Design for Adults with Autism, Andrew Brand.
APLUSnfp is a charitable organization mandated to research and apply design strategies that better the lives of people living with cognitive differences like Autism, Alzheimers, and Aging related disabilities. https://www.architectureforautism.org/