Interior Design for Autism from Childhood to Adolescence

by A. J. Paron-Wildes

Overview

When designing spaces for individuals with Autism, there are specific design strategies that can be employed to create optimal spaces that can have a positive impact on special learning and sensory needs. Interior Design for Autism from Childhood to Adolescence gives designers the exact information they need to implement these design strategies in their own projects. Projects covered relate specifically to the age ranges from childhood through adolescence, including high schools, residential group homes, and workplaces. The main neurofunctions of Autism are covered along with specific design techniques that can be used to address each one. Information on toxins and material selection is also included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781118680384
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	10/22/2013
Series:	Wiley E-book Design Shorts
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	115
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

A.J. PARON-WILDES (Stillwater, MN) is a Senior Architecture & Design Manager at Allsteel and former Interior Design instructor at the University of Minnesota. She has fifteen years of experience in researching and designing interiors for clients with Autism and other neurological impairments. As an ASID Thought Leader and Distinguished Speaker, she frequently lectures and writes articles on this topic and is an active member ASID, IIDA, AIA, and USGBC. A.J. is very committed and highly respected within Autism communities, such as the American Society of Autism (ASA).

Table of Contents

Overview vii

1 Rise of Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Is It Real? 1

2 Relationship of Toxins and Neurological Impairments 5

3 Neurofunctions of Autism and How they Relate to the Designed Environment 9

Acute Visual Processing 10

Canalesthesia: Object in Content 13

Canalesthesia: Sensory Integration 16

Impaired Assignment to Incoming Social Stimuli 18

Decrease in Affilitative Behavior, or Imitation 21

Impairment in Distinguishing Stimuli and Their Significance 24

Brain Dsyfunction: Asociality 26

Reduced Attention Selection and Recognition 28

Delayed Attention Shifting or Transitioning 33

4 Types of Spaces 35

Home Environment 36

School Environment 49

Traditional School Environments 57

Collegiate Environments 59

Work Environments 60

Therapy Environment 61

Clinic Environment 66

Residential Placement 73

5 Project Planning and Research 79

Find a Consultant 80

Listen 80

Pilot Areas or Mockups 82

Codes and Officials 82

Research 82

Checklists 82

6 Implementation and Construction process 91

General Contractor Selection 92

Off-gassing or Flushout Period 92

7 Outcomes and Celebrations 93

Metrics 94

Celebrations 95

8 Conclusion 97

Additional Research 101

Index 103