
Over the past few years, more and more people have asked themselves how they can create an autism-friendly environment. Architects have written about designing autism-friendly buildings and families have remodelled rooms to provide positive sensory experiences.
It is clear from listening to people who have an autistic spectrum condition that they can experience the world very differently to others. This can be both debilitating and empowering. In creating an autism-friendly environment we must try to reduce the negative effects of sensory differences and enhance the positive effects.
Every individual on the autism spectrum will experience the world differently from a sensory point of view; therefore, the points below are very generic and, where possible, attention needs to be paid to each individual’s preferences.
Questions we need to ask ourselves

Before we begin to remodel a room or design a building there are some questions we should be asking ourselves to help inform how we will go about making changes that will be positive for individuals with autism. Many of these questions entail assessing the existing environment and taking into account the seven sense indicators, as well as being attentive to the people who will be using the environment.
It is important when considering the questions relating to the senses to remember that people with autism can be either hypersensitive (receive too much sensory information) or hyposensitive (receive too little sensory information). They can also be both hypersensitive or hyposensitive, requiring less stimulus at times and more at others.
The questions we should ask ourselves when trying to create an autism-friendly environment deal with –
- Visual sense (Sight)
- Auditory sense (Hearing)
- Touch and pressure sense
- Olfactory sense (Smell)
- Taste sense
- Vestibular sense(Balance)
- Proprioceptive sense (Space)
- Who will use the space?
- What the space will be used for?
Questions dealing with visual input
- What is the lighting like in the rooms, both natural and artificial?
- What colour are the walls?
- How many things are in the room that would require visual awareness/recognition?
- Are curtains, carpets and furnishings patterned?
Lighting plays a large part in the sensory experiences of many autistic people. We now know that fluorescent lights can be distracting to the point of debilitating for some people because they can see the lights flickering at 60 flashes per second (60Hz). Some fluorescent lights have a flicker rate of 120 Hz.
Natural lighting also plays a part, especially with sleeping patterns. One reason is that melatonin (a hormone which helps to regulate sleep/wake patterns). Usually melatonin rises during darkness and dips during daylight hours. If people with autism are experiencing sleep problems, one of the many strategies to try is to ensure that there is darkness during times of sleep.
Paying attention to colour is also important. Different colours have different effects on us. As an example, the colour red has the longest wave length and, therefore, can stimulate us and raise our pulse rate. Yellow also has a long wavelength and can stimulate. Light blues can calm the mind and aid concentration. Green can be restful. Think about the room you are designing – are you trying to create a stimulating environment or a calming one?
How cluttered or minimalist rooms are should also be taken into consideration. Many autistic people are particularly observant of every detail and can become overwhelmed by too much visual information to process. Others need more visual stimulation.
Patterned fabrics can be particularly distressing to some individuals with an autistic spectrum condition. Patterns can be distracting and overwhelming and can even cause visual distortion.
Questions dealing with auditory input
- Are there regular external sounds, such as traffic, children playing or building works?
- Are there regular internal sounds, such as clocks ticking, refrigerators humming, music?
- Is it possible to reduce external sounds from permeating to the inside?
- Is there a way of reducing sounds for each individual, such as earplugs?
Many people with autism tell us that they can hear sounds at many decibels above those others can hear. They can hear sounds that are a lot further away and the intensity of sounds can be deafening. They can be listening to rock music on high volume and still hear a conversation in the room next door.
Questions dealing with touch and pressure
- Is there an area that provides for different textures to be felt or stroked?
- Are there items to provide different feelings on the skin, such as sand or water?
- Are there items to provide pressure if needed, such as wooden massagers?
Some autistic people shun touch unless they are in control of it. Others need extra pressure to feel calm and safe and benefit from items such as weighted blankets if used appropriately. Some people need extra stimulation to feel, if they are particularly hyposensitive (filter out too much sensory information as opposed to too little).
Questions dealing with the sense of smell (Olfactory)
- Are there any smells outside of the room or building that permeate through the walls, windows or doors?
- Are there any smells from indoors that can cause distress, such as cleaning products, perfumed products or foods?
Some people with autism find smells so overwhelming that they cause extreme nausea. Some will even smell the product long after it has been removed from the room or cupboard.
Questions dealing with taste
In creating an environment where the sense of taste will be used, such as dining rooms, it is worth remembering that sometimes we can assume a distaste for a flavour when the distaste could be something else. It is possible that distaste can come from a discomfort from the texture of the food, or the appearance of the food. Questions to ask would be –
- Have we created an environment where choice is available and clear to see?
- Are choices of foods shown pictorially as well as in words?
Questions dealing with balance (vestibular) and space (proprioceptive)
- Are there opportunities for swinging?
- Are there opportunities to balance on beams or boards?
- Are there opportunities to bounce or climb?
- Are there opportunities for a person to sit with their backs against the wall?
- Are there opportunities to sit where a person can see the whole room?
- Are there quick exit routes?
Some autistic people find it difficult to have a sense of themselves in relation to the physical world around them. Rocking, swinging and balancing can help them gain a sense of self. Having too much room in front of them or behind them can cause anxiety if they need to have something directly behind them or in front of them to gain a sense of themselves. In addition, some people with autism experience anxiety if they cannot see what is happening or where sounds are coming from and they find this very disorientating.
Many people with autism need space around them and feel overwhelmed by crowds or clutter. They can feel hemmed in by corridors and need to know there is a quick escape route.
Who will use the space?
This might seem an obvious question to ask; however, it is important to think the answer through. The environment might need to be different for children or adults. You might also need to consider whether the same environment will be used by others who might have sensory differences, or by a group with very differing sensory needs. If there is a risk of sensory overload; is there somewhere else a person can go to escape from the overload?
What will the space be used for?
Some spaces are used for large groups of people, such as school halls or open-plan offices. Other spaces are for single use or small groups. Yet, other spaces are intended for transition, eg corridors or lifts.
Transition spaces can be difficult for people on the autism spectrum, because it can sometimes be difficult to move from one space to another or one activity to another.
Therefore, consideration needs to be made as to how to make transition spaces easier to deal with. Some questions you can ask are –
- Can there be a natural flow from one space to another without using a corridor? Are there less claustrophobic ways to go up or down a building than the use of lifts?
- If spaces are being used for large numbers of people, are there smaller spaces available for retreat if necessary?
- If spaces are small and intimate, are there opportunities to go easily to a more open space?
- Can you create a map of where individuals with autism seem to become most anxious? Are there alternative routes?
Conclusion
There are architects who specialise in designing buildings that are autism-friendly such as Maria Luigia Assirelli Dott. Arch (Rome) ARB, partner in GA Architects and Magda Mostafa, associate professor in the Department of Construction and Architebtural Engineering in Egypt. However, we can all play a part in providing an autism-friendly environment by taking into consideration sensory differences and the need for structure.
Although every individual on the autistic spectrum will have their own environmental needs, there are some general questions we can ask ourselves to create a physical environment that will reduce anxieties as opposed to increasing them. We need to pay attention to all seven of the senses – visual, auditory, olfactory, taste, touch, vestibular and proprioceptive. We also need to pay attention to space and how it is used.
Addressing everyone’s personal preferences will always be difficult; however, some thought and consideration can make all the difference to some.
by Manar Matusiak FROM https://livingautism.com/create-autism-friendly-environment/
Hello. And Bye.
Some genuinely good content on this web site, regards for contribution. “Careful. We don’t want to learn from this.” by Bill Watterson.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site by accident, and I am shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, but I really thought you would have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website. Keep writing!
Hola! I’ve been following your website for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent work!
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
You could definitely see your expertise within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart. “History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.” by Napoleon.
Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include approximately all vital infos. I would like to look more posts like this .
Meds prescribing information. What side effects? walmart store pharmacy locator All fro meds. Conclude from now.
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen
Symptoms of ED number: Hot potato getting an erection. Difficulty maintaining an erection long ample supply for erotic intimacy. Having erections that are not arduous satisfactorily to go to penetration.
Source: coupons for cialis
I am sure this article has touched all the internet users, its really really nice piece of writing on building up new webpage.|
How quickly does heart failure progress furosemide 80 mg?
I think this is among the most significant information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The site style is ideal, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Does heart failure wake you up furosemide classification?
Is congestive heart failure a painful death lasix sulfa allergy?
How can I check my heart health at home lasix pill?
What is the first drug of choice for congestive heart failure lasix and kidney function?
What is the downside of a pacemaker furosemide tab?
What does the hospital do for congestive heart failure lasix 10 mg?
What does a small heart blockage feel like water pill lasix?
What causes congestive heart failure furosemide 40 mg tablet price?
What are the signs of last days of life how does lasix work?
How is hypertension officially diagnosed lasix and creatinine?
Can you get better with congestive heart failure lasix trade name?
What is the most common blood pressure medication furosemide dosing?
What is the most common treatment for congestive heart failure is furosemide a potassium sparing diuretic?
What is the downside of a pacemaker lasix 5 mg?
What are some warning signs that blood pressure is too high furosemide tablets for sale?
How can doctors tell how long you have to live lasix for swelling?
What time of day is blood pressure highest lasix?
You are a very clever person!
Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Many thanks!
Regards for this post, I am a big big fan of this web site would like to keep updated.
Good article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
The usual on many occasions enchanted to reach orgasm was 13.5 minutes. Manner, timings diversified, ranging from five minutes and 24 seconds, to a full 42 minutes. The weigh also revealed the pre-eminent stand to be given to the socking O, with 90 percent of those surveyed reporting a longer lasting orgasm when on top.
Source: generic cialis
You stated this perfectly. proventil nebulizer ivermectin 3
Terrific work! This is the kind of information that should be shared across the internet. Disgrace on Google for now not positioning this put up upper! Come on over and consult with my web site . Thanks =)
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your site. You have some really good articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
naturally like your web site however you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
I have been surfing on-line more than three hours these days, but I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is pretty value enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the net can be much more helpful than ever before.
Howdy! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the good data you may have right here on this post. I shall be coming again to your weblog for extra soon.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
I may need your help. I tried many ways but couldn’t solve it, but after reading your article, I think you have a way to help me. I’m looking forward for your reply. Thanks.
I conceive this web site has some rattling wonderful info for everyone :D. “Time–our youth–it never really goes, does it It is all held in our minds.” by Helen Hoover Santmyer.
I’m still learning from you, but I’m making my way to the top as well. I absolutely liked reading everything that is written on your website.Keep the stories coming. I loved it!
I not to mention my buddies have already been taking note of the great recommendations on your site while at once got a horrible suspicion I had not expressed respect to the web blog owner for those secrets. The guys were definitely totally stimulated to study them and have in effect sincerely been making the most of these things. Appreciate your actually being really thoughtful and also for picking some important issues millions of individuals are really needing to know about. My sincere regret for not saying thanks to you sooner.
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. However think about if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this blog could undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche. Superb blog!
Thank you for reminding me to embrace the present moment and find joy in the little things.
I am unequivocally captivated by the intellectual alchemy that transpires within the confines of your blog, as you deftly distill abstract concepts into digestible elixirs of wisdom, bestowing readers with the gift of enlightenment and intellectual transcendence.
Your blog is a testament to the power of personal growth and self-discovery.
I admire your ability to find joy in the simplest of things.
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am
not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about
my trouble. You’re incredible! Thanks!
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted
to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Hello, this weekend is good for me, as this time i
am reading this wonderful educational post here at my
residence.
It’s very effortless to find out any matter on net as compared to books, as I found this article at this site.
Great post and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thanks 🙂