Winner of the 2017 IDEC Book Award, 2017 EDRA Great Places Award (Book
Category), 2017 American Society of Interior Designers Joel Polsky Prize
and the 2016 International Interior Design Association TXOK Research
Award
Designing for Autism Spectrum Disorders explains the influence of the
natural and man-made environment on individuals with autism spectrum
disorders (ASD) and other forms of intellectual/developmental
disabilities (IDD). Drawing on the latest research in the fields of
environmental psychology and education, the authors show you how
architecture and interior spaces can positively influence individuals
with neurodiversities by modifying factors such as color, lighting,
space organization, textures, acoustics, and ventilation. Now you can
design homes, therapeutic environments, work environments, and outdoor
spaces to encourage growth and learning for the projected 500,000
children with ASD (in the United States alone) who are expected to reach
adulthood by 2024.
Topics discussed include:
-Environmental design theories
-Symptoms of ASD
-Sensory processing deficits
-Design needs of individuals on the spectrum at all ages
-Design methods and solutions for spaces, including residential,
learning, work, and therapeutic environments encompassing a wide range
of budgets
-Designing for self-actualization, well-being, and a high quality of
life for the duration of an individual's life
-Avenues for healthy living and aging in place
-Biophilic design
-Environmental impact on well-being
-Strategies to promote active living as an integral part of the welfare
focus.
