Interior Design for Autism from Adulthood to Geriatrics

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 Austism from Adulthood
to Geriatrics 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
adulthood through geriatric age, including workplaces, clinical
settings, and nursing homes. 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.

Auteur

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).

Résumé

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 Austism from Adulthood to Geriatrics 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 adulthood through geriatric age, including workplaces, clinical settings, and nursing homes. 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.

Contenu

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 14

Canalesthesia: Sensory Integration 16

Impaired Assignment to Incoming Social Stimuli 19

Decrease in Affilitative Behavior, or Imitation 23

Impairment in Distinguishing Stimuli and Their Significance
25

Brain Dysfunction: Asociality 27

Reduced Attention Selection and Recognition 29

Delayed Attention Shifting or Transitioning 34

4 Types of Spaces 37

Home Environment 38

Residential Placement 45

Higher Education Environment 48

Work Environments 52

Therapy Environment 60

Clinic Environment 62

5 Project Planning and Research 73

Find a Consultant 74

Listen 74

Pilot Areas or Mockups 76

Codes and Officials 76

Research 76

Checklists 77

6 Implementation and Construction Process 85

General Contractor Selection 86

Off-gassing or Flushout Period 86

7 Outcomes and Celebrations 87

Metrics 88

Celebrations 89

8 Conclusion 91

Additional Research 95

index 97