Interior Design for Autism from Birth to Early Childhood

Interior Design for Austism from Birth to Early Childhood
gives designers who are creating spaces for individuals with
Autism, the exact information they need to create optimal spaces
that can have a positive impact on special learning and sensory
needs. This book also shows how to implement specific design
strategies that can be employed in their own projects. Projects
covered relate specifically to the age ranges from birth through
early childhood, including schools, homes, and clinical therapy
settings. 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

Interior Design for Austism from Birth to Early Childhood gives designers who are creating spaces for individuals with Autism, the exact information they need to create optimal spaces that can have a positive impact on special learning and sensory needs. This book also shows how to implement specific design strategies that can be employed in their own projects. Projects covered relate specifically to the age ranges from birth through early childhood, including schools, homes, and clinical therapy settings. 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 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 Dysfunction: Asociality 26

Reduced Attention Selection and Recognition 27

Delayed Attention Shifting or Transitioning 33

4 Types of Spaces 35

Home Environment 36

School Environment 46

Therapy Environment 55

Clinic Environment 59

Residential Placement 66

5 Project Planning and Research 71

Find a Consultant 72

Listen 72

Pilot Areas or Mockups 74

Codes and Officials 74

Research 74

Checklists 74

6 Implementation and Construction process 83

General Contractor Selection 84

Off-gassing or Flushout Period 84

7 Outcomes and Celebrations 85

Metrics 86

Celebrations 87

8 Conclusion 89

Additional Research 93

Index 95