Living with autism is full of challenges that others may not
notice or even be aware of. It is commonly believed that an individual's
home is the one place to go to find strength, support, comfort, and
encouragement. However, this is not always the case as a new culprit has
emerged within residences worldwide that is causing havoc. Strangely
enough, the agent that is making numerous autistics sick in their living
environment. People with autism have heightened sensibilities ranging
from acute hearing to tactile aversions to various fabrics and textures.
In some instances, the use of certain types of cleaning products may
cause skin irritations, rashes, and abrasions. Additionally, some
parents report removing tags from new items of clothing for their
autistic children prior to wear due to potential harm to skin. While
this is a very serious problem for people on the autism spectrum, it is
even more confounding for family members and those living in the same
quarters. There is no need for despair, as help apparently is on the
way.
Seminole State College in Sanford, Florida launched a pilot
course focusing on the design issues for people with autism. The first
group of students to participate in the class recognized the importance
of providing a functional environment specific to those on the autism
spectrum. The course emphasizes functionality, as well as having
aesthetically pleasing decors aimed to calm and relax. Special attention
is given to fabrics and materials used in furnishings, appliances, and
bedding accessories. Moreover, careful consideration is given to art and
home decorations that are warm and inviting - yet visually non-
threatening. Color selection is critical as many individuals on the
autism spectrum find certain colors disturbing and overwhelming.
Neutral
colors are generally more acceptable within the autism community, than
bold vivid colors that may be more suited for individual tastes. The
final piece of the appeals puzzle centers on flooring, including designs
and patterns. For some mysterious reason some patterns are offensive to
some, not all, people with autism. Viewing certain patterns may cause
headaches, dizziness, nausea, and other physical manifestations.
Choosing between hard wood and carpet goes beyond personal preference
when designing living arrangements for autistics. Tactile tolerance
levels and the ability to navigate various textures are factors worthy
of serious concern. Not only must interior designers demonstrate
excellent taste in aesthetics, but also master the functional element of
residential design.
When working with people with autism it is
critical to bear in mind the need for routine and familiarity. With that
in mind, attempt to design residential units that are user friendly by
selecting easy to clean counter surfaces and cook top areas. In
addition, appliances that can be activated through use of a smart phone
are attractive features for all of us, however perhaps even more so for
autistics. The reasons for this varies, but primarily the predictability
factor of using technology repeatedly is comforting for people on the
spectrum. Having multiple household items connected to a smart phone
supports ease of usage and promotes greater independence.
