Architecture of therapeutic environments: therapists' perspective on how design impacts children with autism

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurocognitive condition characterised by deficits in social skills, communication, relationships, self-regulation, and sensory sensitivities. Children with autism experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli. Therapeutic services for children with autism can help minimise adverse behaviours (e.g. aggression, screaming, self-injury, and tantrums) and provide support with education to teach self-help skills for greater independence. This study focuses on the varying sensory stimuli challenges of children with autism and the implementation of thoughtful design strategies that support the therapy process through play, treatment, and sensory experiences. Data were collected through two sets of surveys gathering information about therapeutic and spatial conditions of a therapy centre. The results, representing 272 responses from varying types of therapists and teachers, presents a design solution for an architectural model that responds to the sensory needs of children with autism and can be scaled up, replicated, and customised to be used by architects, interior designers, and therapists in creating new structures or renovation of an existing space. The implementation of these design strategies positively impacts the overall comfort level and wellbeing of children with hypersensitivities and hyposensitivities allowing for a more productive therapy session.