Abstract:
Autism is seen amongst the most complex life-long developmental disorders. It affects the ability
of a person to communicate, build social relationships, and respond to the physical environment
appropriately. They also have either a very highly developed sense of space and body balance, or
an under-developed one. Due to the distinct way in which people with autism perceive their
environment and process incoming information, they make sense of their world in a unique way.
To promote involvement in the society and independence, it becomes necessary to explore ways
for preparing people on the spectrum to be ready for facing the general urban world. Special
education needs (SEN) focusses on making individuals with disabilities capable of coping the real
world by training them for self-reliance or living with little assistance, depending on the severity of
the disability and where he stands in the spectrum.
In this project, these conditions are accommodated together in a common neutral environment
following a human-centric design process. The thesis aims to provide an adaptable and responsive
environment for people with ASDs ranging from infants to adults. Sensory design approach is
taken to create desired high, low or neutral stimuli in various physical environments
corresponding to specific activities for the user. Aspects of cognition and way-finding are also
considered.
THIS THESIS CLAIMS THAT
All individuals with autism can progress, irrespective of the degree of their support needs or age,
when provided with appropriate services, backed by an adaptable and responsive sensory
physical environment that takes into account the specific nature and needs of individuals with
autism.
