Abstract:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects nearly 3 million people in the Indian subcontinent and has been recently recognized as an important issue. The identification, perception and treatment of this developmental disorder is governed by factors such as socio-cultural diversity and varying cultural practices. As the medical world develops and broadens its definitions, the disorder continues to affect a larger number of people.
Although more and more educational programs are now accessible for children affected by ASD, there is a significant shortage of appropriate higher education and training facilities for these young adults, as well as affordable and appropriate residences that have been designed specifically in accordance with their specialised needs.
Since the available resources in India fail to cater to this ever-increasing demand, families are grappling with expensive, inadequate or short-term solutions in their search for answers, support and help. It is also critical to look into the future lives of children diagnosed with ASD, rather than just addressing their present needs. It is high time that we start looking at the bigger and complete picture and understand why a lot of children face problems while transitions out of school which as a result forces them to lead unfulfilling lives detached from the larger society
This thesis project aims to create an Assisted Living Centre for Adults with Autism, who struggle while transitioning into a larger society after leaving their schools. Research about various architectural buildings of different typologies specifically designed to cater to the autistic needs shows how the physical environment can play a huge role by responding positively during moments or instances which are often negative or overwhelming. It is through these experiences that opportunities occur in these individuals for greater skill-building and communication.
(For ease, the term Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been used synonymously in this report)
