The Built Environment and Autism

The built environment is sometimes defined as the human-made space in which people live, work, and undertake leisure activities on a day-to-day basis.

The built environment includes new builds as well as modifications to existing spaces.

It includes

• entire buildings and spaces such as schools, hospitals, prisons, railway stations
• spaces with specific functions such as multi-sensory environments and reduced sensory environments
• the organisation and layout of individual rooms (a key element in structured teaching)

Some people believe that the built environment can be adapted in order to make it more accessible and usable, and less intimidating and confusing, to individuals on the autism spectrum.

More Information

Please see

• Guidance on Design and the Built Environment
• Creating an Autism Friendly World conference

Related Publications

• Davidson J. (2010) It cuts both ways: A relational approach to access and accommodation for autism. Social Science and Medicine. 70(2), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Deochand N., Conway A. A., Fuqua W. (2015) Design considerations for an intensive autism treatment centre. Support for Learning. 30(4), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Duignan M., Connell J. (2015) Living with autistic spectrum disorders: Families, homes and the disruption of space. Geographical Research. 53(2), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Martin C. S. Exploring the impact of the design of the physical classroom environment on young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs. Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• McAllister K., Sloan S. (2016) Designed by the pupils, for the pupils: an autism-friendly school. British Journal of Special Education. 43(4), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Reszka S., Odom S. L., Hume K. A. (2012) Ecological features of preschools and the social engagement of children with autism. Journal of Early Intervention. 34(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Scott I. (2009) Designing learning spaces for children on the autism spectrum. Good Autism Practice. 10(1), Read Abstract (New Window)
  
  
• Whitehurst T. (2006) The impact of building design on children with autistic spectrum disorders. Good Autism Practice. 7(1), Read Full (New Window)
  
  

Quick link:

http://www.researchautism.net/built-environment

Updated

13 Jun 2018