One in every 150 people in the world is autistic. This number is a very rough estimate as Autism is a disease with a wide spectrum of symptoms and disorders, ranging from a fully functional adult with slight autistic tendencies or minor learning disorders to individuals who have the most severe form of syndrome. Autism is a complicated disorder that affects communication and the senses. For autistic people, the effects of complexity are much greater; they are unable to discern separate noises, shapes, etc, easily; this can lead to tension.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterised, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive patterns of behaviour.
Many autistic people have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. To improve the lives of those who suffer from the ASD, the United Nation’s World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2. In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. This covers many issues, including employment, recreation, religion, education and accessibility to public services.
Of all needs, housing is the most important for autistic people. In this context, architects have a great role in designing autism-friendly housing. Architects employ their imagination to build functional and usable built space. le Corbusier (October 6, 1887 — August 27, 1965), an architect, designer, writer and pioneer of modern architecture wrote, “You employ stone, wood, and concrete, and with these materials you build houses and palaces: that is construction. Ingenuity is at work. But suddenly, you touch my heart, you do me good. I am happy and I say: This is beautiful. That is architecture.” The meaning attributed to a certain physical environment depends to a large extent on the personal interpretation people attach to this environment, influenced by their personal interests.
Both the characteristic behaviour and the particular way of sense-making of people with autism influence their spatial experience and interaction with the physical environment. The homes and neighborhoods where adults with ASDs live may significantly impact the quality of their lives. Yet many housing providers, developers and architects are unfamiliar with how residential design factors and neighbourhood amenities affect these residents’ wellbeing. Issues to consider include access to amenities and transportation and the potential for residents to be integrated into existing community.
Architecture design for autism seeks to develop environments that accommodate the needs of autistic individuals. Despite prevalence of autism, there are currently no standards for an architectural design specific to the autistic people’s needs. When people think of treatments for autistic disorders, they may think about behavioural interventions, biomedical treatments and play therapies. Rarely do they think about building structures that accommodate the needs of these people. Architecture design for autism addresses sensory needs as it develops an environment that is sensitive to the symptoms.
Developing standard guidelines for creating autistic-friendly environments rely greatly on research. The dynamic between an autistic person’s behaviour and the physical environment is a primary concern. If a building is planned in a simple manner, the user will require little effort to use and enjoy the building. A clear layout and organisation of spaces can help a person use the building without confusion as to the location of rooms. The basic design considerations should focus on safety and security.
A major characteristic of autism is difficulty with transitions. For those leaving homes they have lived in for many years, moving into a new residence and neighbourhood can be a very disorienting experience. Autistic adults can become confused and frightened with changes in place and organisation. Creating continuity and connection with the past facilitates the transition. The design of homes and support services should all work to maximise the orientation of these adults to their physical and social environment, assisting them in “knowing where they are”. If improvements are needed in an occupied building, measures need to be taken to make it autism-friendly.
Autism affects girls and boys of geographic regions. The prevalence is currently rising in many countries. Caring for and educating children and young people with this condition places challenges on autism-friendly housing, healthcare and education.
Providing a right environment for autistic people is not only desirable but surely their right. Environments designed and created especially for people with the ASD have a beneficial impact not only on the children but also on those who care for them.
(Dr Mayarani Praharaj works in the Department of Architecture, College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar)