Detail Matters: Exploring Sensory Preferences in Housing Design for Autistic People

Nguyen, Phuong; d’Auria, Viviana; Heylighen, Ann

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-43865-4_14

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…The spatial context, our analyses suggests, interrelates with challenging behavior mostly by acoustic and visual stimuli and to a lesser degree by odor and temperature. This supports studies that consider acoustics a major influence on challenging behavior and individuals on the autism spectrum (Casson et al, 2021; Embregts et al, 2009; Mostafa, 2008, 2014; Mueller-Schotte, 2022; Parris & Watson, 2011; Nguyen Lan et al, 2020). The findings on the influence of visual stimuli strengthen previous research that emphasizes the alleged importance of clarity, order, and visual calm to foster emotional well-being and reduce stress in individuals showing challenging behavior or being on the autism spectrum (Embregts et al, 2009; Khare & Mullick, 2009; Kinnaer et al, 2015; Mostafa, 2014; Resnik & Blackbourn, 2009).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

Challenging Behavior in Context: A Case Study on How People, Space, and Activities Interact

Roos

Mobach

Heylighen

2023

HERD

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Aim: We aim to gain insight into the interaction between challenging behavior as shown by individuals with an intellectual impairment, and space, and to explore the possibilities of using routinely collected data to this end. Background: Research on challenging behavior shown by intellectually impaired individuals links their behavior to context, which includes space. Unfortunately, research about this link is hard to conduct, since these individuals may have difficulties expressing themselves verbally and react extremely to sensory stimuli. Method: We conducted a single-case study, focusing on a Dutch very-intensive care facility. We analyzed data routinely collected by the healthcare organization in search of time-space configurations that provide insights into the resident–space interaction. As sensitizing concepts, we used three different contexts the residents interact with—space, people, and activities. Findings: The study exemplified reported interactions that were direct, for example, between the residents and the spatial context, and indirect, for example, through other contexts (people and activities). Space impacts on residents’ senses intensely and acts as a lightning rod for their perceived stress. People also influence residents substantially. Caregivers may both have positive or adverse effects, for example, absenteeism or schedule change. Co-residents may trigger challenging behavior directly by a mere presence or transfer of their stress. Transitions between activities cause unpredictability and are triggers for residents, which interact with space. Conclusions: Living environments providing choice in nearness to the caregiver and distance to co-residents “high in tension,” lowering thresholds for transitions, and facilitating predictability would be beneficial for intellectually impaired individuals showing challenging behavior.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

Challenging Behavior in Context: A Case Study on How People, Space, and Activities Interact

Roos

Mobach

Heylighen

2023

HERD

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“…, 2014) as “design is compromise” (Osgood, 2014, p. 74). Extreme examples of sensory preferences of some people with autism do not necessarily match the sensory preferences of actual users (Nguyen et al. , 2020).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Low stimuli environments, for example, could benefit all people, with or without autism, in public and shared spaces. However, it is not always required in a private room of an individual with autism (Nguyen et al. , 2020) and it depends on an individual's needs (Schrameijer, 2015).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Residential design for adults on the autism spectrum: a scoping review

Nguyen

d’Auria

Heylighen

2022

OHI

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PurposeThis scoping review aims to (1) summarize research and design writings on residential design for adults on the autism spectrum in peer-reviewed and grey literature, (2) identify research gaps in this field and (3) understand the concept of independent living based on this literature.Design/methodology/approachA systematic search was conducted in seven databases using 47 search terms related to residence, design and autism. It was supplemented with a manual search for recommended authors and architectural websites.FindingsA final review of 37 sources highlighted that existing residential design guidelines are supported by weak evidence due to the lack of methods for involving and limited direct contact with autistic adults. Moreover, the needs of people living or working with them tend to be overlooked. Finally, the role of independent living has received little attention in the literature on residential design for adults on the spectrum.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings show a need for taking on board autistic people's understanding of independent living. Future research about residential design for autistic adults should be conducted with them, in diverse housing settings, providing nuanced insight into their housing needs and those of the people around them.Originality/valueThis scoping review is the first to provide an overview of what is known about residential design for autistic adults with a focus on the concept of independent living.

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“…Informed by inputs of autism experts, the pilot brief and their own autism research, each student applies critical thinking to develop a specialist brief; recognised autism issues inspire and instruct briefs to help develop a series of life and employment skills. Each brief is aimed at treating problems as opportunities, inspiring live practice projects and adding to accumulative knowledge on adult autism-friendly accommodation (Brand, 2010; Gaudion, 2013; Mostafa, 2014; Steele and Ahrentzen, 2015; Nguyen et al. , 2020a).…”

Section: Brief Development Stage 3: Mini-briefsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sensory spaces: sensory living – studio teaching the design of autism-friendly adult accommodation

Love

2022

ARCH

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PurposeThe study aims to evaluate: (1) How university students from interior architecture can create a forward-looking “Sensory Living” brief informed by both external autism experts and a specialist tutor, evidenced through Leeds City Council's live autism adult accommodation project. (2) Issues involved with moving an experimental studio teaching model online during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory approach informs an innovative teaching model, run over two years, to create a better normal; challenges and opportunities are critiqued.FindingsFeedback from experienced autism-specific experts raises recurring sensory and communication issues which frame a series of design problems to help inform the student briefs. Students learn that the designer as advocate for vulnerable users is imperative. Aspects of online teaching that can benefit an experimental studio teaching model are identified.Practical implicationsIdentification of the responsive “Sensory Living Model” illustrates (1) How local authorities can avoid seclusion and integrate meaningful “continuous learning opportunities” into autism-friendly adult accommodation for post-pandemic health and wellbeing. (2) How to embed autism-friendly design in the university curriculum.Social implicationsThe study helps address some of the UK Government's “National strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026”.Originality/value“Ten Novel Sensory Living Themes” are uncovered to help inform the design of autism-friendly adult accommodation. These are of value to (1) local authorities and design practitioners in formulating design briefs and (2) universities in educating future designers of inclusive spaces.

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Detail Matters: Exploring Sensory Preferences in Housing Design for Autistic People

Cited by 6 publications

References 5 publications

Challenging Behavior in Context: A Case Study on How People, Space, and Activities Interact

Challenging Behavior in Context: A Case Study on How People, Space, and Activities Interact

Residential design for adults on the autism spectrum: a scoping review

Sensory spaces: sensory living – studio teaching the design of autism-friendly adult accommodation

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