#autism-friendly

[autisticality]

Autistic cognitive differences are often some of the least discussed traits. They tend to be fairly ‘internal’, and so their effects are not always obvious from the outside. In spite of this, they can be just as significant as any of the more familiar and stereotypical traits, and cognitive needs can’t be ignored when planning accessibility. Cognitive needs are perhaps the most important to address in advance of an event. Some of these things have to be considered long before the event in order to have any use. Without them, many autistic people will just silently not attend your event – you won’t even realise you’ve made it inaccessible, because they couldn’t get as far as attending and finding it difficult. But these are also possibly some of the easiest needs to meet, with a little consideration!

[designforautism]

The Architecture of Autism

Sweetwater Spectrum, a California residence for autistic adults, hopes to become a model for like-minded experiments across the country.

In 2009, a pair of academics, Kim Steele and Sherry Ahrentzen, collaborated on “Advancing Full Spectrum Housing,” a comprehensive design guideline for housing adults with autism.

ONE OF THE NEW design goals for supportive living is that the buildings shouldn’t look like supportive living. That said, the project’s lead architect, Marsha Maytum, from the San Francisco firm Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, drew extensively from the Steele and Ahrentzen standards. Many of her design decisions were practical ones, like specifying extra-durable, high-impact wall finishes and replaceable carpet tiles.

Also, there is a floor drain in every bathroom. As Ms. Maytum explained, “Water can be a really interesting activity for people with autism.”

[designforautism]

How do you design a home for someone with autism?

There's no 'one size fits all' approach. But a lot of little things – from colors to appliance noise – can make a big difference.

Today, while the majority of adults on the spectrum live in the home of a parent or other family member, their caretakers are now wondering what will happen when they get older and can no longer take care of themselves – let alone someone on the spectrum.

..autism is a lifelong condition, and just 2 percent of these research funds are focused on the needs of adults.

[designforautism]

'Autism-friendly' gardens to feature at Chelsea and Tatton Park flower shows

Garden designers are highlighting ways to make green spaces "autism-friendly", as a natural and low-cost way to help people with the condition.

“The designers have come up with a series of tips for making green spaces good for those who have the disorder, which is characterised by impaired social interaction, communication difficulties and a need for routine and repetition.

They include providing calming and delicate scents, such as roses, elderflower and jasmine which are beneficial to autistic people who can have acute senses, and creating a calm zone as they can be sensitive to noise, light and heat.

There should also be an action area, if space allows, for exercising or letting off steam, while planting for the gardens could include herbs such as chamomile, which can be made into a soothing tea, and soft grasses that blow in the wind.”

[autisticality]

How to make your event autism-friendly, part 2: sensory needs

Sensory needs tend to be fairly hit-and-miss in how well they are accommodated. People with little or no understanding of autism sometimes have no idea that sensory differences are even relevant. People with slightly more understanding often have good intentions but make changes based on misinformation or simplifications. The fact is, just like in all areas, there is a huge range of variation in sensory needs among autistic people. There’s no simple approach to accommodating us.

[designforautism]

The architect of New Struan, Andrew Lester of Aitken Turnbull Architects, is also the parent of a young woman with ASD. Combining his skills as an architect with his personal knowledge and understanding of ASD and consulting widely with our own staff, parents and pupils, he developed a blueprint for a unique, learning-friendly school that has at its core, the best interests of children with autism.

The design of New Struan School takes account of the recommendations of the Scottish Government and then goes a step further to address the ‘value added’ components that are essential to a specialised service for pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

[designforautism]

Color Communication Badges | Autistic Self Advocacy Network

Color Communication Badges

Color Communication Badges offer those who use them an opportunity to communicate explicitly the degree to which they want to participate in new social interactions and with who. They offer a universally designed way of making a conference, university, event or other space more accessible to those who may not find typical nonverbal social cues accessible.

[autisticality]

How to make your event autism-friendly, part 1: introduction

Last week I went to a conference specifically aimed at autistic people. But considering that it was aimed at autistic people (and that many of the people who planned and ran it were autistic), I was surprised and disappointed by just how inaccessible the event was for autistic people.