Interior home design in an autism household can make all the difference to how you use your home and how user-friendly it is for everyone’s needs and capabilities. The fact is much like with any external elements, a person with autism can struggle within their home if it isn’t sensitive to their needs.
As everyone is individual and no two people with autism are the same, you must pay close attention to your specific needs to get your modern interior design right. The best part is autism home designs benefit both neurotypical and neurodiverse people.
Modern Design
Typically it would be best to avoid over-complicated designs and bright clashing patterns commonly associated with art deco. Go for sleek lines and a minimalist design to keep clutter to a minimum. Think Scandi as a base and build a neutral no-fuss plan that limits the overcomplication of design.
Furniture
Depending on its placement, furniture can impact the function, privacy, and size of a space. Modular furniture and changeable environments are desirable for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Finishes that are easily cleaned are especially crucial because some persons on the autistic spectrum can have an obsessive demand for cleanliness. Think durability and easy-to-move items over solid furniture that has to remain in place.
Do they like to sit or lie down? Make accommodations for preferences, so they feel comfortable. If they want to sit in comfort, then include furniture that allows them to do so, but if they prefer lying on the floor, move furniture out of the way to create a safe space to let them do so.
Colors
Loud, bright colors such as red, yellow, or bright blues can be triggering for some. Stick to more neutral colors that evoke calm and relaxation to avoid your design sparking adverse reactions and behaviors within the home.
Lighting
Lighting is an essential sensory factor to consider when designing autism-friendly spaces. Think low-level lighting, softer hues, and avoid using large areas of bright lighting. Opt for warm white lights over more fabulous shades that can be harsh. Consider adding adjustable lighting that can be altered as required or even multicolor lighting for the ultimate sensory experience. Tie the gifting choices to the colors in the room to avoid them clashing.
Sounds
Individuals on the autism spectrum are susceptible to sound, and at times, they can be exceedingly painfully so. The provision of better-insulated areas and the ability to manipulate sound pressure levels would be helpful to everyone. For instance, the addition of pink sound would be an example of acoustic manipulation.
Alternatively, if the individual prefers silence, designing a room that encourages quiet and limits external noises, soundproofing can help to reduce unwanted noise within the home.
Special Configuration
Autistic minds find it easier to process information in organized and delimited spaces. Individuals with autism can benefit from sequential circulation, storage for non-essential objects, subdividing rooms, and making places reconfigurable, among other strategies.
Pay attention to quirks such as clumsiness and move furniture that can be bumped into to avoid added damage to both persons and furniture.
Kori
