Name: Designing the Built Environment for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Author: Kristin Faurest

Course Info

9 video lessons (54 Mins)
Published
2024
Trending
4.39

Preview Course

Browse Course Chapters

1.

Introduction

2 mins
2.

1 min
3.

Overview of Course

2 mins
4.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

6 mins
5.

How do People with Autism Spectrum Disorder Experience the Built Environment Differently?

10 mins
6.

Autism-friendly Design in Architecture and Urban Planning

17 mins
7.

Sensory Gardens: Design and Benefits

6 mins
8.

Parks and Playgrounds

6 mins
9.

Parting Thoughts and Recommended Resources

2 mins

What You Will Learn

1. Know what autism spectrum disorder is and what a wide range of conditions exist within an overarching diagnosis

2. Understand why and how neurodivergent people perceive and respond to the built environment differently

3. Recognize common design practices and elements in the built environment that can cause over-stimulation for people living with autism spectrum disorder

4. Become acquainted with a wide variety of examples of autism-friendly design in shared spaces including streets, signage, public buildings, playgrounds, gardens, etc.

5. Learn how to engage people with autism in the design process

6. Acquire a range of new design knowledge for accommodating and adapting the environment for people with autism

Course Description

In this course we will discuss what autism spectrum disorder is, the many different types that have been identified, how neurodivergent people experience the built environment differently, and the challenges that it presents. We'll explore several case studies of designed spaces meant to answer the needs of people, including children, living with autism, and explain in detail the reasons for the design decisions behind them. Topics will include gardens, signage and fonts, streets, color schemes, playgrounds, public buildings, and other spaces.

Learn these skills

Accessibility
Architecture
Equity
Parks & Recreation
Urban Design

AICP CM

This course is approved for 1 AICP CM credit.

Meet Your Instructor

Kristin Faurest

Kristin Faurest is a public garden education and outreach professional, author, and landscape architecture educator, committed to a world where everyone has equal access to nature and healthy food.

Meet Instructor