Neuroscientists report that physical environments play a critical role in the development of memory, spatial processing, and contextual learning. When children suffer sensory impairment, as in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their capacity to learn and their rate of cerebral cell growth is correspondingly reduced. Inadequate learning conditions naturally compound the effects of the disorder, slow development and increase the sense of isolation from their peers these children come to feel.  As adults, learning, living, travel and work conditions can and will prohibit ones capacity to participate in meaningful work, way find or travel through spaces, affect eating and sleeping habits, and threaten overall life safety.

 

Children suffering from ASD can substantially improve their sensory processing abilities, learn robustly and develop permanent connectedness to their peers by receiving the proper therapeutic interaction within environments tuned to their specific sensory needs. 

 

The founding board members of APLUS are architects, special education teachers and social workers working with children with developmental delays.  We will share our expertise to identify the design elements impacting Autistic People Living in Urban Spaces to foster inclusion in our communities.