Unique Design Elements

The Center for Autism features unique design elements that will make visits more comfortable for children with autism.

Curvilinear Design – Children who have difficulties with visuospatial processing often place their hands on the walls to help move through space. Curving walls and rounded corners will be particularly helpful to them and facilitate their movement within the building.

Simple Wayfinding – An important feature of the design is to incorporate subtle graphics along the walls as a wayfinding measure. A simple butterfly can add softness to the hallways while guiding children through the building. Each room at the Center for Autism has a designated symbol, such as a butterfly or a stack of blocks, to help children find the appropriate room.

Specific Colors – Our goal is to shift from the traditional, institutionalized, monochromatic feeling and allow children to feel more “at home.” Research shows that pastels are the most positive colors. Using these soft colors extensively on the new building’s walls will produce calmness as soon as people enter.

Noise Reduction Fabrics – In potentially noisy areas, we can prevent sound reverberation by using suspended acoustical ceilings with sound-absorbent backings.

Specific Floor Coverings – A high-impact, non-patterned resilient floor covering with help with sound absorbency as it provides a warm and comforting space.

Reinforced Ceiling for Activities – To assist the staff with enhanced sensory opportunities, the Sensory Room will feature an interior swing. The raised and reinforced ceiling will provide added flexibility.

Ordered Environment – Adequately-sized, lockable closets are an important element for rooms in which there will be interaction with children. The closets will allow staff to hide the typical distractions of pens, papers, books, file cabinets, and other items.