With Autism now affecting 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys, it’s imperative that architects, interior designers and color professionals be aware of the specific design requirements, for this growing population. Special consideration needs to be given when selecting colors and finishes, particularly for public spaces where children frequent.
Autistic children frequently have difficulties with sensory integration, which are the senses that are experienced through sight, touch, sound, taste and smell.They rely on their visual senses to tell them what is happening since them often difficulty decoding verbal cues. Here’s another important fact that we need to keep in mind, when selecting color for children’s spaces. Researchers have found that autistic children’s rods and cones (components of the eye) have changed due to chemical imbalances or neural deficiencies. Colors appear more vibrant to autistic children. Of the autistic children tested, 85% saw colors with greater intensity than non-autistic children. The color red for example, looks fluorescent and vibrates with intensity.
Environments with too much stimulus on walls, floors and counter surfaces can wreak havoc in neurologically delayed individual’s minds. Declutter! Disorganized, cluttered environments make it difficult for everyone to concentrate, especially for autistic children. For this reason it’s essential that their space be simplified.
TIPS:
- Use non-defined patterns in fabrics, flooring and wall covering.
- Color schemes should minimal hues; muted colors are preferred.
- Put books, toys and other distractions out of sight; place them behind cabinet doors.
- Draperies and shutters are distracting; use simple, inside mount blinds
- Although color preferences vary from individuals, studies have shown that many autistic children favor pale pink.
- Reduce the use of primary colors to light weight toys, which can be removed from the space if needed.
- A monochromatic color scheme instantly creates a peaceful environment.
- Cool colors such as blue and green typically have the most soothing effect.
Denise Turner, ASID, CID, CMG is an international colorist, Certified Interior Designer, speaker, author, artist, color & design trend forecaster, Chroma Therapist and president of the COLOR TURNERS.
As a spokesperson for ASID National, CMG Expert Speaker’s Bureau and as the Contributing Color & Design Trend Editor for idS Magazine, Malaysia, Denise regularly appears in press. Her redesign of an ADA-compliant master bath won the HGTV Designer’s Challenge. Turner is an ASID Professional Member, former ASID chapter president, CMG Chair Holder and UCLA graduate.
Thank you Denise for this great post on color and autism. There's so much to consider when designing a room for the autistic child or adult from lighting, room accessories and of course, color.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this detailed post. Autism touches so many of us.
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
Juliane
Interesting post. I was watching Amazing Race and one of the contestants has autism. He had a lot of trouble coping in India with all the noise, disarray, and colors everywhere. I can see how this information fits.
ReplyDeleteI work with autistic adults. We always ask what their favorite things are, and a great number say the color orange. I think your observation that red is too vibrant is spot on. The secondary colors purple, orange and green seem to be easier on their senses. Thanks for such great insight.
ReplyDelete