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Hope Project - La Pilar Learning Centre - Kathy Sinnott
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I mentioned that some persons with autism have only a small reliable box of vision. We see children with autism line up their little Matchbox cars and trucks. A parent who tidies them away faces major meltdown. Lining toys was considered a "bizarre behaviour" in the past but is quite logical when one considers that the child lines his toys up in order to keep track of them. By memorising the order the cars are in, the child can find them. With his box of vision, he can see one or two of them at a time, but by using the line he knows where the rest are. Tidied away he has the frustrating job of relocating them in what amounts to an abstract painting. He may also have some usable peripheral vision so when he searches for his cars he may look for them out of the side of his eye.

How does this affect design? It would help accessibility to keep an environment visually simple, putting the key functional items like light switches in seeable contrast. The light switch can be spotted peripherally and then viewed in the usable frame of vision.

In autism, there can be major disruption in hearing. Some people with autism cannot separate background sounds from foreground sounds. It can be hard for a person with autism to hear what someone is saying to him or her if music is playing or in a noisy setting. Some people have very uneven reception of sound frequencies. Some frequencies may be hard to hear and some may be painful. This may be different for each ear. I have often watched my son block his ears when an announcement comes over an intercom. The announcement, which breaks the silence or is louder and shriller than the piped music it interrupted, may be very important but will be shut out by the very people who may need its message and warning because they must protect their ears. Similarly, with smoke alarms, a shrill signal mobilises most people to action. Yet, a person with autism and hyperacute hearing may be immobilised by the smoke alarm. A lifesaver then becomes a life threatener.

Lighting is an area of importance in any design but especially in accessible design. About 40% of persons with autism have epilepsy, many are sensitive to flicker. This disqualifies florescent lighting as an option in a disabled friendly building. Natural lighting is always best but not always available. Full spectrum, even polarised lighting with its positive effects on the immune system, are a good choice. Shaded and indirect light from ordinary light bulbs are not too intrusive. In Jamie's class, we also use black light for short periods because it creates a stark contrast that is useful for some educational activities.

Electric fittings and appliances can be a problem for some persons with autism who are sensitive to hums, vibrations and magnetism. Parents often notice that their child with autism is happier and functions better at the granny's old farmhouse or the family's seaside caravan. Natural light, air, lack of appliances, toxic building materials and central heating may all relieve the child of the heavy burden of living with modern comforts.