Special features of the formation of comfortable educational space for the people with autism (Based on the Magda Mostaf's "Index of Autism ASPECTSS" studie)

Abstract

Аutism is a disorder of the nervous system characterized by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive behavior. Individuals with autism also have problems interacting with the external world, a desire for constancy and loneliness, wonderful mechanical memory, and hypersensitivity to sensory interactions.

Also, the problem of inclusiveness should be considered, because despite the acute need to organize a comfortable learning space for people with autism syndrome, the methodology of organizing such a space is not yet developed in many countries, while in Ukraine it is not available at all.

The research analyzes the results of previous studies and considers problems that focus on the peculiarities of behavior of people with autism and the lack of conditions for their improvement. Today, one in 100 people around the world suffers from this disorder, but there are still no comfortable educational institutions, accessible conditions, or opportunities to implement them in society.

For instance, there should be all the conditions for individuals with autism to feel comfortable and safe indoors. Individuals with autism experience problems with spatial orientation and movement coordination, and they are sensitive to sounds, smells and colors, as well as tactile contacts. By changing the sensory environment to a more supportive one, the well-being of individuals with autism can be improved, which will speed up the effectiveness and quality of learning, communication and perception of the environment. Effective classroom design for students with autism includes: structure, predictability, and consistency.

The design of the learning space is based on the "Index of Autism ASPECTSS". To design a learning space, it is necessary to create a sense of security, acoustic control, transitional areas and sensory zoning, as well as a space for privacy.