Built Environment Design and People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Scoping Review

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 19;18(6):3203. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18063203.

Abstract

Built environment design can be considered as an influential factor in the quality of life of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This scoping review provides an overview of the current available literature on the relationship between people with ASD and built environment in the specific field of the design of autism-friendly spaces. The literature review allowed the identification of three main factors to be considered when designing for people with ASD-the sensory quality, the intelligibility, and the predictability of the built environment-and, for each of them, a description of the spatial requirements that have been recognized as fundamental according to the specific spatial needs of people with ASD.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; built environment; scoping review; spatial requirements.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder*
  • Built Environment
  • Environment Design
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life