Classroom Design for Children with an Autism Spectrum

In modern societies, the group of people with dysfunctions related to the spectrum of autism is becoming increasingly numerous. A specialized approach to space design for this group of people is becoming a necessity. Particular attention should be paid to the rooms where children with autism spectrum disorders spend a lot of time - to classrooms. The arrangement of space can strongly influence their behavior. Special attention must be paid to the size and proportions of the room, the sense of order in space, proper sunshine, shading and ventilation, as well as to the reduction of detail, the excess of which leads to aggression and lack of concentration in this group of people. Another important element is the proper furnishing of the room, clearly informing about its purpose, or creation of clear zones.However, we are not always able (for procedural and financial reasons) to build complex daycare centers or schools for autistic people, and adaptations of existing rooms impose many limitations. However, despite this, at Tadeusz Kościuszko Primary School No. 11 with Integration Classes in Katowice, an original attempt was made to implement the above assumptions. It includes space zoning, floor differentiation, appropriate lighting, adequate equipment with the elements that are not typical for regular classrooms, as well as color markings and pictograms on the walls, which will be presented in more detail below. All this will undoubtedly lead to better comfort of use.