Major project: Week 5 Sarah Barnard & General Autism Research

 In this post I will make a research about Sarah Barnard and about the autism rooms in general.

But before that, When I was young, I always asked about those with autism, and I always wanted to do something to comfort them. I had a friend who had a brother who had autism, so I would always try to go to his place to see what he likes and what he doesn't, what he hates, and what he feel comfortable with. I always tried to make for him a friendly and comfortable room at the same time, even though it was very simple, but he benefited from it, and I was many times get for him some samples from grass, stone, and fabric for the sensor. However, My love for these thing and for these kids made me delve deeper into designers like Sarah Barnard and others so I could learn more about them.

Sarah Barnard

Sarah Barnard is a great designer that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Sarah likes to create a custom-made spaces that are connected to art and that contains safety for the environment. She creates highly personalised, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment (Barnard nd). Sarah Barnard creates a sustainable spaces that help and support her clients in living their best lives. Sarah Barnard is one of the interior designer who designs a autistic room for children where she try's to meet there specific needs. Now we will some of here designs and discuss the designs more deeply.

safe place for autism children 

safe place for autism children 

 

A room is a place of rest and comfort, providing a sense of belonging. It is full of stuff that we will interact with daily like texture, lighting, furniture. Sarah has made a safe place for autism children. she add adjustable light dimmer which can offer autonomy and also creates customizable experience to meet the child need. Also she added the teddy bear to the bed so it can take there attention also autistic children like teddy bears as well. Also she added a book holder near the bed so the kid can read a book in his comfort place. Furthermore, privacy, the bed with the curtains to offer a safe, private to find comfort and solitude. Sarah make intuitive space which the children can interact with there space intuitive space can help your child interact with their environment (Barnard & Barnard/, 2021).

safe place for autism children 

As Sarah Barnard says intuitive space can help your child to interact withe their environment, and provide a bigger sense of comfort and independence. The sensory trail and the specific textures and the soft colors all of that will help the child to stay calm and happy (Barnard & Barnard/, 2021). The approach of each project with empathy, compassion, and practical design knowledge to meet their needs. So we can make a tangible difference in their happiness and health (Barnard & Barnard/, 2021).

At this time, some people are treating a child with autism in a different way and leaving him until his condition worsens, Also some people always make them feel like they are a strangers to them, but in reality they are like us. They just likes certain things and feel comfortable with certain things. So we must not let them feel like this and give them peace and comfort. Each autism children is united by his love of things and is comfortable with certain thing and colours. And each sensory room is unique. some of them will be sensitive to harsh lighting, and loud song or music as well Children on the spectrum may be hyper-sensitive to harsh lighting, strong odors, and loud music. While sensory issues can vary, there are general aspects that apply to most kids (Plex nd). sensory rooms can be simple and practical in the same time.

Sensory room for autistic children

Autism children have problems with light and they feel comfort with some specific light mood tone and colour. so we can add LED light which they can have the control for the light colour so the children to sleep and rest Many LED lights come in different colors that can easily be changed. This is a blessing for many, as they can switch up the color of the light in the room to whatever feels comfortable at the moment (Amanda, 2021). Also there is a sensory room toys for autism children, children with autism like the toys that they can arrange them such as, stacking shape sorter wooden toys. or some toys that have different shapes which may grab there attention. as there playtime is there learning time because they learn a new skills playtime is learning time (murcus nd). additionally, Tunnel, small trampoline, bean bags, small tent, fidget toys, and arranging toys we can add all of these where autistic children love and feel comfortable with

Also there isn't a specific interior design style that autism children prefer. And it best to focus on creating a calm and friendly space for them.

The thing that I have learnt from Sarah Barnard and from other research's is that the autism room should not be complicated to give them there comfort, it could be that simple but give them what they need. It is just to put in what the child love and what they prefer what colours they like which light colour they feel ok with it is all about what the child need it is different from one child to another. So now I will write what I am thinking to do for my room that I will design 


For my work I will make autism room with simple toys but it will meet there needs. Which will help them to feel comfortable. So I am thinking to add a wishful blue colour to the wall and wood for the floor in top of it a nice bear carpet and soft blue one above them arranging toys such as: The alphabet wooden puzzle arrange toy, the cubes, rocking Horse chair, and a blackboard to write there feeling in it. Also I am thinking to add a small tent in the room so they can inside it if they want to feel safe and have there own time.  Also i will make them interact with there environment as well. The more you get detailed in these small things with uncomplicated things the better the result will be. I will add all my ideas and what I am going to do in my space planing and in my floor plan. 

reference list: 

Barnard, S. (no date) About, Sarah Barnard Design. Available at: https://www.sarahbarnard.com/about (Accessed: 04 November 2023).

Plex, P. (no date) Sensory room ideas for children with autism, PediaPlex. Available at: https://www.pediaplex.net/blog/sensory-room-ideas-for-children-with-autism (Accessed: 04 November 2023).

Amanda (2021) Lighting and autism: How fluorescent & led affects sensory, Make Great Light. Available at: https://www.makegreatlight.com/about-us/blog/fluorescent-led-lighting-autism-spectrum-disorder (Accessed: 04 November 2023).

murcus (no date) Improving interest in toys and games, Marcus Autism Center. Available at: https://www.marcus.org/autism-resources/autism-tips-and-resources/improving-interest-in-toys-and-games#:~:text=It%20is%20common%20for%20some,the%20way%20most%20kids%20do. (Accessed: 04 November 2023).

Barnard, S. and Barnard/, S. (2021) Designing for children with autism - sarah barnard design - story, Sarah Barnard Design. Available at: https://www.sarahbarnard.com/story/tag/designing+for+children+with+autism (Accessed: 04 November 2023).