Spatialising Autism in Planning: from post-intervention to early participatory processes

The quality of life for individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly influenced not only by societal attitudes and the level of support provided by local and national authorities but also by the spatial aspects of their surrounding environments.

By employing intentional and conscious planning and design processes, experts can exercise significant environmental control over the sensory input that individuals on the autism spectrum are exposed to.

Although recent research and empirical studies have explored the use of urban spaces by individuals with ASD, they tend to advocate and prioritise spatial flexibility and customizability through post-interventions and readjustments in already planned and implemented spaces and infrastructures.

As a result, there is currently a lack of a clear research-based participatory planning framework that enables the autism community to participate actively in the spatial planning process from the early stages of the project.This interdisciplinary research aims to offer new perspectives on how integrating the participation of the autism community in planning processes can help initiate and improve their participation in society.

By aligning with the social sustainability objectives of creating an inclusive society, the research findings will be of considerable significance to academics, practitioners, and decision-makers working to promote a non-discriminatory universal design.