PROJECT TITLE
Selection of Materials for Autistic Child's Room

AUTHOR
Linda L. Nussbaumer, Ph.D.
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
linda_nussbaumer@sdstate.edu

PROJECT LEVEL
Second Year

ABSTRACT
This project involves the selection of materials for an Autistic child's room. Autism is a developmental disability that appears within the first three years of a child's life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that interferes with the normal development of the brain. It affects verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and sensory development. Autism may be present in a variety of combinations and at various levels - mild to severe.

Interior designers are most concerned with the Autistic person's tendency toward unusual sensory experiences. Therefore, the appropriate environment for an Autistic child is very different from other children. Changes within the environment are difficult for them and the degree of difficulty depends on the level. When making changes, gradual rather than drastic changes are best. Color, texture, and other factors are crucial for the user's well being. Colors must be lower in saturation with fewer variations in value. Textures must be soft but some variety is needed for stimulation. However, patterns must be subtle to limit the amount of stimulation.

This project will help students understand Autism and the challenges in selecting materials for the Autistic child's room. Students will conduct the following activities. Research on autism will be conducted, selection criteria for an Autistic child's room will be developed, and from the criteria, materials will be chosen. Materials will include floor covering, wall covering, upholstery fabric, window treatment, bedspread, and wood veneer for furniture.

OBJECTIVES
1.  To develop an understanding of how the materials selected by interior designers affect people within the interior environment.
2.  To research autism and the type of interior environment that is best for an autistic person.
3.  To demonstrate competence in the development of selection criteria for an autistic child's room
4.  To demonstrate competence in selection materials using selection criteria.
5.  To demonstrate competence in visual presentation of materials.

CRITERIA
1.  Identify the problem. The child is at a medium level of autism and is able to communicate at a low level.
2.  Research autism and the interior environment through the Internet search, library, and/or interview of an expert on child behavior or a parent of an autistic child.
3.  Research must be presented in written form as follows: Definition of Autism, Special needs, and Environmental considerations.
4.  Develop selection criteria for the situation. Selection criteria must be typed in spreadsheet form.
5.  Select and evaluate materials. Type a specification list of all materials. Prepare a sample board or collage of chosen materials.

PROCESS
1.  The project will take three class periods along with outside research time.
2.  Students will receive an assignment sheet during the 1st class period, or prior to the class period, the assignment may be e-mailed to students as an attachment.
3.  During the 1st class period, students will receive and read the handout.
4.  Prior to the 2nd class period, students will research autism and the interior environment.
5.  Student will analyze the research and develop selection criteria. (Selection criteria may be typed in spreadsheet form similar to the following example. Only a few criteria are shown as examples).
6.  During the 2nd class period, students will use the selection criteria to choose the appropriate materials and prepare a visual presentation (sample board or collage) of their selections.
7.  Before the final class period the following must be completed. Research in written form as follows: Definition of Autism, Special needs of the Autistic child, and Environmental considerations.
*Selection criteria in spreadsheet form (see format above).
Select and evaluate materials.
**Specification list of all materials.
Prepare a sample board or collage of chosen materials.
8.  At the beginning of the 3rd class period, projects must be complete, and students will share their research and visual presentation.

PRESENTATION
Students will present their research and visual presentation in one of the following ways: PowerPoint presentation of research and selection criteria along with a sample board or collage, an electronic file of research and selection criteria along with a sample board or collage, or notebook with typed research and spreadsheet of selection criteria along with a sample board or collage.

EVALUATION
Students will research autism and the autistic child, develop selection criteria from which materials are evaluated and selected, write a specification list, and create a visual presentation. Evaluation will be based on the appropriate selection criteria and materials for the autistic child.

PROJECT LENGTH
The project will be completed within three class periods. Students will receive the assignment during the 1st class period or by e-mail attachment prior to class. They will read the project assignment and questions may be asked. Before the 2nd class period, students will complete their research and develop selection criteria. During the 2nd class period, students will select materials and begin preparation of the presentation. Project will be due at the beginning of the 3rd class period. Students will share the research and visual presentation.

REFERENCES
Internet web sites
     http://www.autism-society.org
     http://www.autism.org/contents.html
     http://www.autism.com/ari/contents.html

Library search - periodicals

Text Books
Jackman, D. R. & Dixon, M. K. (1990). The Guide to Textiles for Interior Designers, 2nd ed. Winnebeg: Peguis.

Yaeger, J. (2000). Textiles for Residential and Commercial Interiors. New York: Fairchild Publications.



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