Designing FOR CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
As I reflect on my work as an interior designer, one of the most meaningful and quietly transformative areas is designing for children on the autism spectrum. Too often, the built environment is taken for granted, but for neurodivergent children, the way a space is arranged, lit and layered with texture can make a profound difference in how they feel, engage and thrive.
When I meet with a family whose daughter or son is autistic, the conversation always begins with listening. I listen to how they describe the world: “She finds the light too bright,” “He shuts down when the sound echoes,” “Her calm space disappears when there are no clear physical boundaries.” Every child’s experience is individual, and every design must honour that. Every individual is different; therefore, expertise is required to understand their needs and create interior design solutions that positively impact them as unique individuals.
One of the core shifts I make is from aiming for simply beautiful to aiming for supportive. For example:
Giving the child a voice in their space, whether that means choosing wall colours, textures of upholstery or where the shelves go. This sense of control nurtures independence and self-esteem, not just for autistic children, but for all children.
Creating an ability to see without being seen, a subtle but powerful concept. Having a vantage point, a side seat, a window into the room, which allows the child to preview the space before full immersion. It changes the way they relate to it.
Paying conscientious attention to lighting, colour and order. For children who may be hypersensitive to visual or auditory stimuli, the right light sources, muted palette and well-defined zones make a space feel safe rather than overwhelming.
Ensuring spatial clarity, clear routes, purposeful zones, and defined transitions, so the child builds a mental map rather than being lost in ambiguity.
When I design with these considerations at the heart, what I aim for is not merely a bedroom or a play space, but a sanctuary of growth. I create spaces where a young person on the spectrum feels safe and empowered; where the home supports their emotional regulation, creativity and self-expression.
At the heart of it all is belief: belief that the spaces we inhabit shape how we feel, how we think and how we relate to the world. For a child whose experience may differ from those who are neurotypical, that belief becomes a responsibility, to design with insight, empathy and intent.
