Table of Contents
Overview vii
1 Rise of Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Is It Real? 1 2 Relationship of Toxins and Neurological Impairments 5
3 Neurofunctions of Autism and How they Relate to the Designed Environment 9
Acute Visual Processing 10
Canalesthesia: Object in Content 13
Canalesthesia: Sensory Integration 16
Impaired Assignment to Incoming Social Stimuli 18
Decrease in Affilitative Behavior, or Imitation 21
Impairment in Distinguishing Stimuli and Their Significance 24
Brain Dysfunction: Asociality 26
Reduced Attention Selection and Recognition 27
Delayed Attention Shifting or Transitioning 33
4 Types of Spaces 35
Home Environment 36
School Environment 46
Therapy Environment 55
Clinic Environment 59
Residential Placement 66
5 Project Planning and Research 71
Find a Consultant 72
Listen 72
Pilot Areas or Mockups 74
Codes and Officials 74
Research 74
Checklists 74
6 Implementation and Construction process 83
General Contractor Selection 84
Off-gassing or Flushout Period 84
7 Outcomes and Celebrations 85
Metrics 86
Celebrations 87
8 Conclusion 89
Additional Research 93
Index 95