An Approach to Design Sensory Furniture for Autism

Abstract

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the prevalence rate of autism in the United States nearly tripled from 2004 to 2020. The rapid rise in the number of autism diagnoses placesan economic burden on the United States and even the entire world. This issue requires peopleto pay attention and take appropriate action. This study will research the psychology andbehavior of children with autism and seek to categorize their personality characteristics andphysical needs with the goal of understanding whether and how furniture design can supportearly intervention treatment for children with autism. Current research shows that the soonerintervention treatment for children with autism is initiated, the easier it is for them to adapt tosociety. Since the home environment is very familiar to children with autism, it is proposed thatindirect treatment in this environment will have a better effect, suggesting furniture with sensoryinput functions will play a significant role in the treatment of children with autism. This studyaims to help increase children's learning efficiency with autism through early intervention. Because of the diversity of characteristics of autism, it is challenging to create a simpleset of criteria. This thesis is for developing assistive furniture without a broader exploration andunderstanding of user behavior and family needs.