Technology and environmental design for the safety of people with autism

People with autism need a safe environment, free from potential risks and that facilitates movement so that they can continue to perform their tasks and maximize their abilities (FLEMING; ZEISEL; BENNETT, 2020). This study aimed to explore the safety measures implemented by family members of people with autism in the home environment. An exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative study, approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, in which 26 caregivers of people with autism participated. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. The study questions were based on environmental adaptations for well-being and safety measures adopted. The main thematic categories identified were: Modifications in environmental design and Technology resources. The category "Modifications in environmental design" generated the subcategories "Access Control Strategies" and "Modification of structure and rearrangement of furniture." Access control modifications included the installation of gates and keyed doors to isolate rooms and control access to medicines, plants, and animal feed. Regarding structural strategies, accessibility features were adopted, such as leveling the floor and removing steps, installing ramps, handrails, corner guards, and grab bars, removing shower stalls, widening doorways and passageways, installing non-slip flooring, and installing safety screens and nets, among others. Furniture and rugs were removed to increase free space and reduce environmental risks. Technology features included the installation of surveillance cameras, assistive devices such as shower chairs, bed safety rails, motion sensors, furniture corner guards, and floor signage, as well as increased supervision and surveillance. The main changes are based on the fact that 20 of these subjects were children living with autism and had no perception of the potential risk of the environment. Safety is the most frequently adopted measure for environments in which neurotypical individuals live, taking into account their cognitive, sensory, experiential, and sociodemographic specificities (Lee, 2022). Conclusion: Knowledge about the specific needs of a group of individuals should inform design and technology choices that can contribute to a full life in a safe and functional environment.