The Study of Sensory Integration Approach as a Basis for Developing Design Model of Therapy Space for Autistic Children

Universitas Indonesia Research Grant (2012)

This study addresses the critical role of space and spatial qualities in supporting sensory integration approach for autistic children. In particular the objectives of the study are: a) to explore the spatial qualities of spaces and objects that could support sensory integration; and b) to examine how the findings on the spatial qualities may become the basis for developing a spatial design model for sensory integration activities. The research has resulted in two major findings. The first one proposes a spatial model based on the topological readings of space, which allow the understanding of sensory integration activity space as a space for a connected sensory tour rather than as a collection of spatial elements. The second one suggests the multiplicity and relational characteristics of affordances which are manifested through the presence of the spaces and objects of possibilities that could enrich the process of adaptive responses of the autistic children.