A WORLD OF COLOURS
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. People with autism can have different levels of sensitivity to sensory input such as colours.
Colours can have a profound impact on people with autism. Bright and bold colours can be overwhelming and distracting, while soft and muted colours can help create a calming and relaxed atmosphere. People with autism can also have a strong preference for certain colours, which can have a significant impact on their behaviour and mood.
Intense colours such as red, yellow, or orange may be too bright for sensitive individuals. Work with pastels, earth tones, and cool colours for your flooring to minimize sensory issues.
People with autism may engage in repetitive actions or have a fascination with specific objects. They can stare at a specific point for long periods of time. For this reason, tonal colours, meaning colours from the same colour group, are highly recommended. Plain-coloured walls are also the best for projection and light effects as they reflect colours and patterns without augmenting.
Spaces should have a clear geography. Use colours to distinguish walls, floors and furniture to make it easier to navigate. Keep the lay-out simple and use colours for the identification of certain areas, such as ‘personal’ spaces and quiet areas.
DO
Use subdued colours, pastels, earth tones or colours mixed with grey.
DON’T
Don't use bright and bold colours, such as reds and yellows, and stripy or busy patterns.
DO
Use subdued colours, pastels, earth tones or colours mixed with grey.
DON’T
Don't use bright and bold colours, such as reds and yellows, and stripy or busy patterns.
Use tonal colours (different shaded colours of the same tonal group).
Don't use contrasting colours (such as red and green, or blue and yellow).
Use tonal colours (different shaded colours of the same tonal group).
Don't use contrasting colours (such as red and green, or blue and yellow).
Distinguish walls, floors and certain areas to make it easier to navigate.
Watch our webinars to learn more about colours and neurodiversity
Webinar on colours In our webinar on colour psychology, colour experts Carola Seybold (PANTONE®), and Karen Haller (Leading Global Expert in the field of Behavioural Colour and Design Psychology), discuss what effect colours can have on interior spaces and our wellbeing in general.
Webinar neurodiversity In our webinar on neurodiversity, experts Colin Ellard (Neuroscientist, author & design consultant) and Kay Sargent (HOK Architects) discuss the human brain and the technical methods of neuroscience that give useful insights to create better indoor environments
Webinar on colours In our webinar on colour psychology, colour experts Carola Seybold (PANTONE®), and Karen Haller (Leading Global Expert in the field of Behavioural Colour and Design Psychology), discuss what effect colours can have on interior spaces and our wellbeing in general.
Webinar neurodiversity In our webinar on neurodiversity, experts Colin Ellard (Neuroscientist, author & design consultant) and Kay Sargent (HOK Architects) discuss the human brain and the technical methods of neuroscience that give useful insights to create better indoor environments