Design e autismo: diretrizes projetuais de mobiliário voltado para atendimento de crianças com TEA.

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Research shows that there is an exponential increase in cases of autism in the world. It is also known that autistic people need substantial help in their daily lives, making them start treatments very early. This study sought to understand which guidelines can be adopted for the development of a furniture proposal aimed at serving children with ASD. The steps of the adopted method were based on the Design Thinking process, a human-centered approach to problem solving. Field visits, photographic records, interviews, development of a three-dimensional model and a focus group were carried out. The target audience for the research were 12 professionals who care for children with ASD at CER-IV, in Campina Grande, Paraíba. By understanding the perception of these CER professionals, it was possible to identify that they need versatile furniture that allows them to carry out different activities at the same time that it’s able to serve a wide range of users with different ages, heights, weights and needs. Also, it was noticed that furniture suitable for the care of children with ASD requires conditions that favors visual contact between the child and the therapist. Furthermore, this research highlights the importance of doing more studies on the design of autism-friendly products by the use of methodologies that include the needs of people with ASD, as well as the contribution of users in the design process, generating guidelines for the creation of inclusive products with solutions to problems faced by users.