Natural Neighborhoods Creating Well-Being for Individuals With ADHD and Autism

Sarah Miorelli
Exhibition and Experience Design

About this Item

Title
Natural Neighborhoods Creating Well-Being for Individuals With ADHD and Autism
Contributor Names
Miorelli, Sarah (Author)
Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York. Exhibition and Experience Design (Degree granting institution)
Cowan, Brenda (Thesis advisor)
Date
2024
Degree Information
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2024
Department: Exhibition and Experience Design
Advisor: Brenda Cowan
Committee members: Christina Lyons; Brooke Carlson
Abstract
Spaces such as museums, cultural institutions, zoos, aquariums, and themed entertainment spaces are integral to the human experience and one's search for knowledge, growth, community, and well-being. These spaces encourage and nurture learning, creativity, empathy, and understanding of the world around us. However, what may be an engaging experience for some may be overstimulating and overwhelming for others, especially those with unapparent disabilities such as ADHD and autism. Museums are making great strides to address this problem by offering sensory-friendly hours, sensory kits, and sensory guides. These are helpful accommodations, but they are often implemented after spaces are completed and operational, when these accommodations could be integrated with a Universal Design process from the beginning. By expanding the principles of universal design, and centering this design on well-being for those with unapparent disabilities, designers can take steps to dismantle ableism and create more inclusive spaces for individuals with ADHD and Autism. These design choices can include low-stimulation environments, transitional spaces, "quiet spaces," predictable or familiar features, and "wayfinding." The following thesis and applied design project illustrates how it is possible to accommodate individuals with unapparent disabilities in a successful way that does not affect, and possibly even enriches the neurotypical experience.
Subject
Design
Museum studies
Mental health
Keyword
Exhibition design
Well-being
Aquariums
Neurotypical experience
Rights
In Copyright
The copyright for this work is held by its author/creator(s). Usage of this material beyond what is permitted by copyright law must first be cleared with the rights-holder(s). This work has been made available online by the Fashion Institute of Technology Gladys Marcus Library strictly for research and educational purposes. If you are the copyright holder for this work and have any objections to this work being made available online, please notify us immediately at [email protected].
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Identifier
FIT Repository ID: etd_001012
URN/ISBN: 9798302851871
Related Materials
Also available from ProQuest
Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 86-07.
Type
Text
Thesis
Language
English
Publisher
Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations & Theses,

Citation

Miorelli, S. (2024). Natural Neighborhoods Creating Well-Being for Individuals With ADHD and Autism [Master's thesis, Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York]. FIT Institutional Repository. https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/599970
Miorelli, Sarah. Natural Neighborhoods Creating Well-Being for Individuals With ADHD and Autism. 2024. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, Master's thesis. FIT Digital Repository, https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/599970
Miorelli, Sarah. "Natural Neighborhoods Creating Well-Being for Individuals With ADHD and Autism." Master's thesis, Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, 2024. https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/599970