ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of the research undertaken in understanding the characteristics of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and how such an understanding has led to the development of a low cost, multimedia environment for mainstream schools. Children with ASD suffer from varying degrees of qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication and restricted patterns of behaviour. A web-based questionnaire was used to ascertain the profile of children with ASD, their sensory preferences and previous experience of multi-sensory rooms. Observations made in traditional, multi sensory environments showed that some children derived benefit from these, displaying both enjoyment and relaxation. However there were noticeable differential effects caused for example by lighting, on those with Asperger’s Syndrome and those with “classic” autism. However all children became visibly calm and more relaxed from tactile input such as immersion in the ball pool, being squashed under soft bean bags or spun around in an encasing hammock.
