Byera Hadley travelling scholar: What I learned about Autism-friendly design across three continents

I built my first quiet space out of bookshelves.Before I studied architecture, I worked in after-school care. A child was overwhelmed — the centre was loud and bright, it was raining and everyone was stuck inside. I asked if he wanted somewhere quieter; a nod, and I pushed two low bookshelves together in a corner of the room, then draped a thin blanket over the gap. He climbed in, headphones on until he was comfortable to come out. It wasn’t sophisticated, but it worked.I know now th