Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41351783›Full record

ArticleJournal of autism and developmental disorders2025

A Sensory Approach to Design: Inclusive Principles.

Kristi Gaines, Angela Bourne, Michelle Pearson, Huili Wang

Abstract read
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In one paragraph

Article in Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Kristi GainesTexas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA. kristi.gaines@ttu.edu.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3327-2654
Angela BourneFanshawe College - Retired, New London, Canada.
Michelle PearsonTexas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
Huili WangLouisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.

Funding

American Society of Interior Designers Foundation A001165001Organization for Autism Research A000981001
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeThe purpose of this study was to address the importance of sensory input within the built environment and develop design guidelines to accommodate the needs of all users. Typically, people receive information about the surrounding environment through their senses collectively. However, sensory processing problems may occur when sensory signals do not integrate to provide appropriate responses. As a result, the environment may cause a person to feel confused or irritated.

methodsA mixed methods approach was utilized to gather data including 1) focus group, 2) interviews, 3) observations, and 4) surveys. Over 600 subjects participated including education specialists (n = 546), adults with developmental disabilities (n = 58), and administrators and staff (n = 30). The target population was individuals who experienced difficulties with sensory processing, integration and modulation, caregivers, educators, and administrators who worked with the target population.

resultsThe findings show that individuals with sensory processing disorder view their environment differently than the general population. The data gathered was analyzed and coded to reflect six sensory categories: sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell, and motion (includes proprioception and vestibular senses). Each of these themes were further evaluated to develop "Design Principles for Inclusive Environments." Auditory and Tactile sound triggers were found to be the most problematic sensory responses and are the main focus of this manuscript. Unexpected sounds, background noise, and noise from mechanical systems were among the most problematic, while incorporating music and nature sounds were found to alleviate sound triggers. Tactile sensitivity in the environment was increased or reduced based on textures and materials, available personal space, and temperature.

conclusionThe research also showed that all users of a space benefited from the integration of inclusive design principles. This information is communicated in an easy-to-understand format that might benefit design professionals, educators, administrators, parents and the general public.

Indexed as

AutismBehaviorDesignEnvironmentInclusionSensory

Identifiers

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.