Catherine Helliker of Danfloor discusses harnessing the power of soft floorcoverings for creating inclusive education environments which support neurodivergence.
In designing inclusive spaces which support all users’ needs, such as in education facilities, the need to focus on the importance of flooring for neurodivergent individuals is key.
Prominent among the various design elements that contribute to a harmonious environment, carpets can into their own in this area, offering unique advantages for users on the autistic spectrum, or who have other neurodivergent conditions.
For individuals who are on the spectrum, sensory experiences play a pivotal role in their daily lives. Carpets, with their soft and comforting texture, can even provide a sensory haven. The tactile feedback provided by carpets can be especially soothing, offering a sense of grounding’ that promotes relaxation and wellbeing.
Safe spaces
The proprioceptive system, which is situated in our muscles and joints, plays a crucial role in fostering body awareness while detecting and managing force and pressure. In individuals with autism, challenges related to proprioceptive function manifest in various ways, including clumsiness, a propensity to fall, a limited awareness of body positioning in space, unconventional body postures, and difficulty handling small objects.
Both children and adults with autism may exhibit what are termed ‘self-stimulating’ behaviours; which can include jerking their bodies as a way of finding meaning in a constantly changing sensory environment. Such behaviour can cause them to harm themselves on harder floors.
Addressing proprioceptive dysfunction and its associated behaviours therefore calls for an environment that supports sensory needs. A flooring solution with a soft finish, such as carpet, becomes crucial in mitigating the risk of physical pain and injuries. By incorporating a sensory-friendly flooring option – like carpet – one can create a safer and more accommodating space for individuals with proprioceptive challenges, promoting their wellbeing and minimising potential harm.
Visual stability & predictability
Neurodivergent building users often benefit from ‘visual stability’ as well as predictability in their surroundings. Carpets can contribute to this by providing a consistent visual anchor. Opting for solid colours or gentle patterns in carpet design helps create a stable visual environment, reducing potential sensory overload and promoting a sense of security.
Acoustic harmony & noise reduction
When addressing acoustics within educational settings, a collaborative study conducted by Institute of Education and South Bank Universities, involving 2,000 school children aged seven to 10, revealed significant insights. The findings underscore the pivotal role of noise levels in influencing children’s academic performance, with potential adverse effects on national test results. Somewhat astonishingly, exam outcomes were found to be diminished by up to a third when students were taught in noisy classrooms.
This evidence underscores a crucial correlation between the transmission and perception of sound and its direct impact on academic achievement. It emphasises that background noise, whether originating from within the classroom or external sources, can detrimentally affect the learning process. This impact is particularly pronounced for neurodivergent students who rely on optimal conditions for hearing and comprehension. Therefore, creating an environment conducive to reduced background noise becomes paramount in fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning, especially for those with particular neurodivergent needs.
Carpets serve as natural sound absorbers, minimising echoes and dampening noise levels. This acoustic harmony creates a more tranquil atmosphere, facilitating concentration and reducing stress for neurodivergent individuals who may be sensitive to auditory stimuli.
Adding independence & sensory exploration
Creating spaces that promote independence within a secure environment requires thoughtful and logical design. Establishing a logical order not only supports routine and predictability but also emphasises the importance of incorporating areas for rest to alleviate overstimulation. Consider designing a secluded, partitioned space in a quiet section where noise and echoes are minimised. Introducing soft carpeting to this area transforms it into a calm and relaxing zone, offering individuals an escape from overstimulation before seamlessly transitioning to other spaces.
The use of carpet colours becomes instrumental in facilitating easy recognition of rooms and distinct areas. By strategically incorporating colour-coded carpets, the flow from one space to another becomes effortlessly identifiable, contributing to a cohesive and navigable environment that enhances the overall experience for its occupants.
Carpets also offer a designated space for sensory exploration and self-regulation. The soft surface allows for activities such as stretching, rolling, or simply enjoying the tactile experience, providing individuals on the spectrum with a controlled and safe outlet for sensory expression.
The integration of carpets in education design in particular holds immense potential for neurodivergent users. By understanding and embracing the unique sensory needs of this population, designers can transform spaces into sensory sanctuaries that prioritise comfort, stability, and inclusivity.
Catherine Helliker is marketing manager at Danfloor