Training for reception centers: creating an adapted environment for autistic adults
Physical, organizational, and human adjustments for quality support in FAM, MAS, and group homes
The physical and human environment of an establishment has a significant impact on the well-being and behavior of the autistic adults welcomed. A poorly adapted environment can generate stress, anxiety, and challenging behaviors. Conversely, an environment designed to meet the sensory, predictability, and communication needs of autistic individuals fosters their development and autonomy. Training teams to create and maintain this adapted environment is a major quality support challenge.
The importance of the environment for autistic adults
Autistic adults have specific environmental needs related to their sensory particularities, need for predictability, and communication difficulties. An "autism-friendly" environment takes these needs into account to create a reassuring and functional living space. This environmental approach, inspired by the TEACCH program, is recognized as a good practice by the High Authority of Health.
of autistic individuals have sensory particularities
of challenging behaviors with an adapted environment
of autonomy in a well-structured space
Organizing living spaces
Individual rooms
The room is the resident's personal space, their refuge. It should be customizable according to their preferences. Points of attention: adjustable lighting (dimmer), ability to reduce sensory stimuli (blackout curtains, soundproofing), organized and identified storage, presence of the resident's calming objects, ability to isolate when necessary.
Common areas
Common areas should be organized into clearly identified functional zones: dining area, relaxation area, activity area. This organization reduces ambiguity and helps residents orient themselves. Visual clutter is minimized, sound stimuli are controlled (no permanent background television), and withdrawal spaces are accessible.
Sensory spaces
Dedicated spaces for sensory regulation are essential: snoezelen room or calming space equipped with modular elements (light, sound, textures). These spaces allow residents to regulate themselves when needed, thus preventing crises and exhaustion.
Signage and visual cues
Visual cues help autistic individuals understand their environment and anticipate events. The establishment's signage (identification of rooms, storage) uses photos, pictograms, or objects according to the residents' level of understanding. It is consistent throughout the establishment.
Visual schedules, displayed in common areas and personalized in each room, structure time and reduce anxiety related to uncertainty. They are adapted to each resident's level: objects, photos, pictograms, or written text.
DYNSEO Training: fundamentals applicable to all ages
The training "Supporting a child with autism: keys and solutions for daily life" from DYNSEO conveys fundamental principles (structuring, visual communication, sensory approach) that apply to all ages. It provides a solid foundation for teams supporting adults, to be complemented by specific training on adult issues.
Discover the trainingTraining the entire team
An adapted environment is not limited to physical adjustments: it includes the human environment. All professionals in contact with residents must be trained to adapt their communication, respect sensory needs, and maintain consistency in practices. This training concerns educational and caregiving teams as well as general services (kitchen, maintenance).
- Organize spaces into clearly identified functional zones
- Reduce sensory stimuli in living spaces
- Install consistent and adapted visual signage
- Create sensory regulation spaces
- Personalize rooms according to each resident's needs
- Train all staff on the adapted environment
- Regularly assess the adequacy of the environment
COCO: a tool for adults with associated intellectual disabilities
For autistic adults with associated intellectual disabilities, the COCO program from DYNSEO can serve as a support for cognitive activities. Games adapted to simple levels offer structured and rewarding activities. DYNSEO also offers other programs for autistic adults without intellectual disabilities.
Discover COCO"The redesign of our environment was a project involving the entire team. Signage, space organization, staff training: every aspect was worked on. The results are spectacular: fewer challenging behaviors, more autonomy, a better quality of life for residents, and a more serene work environment for teams."
Conclusion: the environment as a lever for support
Creating an adapted environment for autistic adults is an investment that pays off quickly. The reduction of challenging behaviors, improvement in autonomy and well-being of residents fully justifies the efforts in training and adjustments. It is an approach that benefits everyone: residents, families, and professionals.
DYNSEO resources (training, COCO program, guides for children and adults) support establishments in this continuous improvement process of quality support.
