Updated On: 03 April, 2023 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
Autism spectrum disorders are a diverse group of neural conditions, characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication. On World Autism Awareness Day 2023, we spark a conversation with experts on designing furniture that caters to the needs of autistic people

Sensory chairs are very useful for adults and children living with autism. Photo Courtesy: iStock
When it comes to Autism, neural conditions exhibit a wide spectrum of abilities as per the individual. While some people with autism are capable of leading independent lives, many others depend on their families owing to severe symptoms like difficulty in focusing, unpredictable reactions to sensations, and friction in switching from one activity to another. Consequently, neurodiverse individuals, such as people with Autism and Down Syndrome, are often marginalised, and not given enough opportunity to actively participate in society.
Given the fact that at least 20% of people are considered neurodivergent, it is critical to recognize that not every individual can perform tasks the same way. Though medical advancements aid their healthcare and rehabilitation, there remains a wide scope of improvement in enhancing their everyday functional capacity.