DESCRIPTION AND BENEFICIARIES OF THE “I AM” PROJECT

The I AM project is intended for people with autism spectrum disorder.

Difficulties with relationships and the frequent sensory differences experienced by people with ASD have been the main focus in developing effective solutions for a structured, organized, reassuring, recognizable, and easily understood environment. Alternative communication and supportive electronic tools will facilitate therapeutic and rehabilitation work. I AM will be a welcoming, tailored space designed to support educational programs that strengthen personal abilities and resources, facilitate relationships, and encourage the greatest possible independence.

OBJECTIVES OF “I AM”

The premises will primarily host AFTER-SCHOOL activities in the afternoon, between 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., for approximately six to eight adolescents. The service will work in partnership with, and support, other services, schools, and families.

Therapeutic and care objectives include independence, social interaction, study assistance, and educational support to improve quality of life for participants and their families. The main aim is to support adolescents with autism-related difficulties in developing relationships, providing guidance and, wherever possible, laying the foundations for their future after school, including employment, occupational activities, and rehabilitation.

Activities

– HOMEWORK SUPPORT: for those who need it, alternating with or replaced by the following activities:

– RELAXATION AND MASSAGE: “Self-care” through caring for the body, conveying a subconscious message through scented creams, relaxing music, and films, with a snack break.

– ARTISTIC AND EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITIES: adapted to each young person’s abilities, creating objects with various materials suited to their needs, such as cardboard, wood, and glue.

– COMPUTER WORK: data filing and document digitization activities.

LOCATION, TIMING, AND IMPLEMENTATION

Location: Via Svezia 8, 41012, Carpi, MO

Implementation period: October–December 2020

Implementation: An area of the Cooperative will be renovated and furnished to welcome people with ASD. The new spaces will take account of autistic people’s sensory sensitivities, focusing particularly on the following aspects:

Sensory Differences

In 90% of patients, autism spectrum disorder involves sensory differences that alter sensory perception. Particular attention has been paid to tactile, auditory, and visual differences in the design. For TOUCH, which may be extremely sensitive, soft, pleasant materials have been chosen for surfaces people rest or walk on, as well as for furnishings that surround and provide a sense of containment. For HEARING, individual differences in the perception of disturbing sounds require sound insulation at individual stations rather than throughout the space. This allows moments of individual quiet without disrupting normal group activities. VISION can also involve heightened but differing sensitivities and reactions to colors and light intensity. Some people may prefer darkness or find certain types of lighting intolerable. Dimmable lighting with a wide color range and a projection system have therefore been planned to provide visual and auditory comfort.

Making the Environment Recognizable

Autistic people have a strong memory for positions and shapes, which helps them maintain control over familiar spaces. Finding the same things in the same places is reassuring. To encourage familiarity, color-coded arrangements have been created, assigning each participant an exclusive color. This will provide reserved spaces in the different activity areas and allow them to be organized individually: a recognizable reference that remains constant through change.

Sensory Overload

Difficulty processing information from several channels and situations involving excessive stimulation can cause discomfort and distress. The planned spaces therefore include tools such as sound-blocking and selective headphones to help filter overlapping noise, along with soundproof furniture modules where participants can close themselves in for quiet, rest, or work using integrated monitors.

Seeking Sensory Self-Stimulation

The need to feel held or enclosed and to rock often leads people to seek tight spaces or repeat swaying movements. To meet this need for close contact and motion, layered mattresses that can be explored and Cocoon swings have been planned: enclosed, suspended, rocking cradles. Rocking chairs that wrap around the body will also be available.

Supporting Communication

Tablets, a projector, and computers at individual workstations will support communication, with personalized work programs, innovative applications, and dedicated systems.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Promote calm for people with ASD by eliminating or minimizing uncomfortable situations, including when sharing spaces.
• Encourage social interaction and well-being during their stay.
• Provide technological tools for education and rehabilitation.
• Lay the foundations for greater awareness within social care, addressing people’s needs beyond medical concerns, including simple needs such as having a dedicated place for activities.
• Respond to a need that is growing exponentially.
• Offer opportunities for family respite.
• Create collaboration among those involved, including services, schools, and families.
• Promote cultural change and awareness of ASD.
• Develop a research program on innovative learning methods.

PROJECT COSTS

The total project cost, including renovation and furnishings, is €40,000.

The requested contribution will cover the purchase of the furnishings

listed below:

1 workbench for workshop activities (€650)

6 large stackable mattresses (€2,100)

For a total of €2,750