Toolkit 1: Existing Homes
Visual and Colour
These features are the visual elements within a home that help people understand spaces, recognise important information, and feel comfortable. This can include colours, contrast, symbols, and the overall look and consistency of the environment.
Use simple wayfinding and visual cues throughout the home ◆
Use clear visual cues such as colour‑coded doors, consistent labels, or simple symbols to help people navigate the home.
For example, creating clear place to put shoes by the front door, to signal our tikanga is we take shoes off before entering. Or being able to refer to a door by the colour it is, or the colour of the label on it, can assist with navigation.
Predictable cues reduce cognitive load and support independence.
Use clear wall to door colour contrast ◆◆
Clear colour contrast between the walls and doors (e.g. coloured walls with white doors) is useful for safety and navigation. This can be especially useful when moving around the home in low light or when stressed or overwhelmed.
If children have to get up in the night to use the bathroom or get help, it’s easier to find a door in the night that stands out from the walls around it.
For large areas like doors, a clear colour contrast would be a difference in Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of at least 30%. Most paints have an LRV or similar in their colour code, a number from 0-100 (pure black to pure white, measured in percentage), so you’re looking for a difference of at least 30.
If repainting isn’t an option, try renter-friendly ideas like removable wall decals.
Use clear safety signals throughout the home ◆
Consistent visual safety cues across the home can help people recognise safety information quickly.
Use simple markers such as coloured tape, decals, or labels to highlight hot surfaces, sharp edges, or areas that require caution.
Make edges easy to see on steps, thresholds or raised areas ◆
Use simple visual cues such as contrasting tape or edging on steps, thresholds, or raised areas. Clear edges can make height changes easier to judge, especially when tired, stressed, or overwhelmed.
Have a clear space for visual supports ◆
Your whānau might use visual cues, schedules, or other supports for daily routines as they can be useful for many autistic people. This could include small signs, symbols, or pictures for activities.
Having a space for these near a doorway provides a clear place of reference when coming in or out of a room. This could be a small section of wall, a noticeboard, or a clip.
Ensure there is clear space in front of the cues so people can approach, check, or interact with them as needed.
Reduce whole‑home visual clutter ◆
If visual clutter is a problem for any autistic people in the home, keep shared areas visually simple by limiting open shelving and reducing the number of items stored on benchtops or surfaces.
A calmer visual environment across the home can make it easier to stay regulated when moving between rooms. This is especially true in homes shared with flatmates, whānau, children, or frequent visitors.
Ensure predictable décor and layout ◆
Keeping décor simple and predictable can help reduce visual overwhelm. Predictable décor means choosing a consistent style and avoiding frequent changes to the arrangement of objects. This helps people who rely on familiarity and may become unsettled when things move unexpectedly.
Choose low-sheen finishes ◆◆
Choose matte finishes for furniture, benchtops, and flooring where possible. Glossy surfaces like polished tables, shiny tiles, or reflective cabinets can create glare and unpredictable reflections that some autistic people find visually overwhelming.
