THE OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit developmental characteristics that affect their communication skills, social interaction, emotional regulation, attention, and responses to sensory stimuli. Environments that are excessively noisy, poorly lit, unstructured, or visually cluttered combined with inflexible teaching strategies can increase sensory load and hinder a child's engagement in the learning process. This study aims to analyze a learning environment optimization model for children with ASD to support a safe, structured, adaptive, and inclusive learning process. A qualitative approach utilizing a case study method was employed. The case was examined in depth through observations of the learning environment and activities, interviews, and an analysis of documentation regarding environmental management and the learning process. Data were analyzed thematically through stages of data reduction, categorization, pattern identification, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the effectiveness of the learning environment for children with ASD depends on the integration of sensory stimulus management, spatial structure and predictability, visual supports, lighting and acoustic adjustments, the availability of "calm areas," flexible learning arrangements, and consistent teaching strategies. Case study findings also demonstrate that environmental adjustments tailored to a child's individual characteristics and needs can enhance comfort, attention, self-regulation, participation, and engagement in learning. The study implies that optimizing learning environments for ASD requires a contextual, child-centered approach that integrates physical, sensory, pedagogical, psychological, and social aspects. This approach can serve as a foundation for schools and educators to develop learning environments that are more inclusive and responsive, thereby supporting the optimal development of children with ASD.