Make your home autism-friendly
The Autism Housing Toolkit Aotearoa website offers practical advice for making sure your home works for autistic people in the household. We offer evidence-informed tips for building design, layout, and features to support autistic people’s:
- Sensory needs
- Executive functioning
- Transitions between activities
We offer two toolkits:
- Modifying existing homes – small changes you can make today
- Major renovations or building from scratch – larger changes you can work towards.
The toolkits offer guidance across a range of living arrangements, ages, support needs, and budgets. Both cover:
- Structural elements (layouts, materials)
- Environmental factors (lighting, sound, temperature, smells)
- Interior features (signs, décor, furniture).
Why it matters
Research shows autism-friendly design improves well-being, motivation, confidence, and independence.
How it was made
An autistic accessibility consultant and autism researcher co-created this site. It combines research evidence, technical knowledge, and lived experience.
How to use it
Explore room by room or download free PDFs. Resources are free and independent – we don’t promote specific brands.
Who it’s for
Autistic people, their families, and support networks. Also useful for architects, designers, housing providers, product developers, and policy makers.
Whilst focused on autism, the toolkits will be useful to many neurodivergent people, particularly those with sensory challenges.