Autistic children are highly sensitive to visual stimuli, and environmental elements such as colour and lighting can significantly impact their comfort, focus and behaviour in physical learning environments. This study investigates the impact of colour and lighting on autistic children, aiming to identify suitable colour palettes and lighting strategies for autism-friendly classrooms. A qualitative research methodology was used, combining previous literature with semi-structured interviews at selected autism learning centres in Malaysia. Six experienced professionals from five autism centres in Penang participated in the interviews. The findings indicate that classrooms should incorporate muted tones such as soft blues, greens, purples, and neutral colours while bright or glittering colours and visually complex patterns should be avoided to prevent overstimulation. For lighting, classrooms should provide ample indirect natural daylight with glare control. Indirect, flicker-free LED lighting with dimming and task-adjustable options should be incorporated to accommodate individual needs. Harsh direct lighting, fluorescent or ultraviolet sources, and poorly lit areas should be avoided. These findings underscore the importance of adaptable, evidence-based design strategies for autism-friendly learning environments, providing practical guidance for architects and educators.
En et al. (Wed,) studied this question.