Architectural Features of Rehabilitation Environments That Affect Information Processing in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous studies have demonstrated that physical environments play a critical role in regulating behavior and information processing in children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aims to identify the architectural features of rehabilitation environments and examine their relationship with the information-processing abilities of children with ADHD.

Materials and Methods: A total of 35 children (mean age=7.6 years; range=5-10 years) diagnosed with ADHD from 10 rehabilitation centers in Tehran, Iran, were recruited for this descriptive-analytical study. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire to evaluate important architectural elements in rehabilitation centers and were validated for content and construct validity (Cronbach α=0.81). A professional architect evaluated the total score and the score for each item of the questionnaire. The sensory improvement of the children was also assessed using the short sensory profile (SSP) questionnaire twice: at baseline and after one month of their treatment. The correlation between each architectural item and the improvement in the children’s sensory profiles was assessed using the Pearson correlation test.

Results: A significant positive and moderate correlation between elements such as natural light (r=0.58), calming color schemes (r=0.55), and noise reduction (r=0.49), with improved information processing ability in children with ADHD (P<0.01).

Conclusion: The results suggest that carefully designed and intentional architectural environments can play a significant role in enhancing cognitive performance in children with ADHD. It is recommended that architects and rehabilitation professionals collaborate more closely to meet the perceptual and cognitive needs of these children in the design of their spaces.