Rezumat/Abstract. Urban public spaces are not equally accessible for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and studies focus only on indoor spaces or outdoors within facilities. This study identifies the most influential urban design criteria and elements that impact autistic users’ behavior and facilitate wayfinding in urban spaces, using sensory design, to reach an inclusive and accessible environment. The research comprises four parts. Part one presents literature about inclusive sensory urban design for autistic users and its role in successful wayfinding leading to accessible spaces. Part two applies a mixed approach with two phases: semi-structured interviews then questionnaires with parents and experts to understand the impact of the concluded design elements from the literature on their kids’/cases’ senses, walking experience, and behavior in urban spaces. Part three includes data analysis, using SPSS and PLS programs to investigate relations between resulting elements, and measure their effect on the users. Part four presents the evaluation of the results and recommendations. The research presents a list of urban design sensory elements that impact wayfinding for the autistic ranging from the least to the most effective. Applying these elements will ease wayfinding for them in different urban spaces and thus achieve accessibility and inclusivity.

Cuvinte cheie/Key words: inclusivity, ASD, urban spaces appropriation, sensory design

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