The methodology of developing the interior environment of kindergartens

The research work is in the area of architectural design guidelines and more particularly in the interior design of kindergartens in Palestine. The aim of this research is to enhance the quality of learning environment of kindergartens in Palestine by developing a new design and monitoring guidelines. The research focuses on the methodology of developing the interior learning environment of kindergartens, which based mainly on understanding the key players’ needs, difficulties and problems in this sector in Palestine. The study uses three international case studies from (Japan, Austria and South Africa) in addition to cases from the UK. The international studies hold general concepts that could be considered international criteria, from which the future Palestinian kindergartens building regulations can learn and take advantage, after re-moulding them in the Palestinian culture and characteristics. It is believed that, regardless of the disadvantages and difficulties of the current Palestinian kindergarten buildings, these buildings carry unique principles and characteristics that can enhance and enrich the Palestinian learning environment. Furthermore, this study has a three local case study from Palestine, which are used to make a comparison between: the Palestinian unique principles; the international principles; and the missing principles in the current Palestinian kindergarten buildings. As a result of this comparison it will be determined what should be kept or excluded from the previous three drivers, while suggesting new ‘drafts’ and recommendations. These drafts are discussed with key players to outline the main difficulties they may face in applying them or monitoring them by MOHE. This will enable the study to generate the best final recommendations that can meet the Palestinians’ needs and aspirations. These final recommendations will be considered as the base that MOHE can rely on in forming their own regulations in the future

The methodology of developing the interior environment of kindergartens

The research work is in the area of architectural design guidelines and more particularly in the interior design of kindergartens in Palestine. The aim of this research is to enhance the quality of learning environment of kindergartens in Palestine by developing a new design and monitoring guidelines. The research focuses on the methodology of developing the interior learning environment of kindergartens, which based mainly on understanding the key players’ needs, difficulties and problems in this sector in Palestine. The study uses three international case studies from (Japan, Austria and South Africa) in addition to cases from the UK. The international studies hold general concepts that could be considered international criteria, from which the future Palestinian kindergartens building regulations can learn and take advantage, after re-moulding them in the Palestinian culture and characteristics. It is believed that, regardless of the disadvantages and difficulties of the current Palestinian kindergarten buildings, these buildings carry unique principles and characteristics that can enhance and enrich the Palestinian learning environment. Furthermore, this study has a three local case study from Palestine, which are used to make a comparison between: the Palestinian unique principles; the international principles; and the missing principles in the current Palestinian kindergarten buildings. As a result of this comparison it will be determined what should be kept or excluded from the previous three drivers, while suggesting new ‘drafts’ and recommendations. These drafts are discussed with key players to outline the main difficulties they may face in applying them or monitoring them by MOHE. This will enable the study to generate the best final recommendations that can meet the Palestinians’ needs and aspirations. These final recommendations will be considered as the base that MOHE can rely on in forming their own regulations in the future

Pilot study for subgroup classification for autism spectrum disorder based on dysmorphology and physical measurements in Chinese children

Poster Sessions: 157 - Comorbid Medical Conditions: abstract 157.058 58BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting individuals along a continuum of severity in communication, social interaction and behaviour. The impact of ASD significantly varies amongst individuals, and the cause of ASD can originate broadly between genetic and environmental factors. Objectives: Previous ASD researches indicate that early identification combined with a targeted treatment plan involving behavioural interventions and multidisciplinary therapies can provide substantial improvement for ASD patients. Currently there is no cure for ASD, and the clinical variability and uncertainty of the disorder still remains. Hence, the search to unravel heterogeneity within ASD by subgroup classification may provide clinicians with a better understanding of ASD and to work towards a more definitive course of action. METHODS: In this study, a norm of physical measurements including height, weight, head circumference, ear length, outer and inner canthi, interpupillary distance, philtrum, hand and foot length was collected from 658 Typical Developing (TD) Chinese children aged 1 to 7 years (mean age of 4.19 years). The norm collected was compared against 80 ASD Chinese children aged 1 to 12 years (mean age of 4.36 years). We then further attempted to find subgroups within ASD based on identifying physical abnormalities; individuals were classified as (non) dysmorphic with the Autism Dysmorphology Measure (ADM) from physical examinations of 12 body regions. RESULTS: Our results show that there were significant differences between ASD and TD children for measurements in: head circumference (p=0.009), outer (p=0.021) and inner (p=0.021) canthus, philtrum length (p=0.003), right (p=0.023) and left (p=0.20) foot length. Within the 80 ASD patients, 37(46%) were classified as dysmorphic (p=0.00). CONCLUSIONS: This study attempts to identify subgroups within ASD based on physical measurements and dysmorphology examinations. The information from this study seeks to benefit ASD community by identifying possible subtypes of ASD in Chinese population; in seek for a more definitive diagnosis, referral and treatment plan.published_or_final_versio