The five-year NWA project Building 4 Belonging, which has been awarded €1 million in funding by NWO, officially kicked off on October 22 with an online event. Researchers from diverse disciplines, including data science, architecture, psychology and psychiatry, came together with professionals and lived-experience experts to work towards one shared goal: creating school environments where all students – particularly autistic students – feel welcome and valued. This initiative aligns with national efforts to combat loneliness and mental health problems in Dutch society.
Valuable perspectives
During the event, experts shared their insights on how schools can become more inclusive. Carolien Rieffe (UT) discussed the importance of informal time during a school day and how feelings of belonging are crucial during those moments; but research shows that the environment often causes limitations in this respect, especially when considering autistic students. Elijah Delsink (founder and chair of LBVSO) shared insights into the daily experiences and challenges faced by autistic students during a regular school day.
Architecture and smart watches
Magda Mostafa (American University in Cairo) presented her work on autism-friendly architecture. She demonstrated how school spaces can be designed to prevent sensory overstimulation, improve accessibility for all students and ultimately reduce loneliness. Dennis Reidsma (UT) introduced the use of smart watches to monitor students’ social interactions and feelings of loneliness in real-time within the school context. In other words: how effective are these environmental adjustments in addressing loneliness?
Inclusive policies and participatory research
Emma Beauxis-Aussalet (VU) discussed strategies for detecting possible bias in data collection, through the use of AI, ensuring fair representation in a research sample. Ellen Starke (policy advisor, Samenwerkingsverband Amsterdam-Diemen) explained how collaborations between schools help develop and implement inclusive policies. Finally, Ivet Pieper (Stichting EMMA) highlighted the importance of participatory research, showing how involving students and teachers leads to more effective solutions.
Breaking barriers for an inclusive future
At its core, Building 4 Belonging is about collaboration. By working closely with schools, autism organisations such as the Dutch Autism Association (NVA) and other stakeholders, the project aims to create practical and impactful solutions. This interdisciplinary approach offers opportunities to break both physical and social barriers in school environments, ensuring that every student feels welcome and valued.
The project aligns with the mission of the Smart Societies impact coalition to use technology and human connection to foster greater equity and inclusion. In January, the project group will reconvene at the University of Twente to plan their next steps.
Don’t miss: Magda Mostafa’s lecture on January 13
On 13 January, Magda Mostafa will deliver a lecture titled "Spectrum Space: Sensory Decolonisation, Sensory Curation, and the Autistic Imaginary." In this lecture, she will share insights on how physical environments can enhance the well-being of autistic individuals – and not just this group. Autism-friendly environments often prove to be better for everyone. Don’t miss out! Learn more about Magda Mostafa’s lecture and register now.
Learn all about the Building 4 Belonging project and stay up to date with new developments. The presentations by Carolien, Elijah, and Magda are now available to watch on YouTube!
