'Clara's Universe': Amanda Brandão's Project Humanizes Spaces for Children with ADHD
Diagnosed in childhood with both ADHD and GAD, Amanda faced challenges early on that went beyond hyperactivity or trouble focusing. There was also a constant feeling of internal disorganization, reflected in the room she lived in. 'Although the room was beautiful, new, recently renovated—and even painted entirely pink, just like I wanted—I still had a hard time feeling at home there. It wasn't about a lack of care. In fact, my mother applied several ADHD-related methodologies with me, both in my studies and behavior. But when it came to the physical space, everything was still very new. At that time, there was hardly any talk about architectural interventions aimed at children with ADHD or anxiety. There was a lack of understanding about how the environment itself could be a tool for support—and this discovery eventually became the starting point for my project.'
This personal insight became the foundation for her final graduation project, which resulted in Clara's Universe —a design that not only incorporates the principles of neuroarchitecture but also engages with psychology and pedagogy professionals to deeply understand what a neurodivergent child needs in everyday life.
The project proposes a playful, sensorially balanced, and functional children's environment, where every design choice has a purpose: from a color palette that avoids visual overload to customized furniture that promotes autonomy. Features like organizing niches, clear separations between play and rest areas, and soft transition spaces help create an atmosphere of safety and predictability—essentials for children with ADHD, ASD, and GAD.
But perhaps the project's greatest strength lies in its origin. By looking into her own story, Amanda was able to translate subjective experiences into objective design solutions. 'Clara, the character who gives the project its name, is a symbolic representation of many girls like me. Children who want to express themselves but don't know how. Who need structure but find no support in their surroundings,' she explains.
The choice of the name 'Clara' was also intentional. It refers to light—to the idea of making visible what often goes unnoticed—such as a child's difficulty in dealing with excessive stimuli or the lack of structure within their own room.
More than just an academic exercise, Clara's Universe became a kind of personal and professional manifesto. It marks the beginning of Amanda's journey as an architect focused on child-centered care and has become the conceptual foundation for the projects she now develops. 'This work showed me that it's possible to turn pain into purpose. That I can use my own experience as a tool for listening and empathizing with other families,' she says.
Today, Amanda Brandão develops projects that combine aesthetics, functionality, and emotional sensitivity, always with a keen awareness of children's emotional and behavioral needs. With a background that blends technical specialization and strong personal motivation, she advocates for architecture that not only organizes spaces but also offers emotional and psychological support.
Clara's Universe remains a reference and inspiration—a reminder that well-designed environments can be more than beautiful—they can be therapeutic, inclusive, and transformative.
To follow more projects and learn about the architect's work, follow @amandabrandao.arq on Instagram or contact her at amandamellobrandao@gmail.com.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Son Was Non-Verbal for 8 Years—Now All He Wants To Say Is One Phrase to Mom
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A 12-year-old boy who was nonverbal for the first eight years of his life has found a new favorite phrase, and it is one his mom can't help but laugh about. Mom-of-three April Perri, from Poughkeepsie, in New York, suspected her son Luca was autistic before he even turned 1. "My intuition was so strong that he was autistic," Perri told Newsweek. "He didn't respond to his name … it was almost like he was deaf. He ran everywhere, had zero fear or safety awareness, and cried all the time." Alongside the challenges came some interesting quirks. "He had incredible skills like reading at 18 months, never played with toys but color-coded them, and had an obsession with numbers, letters and languages," Perri said. "We once went to a wedding when he was a toddler and he climbed all the tables and took the table number cards off and played with them for the rest of the night." As Luca grew up, it became clear to Perri there was another notable difference to the way he behaved: Luca was nonverbal. That is not out of the ordinary for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A 2021 study in the journal Revista Paulista De Pediatria estimated around 25 to 30 percent of children with ASD fell into the category of nonverbal or minimally verbal. It nevertheless posed a challenge to Perri, who was a single mom at the time. "Luca could read words, but not ask a question, have a two-way conversation or answer a question until he was 5 years old and up," she said. "For example, if he wanted milk, he would just scream 'WHITE!!' until I figured it out." Perri took a proactive approach to her son's situation, though. She got him into a state-funded early intervention program before he was 1. That gave him a head start. Luca received daily home visits from a speech therapist as a toddler and was enrolled in a special-needs preschool where this continued. Now 12, Luca attends public school and is enrolled in the "journeys program," an initiative for kids with autism and other communication issues. In the meantime, Luca's speech has come on leaps and bounds. "Luca really started to be able to have two-way conversations and answer questions around 8 or 9 and has gotten better and better since then," Perri said. Seeing the change this has brought about in her son has been a joy for Luca's mom to witness. "It unlocked a side of him we had never had access to before that," Perri said. "I could ask, 'How was your day at school?' and actually get a sense of how he was feeling and how his day had gone. Before that, I had no idea except for the reports from the teachers." Luca's improved comprehension skills have also allowed him to step out into the world more and more. Perri said she no longer has to worry about meltdowns or safety issues when out in public or at the store. "Just this summer we went on our first vacation with him and it was amazing," Perri said. "It was so great to see him really enjoy himself like any other kid. He has worked so hard for it." Luca is a boy transformed after having found his voice. "He is now the most vocal and outgoing kid in our house and in his class," Perri said. "And, man, is he so funny and charming; his personality shines now!" Although, with his teens fast approaching, Luca has also developed a habit that, while frustrating to his mom, is nevertheless a source of amusement. It is a habit she highlighted in a video posted to Instagram under the handle @thispinklifeilive. As the clip shows, Luca can certainly talk now, but doesn't seem to be that keen on talking to his mom, preferring to respond to her questions with his new favorite phrase: "I don't want to talk right now." Not that Perri is upset at all, preferring, instead, to find the humor in it all. "I just found it ironic that we had worked so hard for so many years to develop his language, only to have him say he didn't want to talk to me," she said. "I loved his ability to self-advocate and respect his boundaries, but, man, was it funny!" Perri started posting videos to social media to "give other families like mine hope." Her message to anyone raising a child with ASD is "take it one day and a time and learn to rest, not quit." "Trust your instinct, start early and try everything," Perri said. "If plan A doesn't work, then there is always plan B to Z to try. Autism is a marathon, not a sprint."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Perimenopause: What are the symptoms, and why are women calling it ‘cougar puberty?'
After Amanda turned 42, her body began to feel like a stranger's. Suddenly plagued with hot flushes, insomnia, and irregular periods, she also noticed herself becoming overly emotional in response to seemingly small, everyday things. 'I assumed it was all related to stress,' the hospital administrator from the US state of Texas told Euronews Health. But even when life calmed down, the symptoms persisted. 'I reached out to my doctor for some blood work, but all my hormones came back normal, so I was told to wait,' added Amanda, who requested that only her first name be used. 'Then the cycle would begin again'. It was only in the last month – a year since she first went to the doctor – that her blood test results showed she has low ovary production. This confirmed what Amanda had been suspecting: her body was in perimenopause. Related Women missing work due to painful periods and endometriosis costing UK €13 billion a year What is perimenopause? Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive cycle, defined by the absence of a period for 12 consecutive months. On average, women experience menopause between ages 45 and 55, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The time leading up to menopause is known as perimenopause, during which hormone levels begin to fluctuate and decline. Symptoms include poor sleep, hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety, mood swings, and irregular periods, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) states. Many friends would dismiss my concerns that I was menopausal because 'they're older and they're fine'. 'Around one in 30 women under the age of 40 are menopausal, meaning that many young women will also be perimenopausal,' said Dr Louise Newson, a menopause specialist and founder of the Balance app, which provides personalised support for women with menopausal symptoms. 'Factors such as family history, medical conditions, or treatments like surgery or chemotherapy can all lead to menopause occurring at a younger age,' Newson told Euronews Health. Related Women's viagra? New testosterone patch for menopause sex drive loss to start clinical trials Until recently, perimenopause remained under-discussed due to taboos surrounding the subject, according to Newson. This, along with an absence of any official test to diagnose it, has led some women to feel confused, alone, and belittled by others about their symptoms. 'Many friends would dismiss my concerns that I was menopausal because 'they're older and they're fine,'' Amanda said. Delays can be serious. Last year, a UK government report found that women suffering from reproductive health conditions, such as endometriosis, frequently wait years for diagnosis or treatment, in one example of what it called 'medical misogyny'. Perimenopause symptoms in particular can have a significant impact on wellbeing, with almost 40 per cent of women experiencing moderate to severe hot flushes and night sweats, according to a study published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Yet still, it remains significantly under-researched, and many women are misdiagnosed with conditions such as depression, anxiety, arthritis, or fibromyalgia, which causes full body pain and fatigue, according to Newson. That closely mirrors Amanda's experience. 'I went to the doctor multiple times, and they always entertained my requests for testing and appointments. But when nothing would show up, and they'd hear about how stressed I've been, it was mostly dismissed,' said Amanda. 'I don't think they were being intentionally dismissive, but 'stress' really was used as a general explanation for much longer than it should be'. Related Girls with healthier diets tend to get their first periods later, researchers say How is perimenopause treated? The main treatment for perimenopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces the body's declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone, according to the UK's NHS. This can be administered via tablets, skin patches, implants, or as a gel or spray for the skin. Testosterone supplementation can be used as a secondary option in those struggling with fatigue and low libido. 'The type of hormones you need and the doses you're given vary between each woman – it is not a 'one type fits all' prescription,' Newson said. 'Talking through your options with a healthcare professional is really important to ensure you get the right treatment choice for you, depending on your individual circumstances,' she added. 'Cougar puberty' and online destigmatisation As awareness of menopausal symptoms has grown, women have found recognition and solidarity in openly discussing their experiences online. Last year, a TikTok user shared that she'd just heard 'the best term' for perimenopause, coining 'cougar puberty'. This humorous rebrand has since gone viral, with others using it to reclaim their experiences and destigmatise the subject. 'Pretty much sums it up, I've been calling it reverse puberty,' reads one TikTok comment. "Cougar puberty... I like the name... try calling ur [sic] hot flashes tropical moments... it sounds like a vacation," said another. 'For too long, perimenopause and menopause were taboo subjects, discussed in whispers or brushed aside as something women simply had to 'get on with,'' Newson said. 'The visibility and shared experiences we're now seeing – especially online – are helping to improve conversations and increase knowledge that should have been part of mainstream healthcare for decades'.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
How financial advisors with ADHD manage symptoms — and thrive
When Aubrey Williams, a financial advisor at Open Path Financial in Goleta, California, watched his kids fill out an ADHD diagnostic questionnaire, he realized nearly all of the symptoms applied to him. It was a moment of revelation — one that would ultimately change the course of his business. For financial advisors, recognizing ADHD symptoms and learning how to manage them can have a profound impact on daily work and long-term success. ADHD is far from uncommon in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 15.5 million American adults were living with ADHD in 2023. While there is no data on the number of financial advisors who have ADHD, the Financial Planning Association launched the Neurodivergent Planner Knowledge Circle in October 2021 to offer support and community. "ADHD is something that if you don't confront it, it can really wreck your life," said Otto Rivera, an investment manager at Bedford, Massachusetts-based White Lighthouse Investment Management and host of the FPA knowledge circle. "It can always make you feel like you're behind everyone, even though you're talented." READ MORE: For clients with disabilities, proper communication is key There are three types of ADHD, according to the CDC: predominantly inattentive (difficulties focusing), hyperactive-impulsive (excessive physical movement and impulsive behavior), and combination (symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD). "When you get diagnosed, you have this awareness now," Rivera said. "It does empower you to start making decisions, work with it and be happier." ADHD challenges for financial advisors The symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person. Rivera, who was diagnosed in 2021, said he often experiences inattentiveness and difficulty initiating certain tasks that he finds challenging. It can also be hard for him to pick up on details, especially when clients are verbally communicating a great deal of information. "Distraction is always there, now more than ever with our phones and all our notifications and email coming in and getting direct messages from colleagues," he said. "All those things do contribute and can actually worsen the challenges." Williams said that for those with inattentive-type ADHD, the struggles are often internal. Individuals might experience fatigue, anxiety or difficulties in establishing relationships. "Sometimes there's so much going on inside that it's hard to relate to another person," he said. READ MORE: 'The threat is existential,' but these leaders are staying the course on DEI Williams added that it can also be challenging for him to adapt to an environment that lacks structure or routine, leading to procrastination and anxiety over meeting deadlines at the last minute. Even starting simple tasks can be hard, whether due to low motivation, lack of planning or other factors. "It can be a little overwhelming," Williams said. "For neurotypical people, they sort of build their own internal scaffolding to emulate that, but [for individuals with ADHD], it could be very intense and draining." How to manage ADHD symptoms For financial advisors with ADHD, it's also about managing their energy, Rivera said. What works for him, Rivera said, is working on more complicated tasks in the morning after taking his medication, and then leaving easier tasks for the afternoon when his energy is lower. Williams recommended that for more sophisticated long-term tasks, financial advisors with ADHD plan ahead and break it down into smaller parts that can be gradually completed. He recalled situations in which a big project would be on the horizon, not due anytime soon. "I spent [those times] sort of in agony, not able to start, but wanting to," he said. "I had to adapt my way to neurotypical people." For those who are trying to motivate themselves, Williams suggested they try "body doubling," in which they work alongside someone on Zoom or in a coffee shop to stay in a productive environment. Another strategy he uses to keep himself on track with work is to hold a daily debrief of his planned tasks with someone in the morning. Similarly, Rivera recommended using calendar apps to set task reminders and reviewing next day's plan the night before. READ MORE: An ABLE primer: How advisors can use 529A plans for clients with disabilities When talking to clients who are sharing a lot of information, Rivera said he stays focused by taking notes and keeping eye contact. He added that AI notetakers are helpful to ensure detailed documentation. And having an item on hand to fidget with, such as a clickable pen, can also help improve focus. "That will just create physical placebo for me to create some tension on my body and then keep me in the loop," Rivera said. To avoid feeling overwhelmed with information over the course of a conversation, Williams suggested financial advisors ask the most important questions early in order to absorb the essential details. For Williams, having a comfortable and organized space is extremely important to helping him stay focused for work. His preference is for a clear desk, with his phone kept out of reach to avoid distractions. He also likes to listen to a consistent playlist to establish a steady work rhythm. Physical exertion can also help with the management of symptoms. Rivera recommended incorporating a simple daily cardio workout, which he has found to be life-changing. "It gets you in a really good mood," he said. "It helps you get a lot of clarity, and it helps with your focus." Don't be afraid to let clients know you have ADHD Rivera said he's comfortable sharing his neurodivergence when his clients ask about it. He has yet to encounter a client who thought differently about him after learning of his condition. "Our general population is much more aware of ADHD and other neurodivergent challenges that folks have out there," he said. "It's a more empathetic world out there than it used to be some years ago." Williams added that although all of his clients are accepting, when he initially considered sharing his diagnosis, it seemed like a risk to be "putting myself out there." However, he noticed that other neurodivergent financial advisors were comfortable being vulnerable with clients. That gave him the confidence to be open with his clients. Then he took it a step further. Now, he's turned his expertise in neurodivergence to his advantage. READ MORE: How advisors can use ABLE accounts for disabled clients Williams is now branding himself as a financial advisor with ADHD. He frequently shares personal stories about himself with clients, including the story of how he paid off his debt after learning how to manage his ADHD symptoms. "It sort of sets the tone that I am a person of compassion and understanding," Williams said. "I'm not someone who does everything [perfectly] and knows the right answer to everything, [but] I do my best to educate myself and learn." Solve the daily Crossword
