Sensory Friendly Spaces

Have you ever heard an odd ringing sound that irritated you? Or perhaps been overwhelmed by the bright lights in a room? Or even felt that the music in a store was just too loud? For people with sensory processing issues, these experiences are a constant and overwhelming occurrence. It is very common for people with ASD to experience sensory processing issues, as well. In fact, 3 out of every 4 young kids who are diagnosed with autism will experience sensory processing issues. That is why it is important to know what sensory processing issues are and how you can make your spaces friendly to people with sensory processing issues.

What are sensory processing issues?

Sensory processing issues can occur in seven different sensory domains – sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, balance, and body awareness. An individual can experience sensory processing issues in any or all of these areas. Individuals may experience either hypersensitivity to sensory input, meaning they become over-stimulated and may avoid a stimulus, or people may have hyposensitivity, meaning they are under-stimulated and seek out a stimulus. For example, a person with hypersensitivity to sight may become overstimulated by bright lights and try to hide their eyes from the light. In contrast, a person who has hyposensitivity to sight may seek out bright or bold colors to have a more intense sensory experience with sight. It is helpful to understand the different areas of sensory processing issues and their various manifestations so you can understand why sensory friendly spaces are needed.

How to make your space sensory friendly

Whether you’re at home, or looking to create a sensory friendly office space, there are a lot of ways to modify your space depending on your child’s needs. While it may not be feasible to modify your entire home or office space, it can be helpful to minimally modify one room into a sensory friendly environment for your child to utilize when they need to take a sensory break. If you do have to create an intentional sensory space, it is important that access to this room is not contingent on behavior – good or bad. This space should be an accessible space that your child can go to anytime that they are overwhelmed by the sensory input around them.

Modifications for hypersensitivity (over-stimulated):

– Use ‘natural’ lights (lightbulb CRI=100)

– Avoid using incandescent lights, as they create a buzzing sound

– Add dimmable lights

– Paint with muted, pale, or cool colors (e.g. soft beige or pinks)

– Install carpeting or use rugs to dampen the sound of hard floors

– Reduce smells (e.g. lotion, soap, candles, air fresheners, etc.)

– Avoid food or clothing your child has an aversion to

– Add non-slip surfaces to the tub, especially for kids with body-awareness issues

– Install cushioned toilet seats to avoid the cold surface

– Reduce clutter

– Create routines

Modifications for hyposensitivity (under-stimulated):

– Add textures to the home (e.g. rugs, fabric, walls, etc.)

-Acquire sensory stimulating toys (e.c. slime, putty, fidget toys, etc.)

-Buy or make a weighted blanket

-Find food with strong tastes and textures

-Map out a walking loop in the home

-Practice physical skills

Things to consider away from home:

-Get sunglasses or a visor to accommodate for bright lights

-Get earplugs or noise-canceling headphones

-Avoid large crowds when possible

-Let the child know what to expect ahead of time

Sensory friendly spaces and events in Ann Arbor

There are many spaces that provide sensory friendly times around Ann Arbor. Here are some of the events around town:

• Sensory Friendly Storytime: On select Saturdays from 10am – 11am, the Ann Arbor Library Westgate Branch hosts a sensory friendly story time. This event involves 20 minutes of interactive storytime, followed by 40 minutes of adapted play!
• Sensory Friendly Movies: Sensory friendly movie experiences can be a great way to see movies in theaters with kids who may not enjoy a typical theater experience. The lights are turned up, the volume is turned down, and kids are welcome to sing, dance, and move around during these showings of newly released family-friendly movies! 
• Caring Santa: Something to look forward to during the holiday season! Malls offer a time to see Santa without the crowds, meaning they usually host Caring Santa in the morning before the mall opens. Check out your local malls next holiday season to RSVP to an event near you.

Resources for Parents

If you would like to experience what hypersensitivity to sight and sound may feel like to some, watch this video made by art students who have worked with the autism population: http://jamievance.me/Listen-Senior-Thesis

If you would like to discover what sensory sensitivities your child may have, use this checklist to find out more about their needs.

If you would like to discover even more events for kids with special needs, you can search for them here.

References

Hawkins, S. (2019). U-M architect, MSU playwright create a sensory theater experience for children with autism. Retrived from https://news.umich.edu/u-m-architect-msu-playwright-create-a-sensory-theater-experience-for-children-with-autism/ 

Klintwall, L., Holm, A., Eriksson, M., Carlsson, L. H., Olsson, M B, Hedvall, A., Gillberg, C., and Fernell, E. (2011). Sensory abnormalities in autism: A brief report. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(32), 795-800. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.umich.edu/10.1016/j.ridd.2010.10.021

Rahn, A. (2019). Sensory-friendly play POND makes theater accessible for kids. Retieved from https://www.metroparent.com/daily/family-fun/theaters/sensory-friendly-play-pond-for-kids/

Sensory issues (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues

Zitzman, L. (2019). Sensory-friendly home modifications for autism and sensory processing disorder. Retrieved from https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/sensory-friendly-home-modifications-autism-sensory-processing-disorder