What Does “Sensory Friendly” Really Mean?
Creating sensory-friendly environments benefits not only those with Autism, but society as a whole. It fosters a culture of inclusion and understanding; teaching everyone to appreciate and accommodate diversity in sensory experiences. It extends beyond autism to benefit people with various sensory needs, such as those with sensory processing disorders, anxiety, or other conditions.
So what is sensory-friendly?
1. Learning About Differences: Sensory friendly environments prioritize awareness and education about sensory processing differences. This involves understanding that what may be a minor sensory irritation to one person can be extremely distressing to someone with autism.
2. Reducing Sensory Overload: Sensory friendly spaces aim to reduce overwhelming sensory input. This can include lower lighting, quieter sounds, and minimizing clutter to create a calmer and more predictable environment. These modifications help prevent sensory overload, which can lead to anxiety and meltdowns.
3. Choice and Control: In a sensory friendly setting, autistic individuals are often provided with choices and control over their sensory experiences. For instance, they may have access to noise-canceling headphones or a designated quiet area where they can rest if they become overwhelmed.
4. Sensory-friendly Activities: "Sensory friendly" extends to activities and events as well. It means designing events and outings that are accommodating to sensory sensitivities. This might include sensory-friendly movie screenings with dimmed lights and lowered sound levels or autism-friendly museums and playgrounds.
5. Inclusive Communication: Sensory friendly spaces often employ clear and inclusive communication methods. Access to visual supports, schedules, and communication devices help those with autism navigate their surroundings more comfortably.
6. Respect for Sensory Differences: Above all, a sensory friendly approach is built on the foundation of respecting sensory differences as valid and essential aspects of an individual's experience. It rejects the notion that individuals with autism should "outgrow" or "overcome" their sensory sensitivities, and supports those differences with compassion.
Sensory-Friendly represents a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for kids and adults with autism.
Here are some of my favorite sensory-friendly outings for kids (in Texas):
https://www.werockthespectrumdallas.com/
