Sensory Issues in Homes and Buildings Practical Solutions Ann Memmott Autism Access Specialist Adviser to the Government and Adult on the Autism Spectrum

Different sensory system What you may see…..and what I see if I’m under bright fluorescent lighting. Who’s who? What’s where? Exhausting. I need to rest after a while.

Decorating and Materials Yikes!! Please keep it simple so we can see which is floor, which is doorframes, which is wall. Use calm colours. Avoid lots of pattern. Avoid shiny floors and shiny surfaces. Use natural light, not fluorescent, where possible.

Scary Shadows Going up stairs in strong sunlight? Getting through a door and not falling up the stairs or colliding with others? Shadows from tree branches moving? Think about good lighting to minimise this.

Tricky Textures Wall textures that feel like sandpaper. Carpets that feel like walking on gravel and rocks. Ice cold bannisters. Cold, sharp handles. All can cause pain. Think about minimising contact or using different materials.

Smells Incense? Perfumes? Air freshener sprays? Kitchen smells? Flower arrangements? New paint? What can be minimised?

Fire Safety Extreme noise may lead to either panic/running away…. ….or ‘shutdown’ and refusal to move. Get attention using visual signals where possible. Use clear gesture/pictures to guide them out of the space. Do not use physical force unless a life is at risk. Then be as gentle as possible.

Noise Cannot filter out noise to listen to just one thing or one conversation. Echoing makes it hard to hear. Can hear outside noise clearly. Only one person talks at a time. Quiet room and background. Soundproofing. Headphones? Earplugs? Use carpet and materials to soften echoing?

Spot the Sensory Hazards Smells. Textures. Noises from flush and hand driers. Cold handles and taps. Ice cold water. Reflections in mirror. Holes in floor?! Scary shadows through window…? Think about minimising pain and puzzlement.

Group Activity Hazards? Flickering fluorescent lighting Smells from canteen and loos Smells from deodorants and materials Noise from overhead projector Noise from computers Noise from others Shadows and patterns Confusing floor surfaces Ticking clocks Dripping taps Uncomfortable chairs Draughts and hotspots

Supermarket Not fun for many of us

How do I Escape Sensory or Social Overload Pain?

Top Tips Ask Check for sensory hazards - lighting (flickering fluorescent lights), noise, smells, textures. Try to avoid chatting in busy places. Plan a quiet ‘low sensory’ place to help brain wiring cool down.

More Info? two minute video on autism sensory difficulties. Needs sound.