Sensory Issues in Homes and Buildings

Practical Solutions

Ann Memmott

Autism Access SpecialistAdviser 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 SafetyExtreme 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 lightingSmells from canteen and loosSmells from deodorants and materialsNoise from overhead projectorNoise from computersNoise from othersShadows and patternsConfusing floor surfacesTicking clocksDripping tapsUncomfortable chairsDraughts 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?

http://vimeo.com/52193530 two minute video on autism sensory difficulties. Needs sound.