Up to 94% of Autistic people have differences in the way the experience sensory information. Many experience a greater sensitivity to sensory input, and although this can bring heightened enjoyment, it can also cause pain, stress, and overwhelm. This can mean many public places are extremely disabling and inaccessible for Autistic people. Our research has sought to understand the factors that make sensory environments challenging and what can be done to make them more sensory-inclusive. Based on this work, we have created resources to make spaces more sensory-inclusive for Autistic people.
Our research identified supermarkets to be one of the most challenging sensory environments for Autistic people. Working in partnership with the University of Reading and community partners, we created the Sensory-Inclusive Supermarkets e-guide to provide information and helpful tips for staff and managers at supermarkets so they can support Autistic shoppers, colleagues, and employees in their stores.
You can access the e-guide here: Sensory-Inclusive Supermarkets E-guide
Our research identified that from the perspective of Autistic people, many challenging sensory environments could be much more inclusive if staff had much better understanding so they could provide non-judgemental support. Working in partnership with Autistica, The University of Reading, and community partners, we have created Sensory-Inclusive Spaces for Autistic People online training course. This course, developed as part of the NeuInsight training tool project, has been designed for staff and managers of public places so they can improve their understanding of how Autistic people may experience sensory environments and consider ways to provide support and adaptations.
You can access the training here: neuinsight.co.uk
We would love to hear your feedback on these resources. Each resources has integrated feedback forms, but we welcome additional feedback via email (contact details below).
If you have any feedback or questions about these resources and associated research, please get in contact with one of the members of the research team:
keren.maclennan@durham.ac.uk
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