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Cited by 31Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchAssistive Technology in Communication and MobilityDisability Rights and Representation

Sensory-inclusive spaces for autistic people: we need to build the evidence base

Open access
Manning, Catherine, Williams, Gemma, MacLennan, Keren·2023·Autism
DOI 10.1177/13623613231183541
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Abstract

Given the considerable impacts that sensory processing can have on autistic people’s mental health and quality of life (MacLennan et al., 2020; Pfeiffer et al., 2005), it is encouraging to see an ever-growing literature on autistic sensory processing. However, to date, most research has focused on the sensory processing characteristics of autistic individuals themselves (e.g. Proff et al., 2022, for review), with far less consideration of the aversive sensory environments that place such high demands on autistic people’s sensory processing. Yet, autistic people have told us that sensory environments can be extremely overwhelming and can present barriers for accessing certain places like supermarkets, eateries, large shops, schools and medical settings (Doherty et al., 2022; Howe & Stagg, 2016; MacLennan et al., 2022; Parmar et al., 2021; Williams et al., 2023). Accordingly, within the United Kingdom (where we are based), the National Strategy for Autistic Children, Young People and Adults (2021–2026) aims for ‘many more businesses, public sector services and different parts of the transport system to become more autism-inclusive, so that autistic people can access these spaces and services, just like everyone else’ (UK Government, 2021). And internationally, the United Nations (2022) have called for the provision of inclusive and accessible public spaces for all by 2030, requiring the balancing of different access needs. These policies recognise the need to adapt sensory environments to improve inclusion and physical and mental health of autistic people. There are a growing number of recommendations, many co-produced with autistic people, to help organisations and services become more accessible for autistic people. For instance, the UK’s National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI, 2020) disseminated a report on how to meet the sensory needs of young autistic people in mental health in-patient services, and the ASPECTSS Design Index proposes seven design principles to improve the built environment for autistic people (Mostafa, 2015). Most recently, the British Standards Institution (BSI, 2022) published the Design Standard on Neurodiversity and the Built Environment (PAS 6463), which provides guidance on creating sensory-inclusive environments for a range of neurodivergent groups, to meet both social and legal obligations. In addition to design standards, initiatives have been put in place to modify how spaces are used across the world with the intention of making places more sensoryinclusive for autistic people and others with sensory processing differences. For example, the Sunflower Lanyard scheme has been introduced to allow those with hidden disabilities to communicate that they may need additional support or time in public places, such as airports, by wearing a lanyard (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, n.d.). Many large supermarket chains and retail centres have introduced ‘quiet hours’, in which sensory input is reduced, for example, by turning off background music and reducing the volume on checkout machines (de la Fuente & Walsh, 2022). There has also been an increasing provision of designated quiet spaces in sporting and entertainment venues (e.g. ‘sensory-friendly’ spaces in City of Surrey (n.d.), Canada; football stadiums in the FIFA World Cup [El Akoum & Dyer, 2022]). Within theatre, ‘relaxed performances’ have been introduced, which reduce sensory input and provide a non-judgmental environment for autistic audience members (Fletcher-Watson & May, 2018). While these initiatives are relatively recent, autistic people have long considered these factors when creating autistic spaces, like the Autscape conference initiated in 2005 (Autscape, 2023). Steps have also been made to make whole towns more inclusive for autistic people. Clonakilty became Ireland’s first ‘Autism-Friendly’ town after a range of public services, schools and businesses made changes to become more autism-inclusive (Clonakilty, n.d.). Blackpool Council in the United Kingdom has begun developing their ‘Blackpool Ambition for Autistic People’ strategy, with the view to adopting a whole-town, cross-sector approach to enabling autistic thriving (Blackpool Council, 2022). In Canada, a community-driven initiative led to Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, receiving official ‘autism-friendly’ status (Howes, 2023). However, the empirical evidence base to substantiate these guidelines and initiatives is sparse. Research has identified that there are multiple factors that need to be considered when making spaces more enabling for autistic people, and these go far beyond just reducing sensory input (Doherty et al., 2023; Garner et al., 2022; MacLennan et al., 2022; Stogiannos et al., 2022). MacLennan et al. (2022) identified six principles determining how disabling or enabling sensory environments are, which include Sensory-inclusive spaces for autistic people: We need to build the evidence base 1183541 AUT0010.1177/13623613231183541AutismEditorial editorial2023

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Authors
Manning, C., Williams, G., & MacLennan, K.
Affiliations
  • University of Reading (GB)
  • Swansea University (GB)
  • Durham University (GB)
ORCID
Venue
Autism
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2023-07-03
Volume
27
Issue
6
Pages
1511-1515
ISSN
  • 1362-3613 (ISSN-L)
  • 1461-7005
DOI
10.1177/13623613231183541
OpenAlex
W4383058923
Semantic Scholar
8ab5e633b38a04e79fe158fc50f5f5dd0fcea1db
Cited by
31
References
19
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Autism (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Durham Research Online (Durham University) (submittedVersion)
  • University of Birmingham Research Portal (University of Birmingham) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Wellcome Trust (204685/Z/16/Z)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Disability Rights and Representation
Keywords
sensory needs, sensory-friendly environments, evidence base, autistic people
MeSH terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Humans

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