Creating Autism Inclusive Spaces

"An inclusive environment is one that caters for the needs, desires and preferences of all attendees, and reduces anxiety as much as possible. The outcome of creating such an environment is a physical and psychological environment that supports and promotes optimal participation, engagement, comfort and learning" - Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism

Over the past several year, a growing number of people have asked how they can create an autism-inclusive environment. Architects have focused on designing autism-friendly buildings, families have renovated rooms to provide positive and safe sensory experiences, shopping centres have launched 'relaxed hours' with limited additional sensory stimuli, and schools have turned to disability organisations to seek support and guidance. Utilising this growing focus on autism-inclusive spaces as a starting point, let's investigate the concept with more depth and thorough thought.

Firstly, we need to understand that autistic and neurodivergent people experience the world very differently to others. This can be both debilitating and empowering, with our focus needing to be put on reducing the former. In creating autism-inclusive environments, we must reduce the negative impact of our spaces, striving to promote environments that are truly inclusive to all. This is easier said than done, especially when you consider that every individual on the autism spectrum will experience the world differently from a sensory point of view.

"If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism."

Understanding this, this article will focus on suggestions and interventions that are predominantly generic and, where possible, highlight where attention is required for each individual’s preferences.

Initial Review

Prior to any changes or amendments to spaces, there are questions that need to be posed. These questions require a further analysis and review of the existing space, utilising the seven sense indicators and lived experience of autistic people. The latter is vital to understand the needs of those who will be accessing the environment, whilst taking into account the seven senses will help you understand how the existing environment is not autism-inclusive.

When we discuss the seven senses with the autism sector, we are talking about the following:

1. Visual sense (Sight)
2. Auditory sense (Hearing)
3. Touch and pressure sense (Touch)
4. Olfactory sense (Smell)
5. Taste sense (Taste)
6. Vestibular sense (Balance)
7. Proprioceptive sense (Space)

Whilst the majority of the population are aware of the primary five senses, the vestibular and proprioceptive senses are also critical when seeking to make spaces wholly accessible and inclusive. These senses help us understand individuals' navigation of spaces and environments, as well as their positioning within said spaces.

Once you have reviewed the existing space against the seven senses, you need to review the existing space with autistic people as co-producers; as experts with lived experience, autistic people’s insight will be essential.

"Autistic people live in a keenly sensory world. Their self-stimulatory behaviours are all connected with senses." – Jasmine Lee O’Neill

The senses and questions to ask

As aforementioned, there are multiple questions that need to be asked in regards to the seven senses, here are some examples that can help you establish what is required to convert your environment into an autism-inclusive space.

In terms of the visual sense, what is the lighting like in the rooms, both natural and artificial? Are the walls clear or cluttered? How many things are in the room that require visual awareness and recognition? Are curtains and carpets patterned?

These are all questions that need to be answered, particularly questions around lighting. Lighting can have a profound and debilitating effect for autistic people who deal with sensory issues. For example, fluorescent lights can cause difficulties for some people because they can see the lights flickering at over 60 flashes per second. Additionally, a lack of natural light is proven to induce and exacerbate tiredness due to melatonin rising at this time.

Furthermore, having patterned carpet, frantically covered walls, and cluttered rooms can be challenging for autistic people who tend to focus on every detail, with particularly convoluted spaces becoming very overwhelming for individuals. Simple and minimalist design choices - coupled with natural light - can create a predictable and open environment.

When it comes to the auditory sense, are outdoor sounds getting into the space? Is there any internal music playing? Are there any constant sounds, such as ticking clocks and humming electronics? Can you limit unpredictable noises by purchasing products made of certain materials?

We know that autistic people can often rely on predictability and routine, with this remaining pertinent when it comes to sound. Many individuals may struggle with noise sensitivity - ear defenders are a common accessory for those with sensory issues - and thus it is essential that an environment limits its noise, as well as the volume and frequency of said noise. Additionally, in order to provide a wholly inclusive space, it is down to the provider to ensure that potentially distressing outdoor noise does not permeate the space, particularly emergency sirens and loud shouting.

In order to create an autism-inclusive space for the touch sense, do you have different textiles and textures that individuals can touch? Are there items available to provide pressure when required? Is the space often busy and chaotic resulting in bodies jostling together and making contact with others?

Touch is an essential sense for everyone, however it can become even more critical for autistic individuals. That said, it needs to be reiterated that each individual experiences the world differently in terms of sensory needs. For example, some autistic people may shun touch unless they are in control of it, requiring authority in terms of their touch sense. However, others may need extra and/or deep pressure to feel calm and safe, benefitting from pressure vests, weighted blankets etc. if these items are used appropriately. This is just the tip of the iceberg so it is important to ensure that your space caters to as many people as possible, offering various forms of touch, various textures and varying levels of pressure.

In addition to this, questions need to be asked in regards to your environment and the Olfactory sense. Similarly to sound, are there smells coming from outdoors? Are you using cleaning products with strong scents? Is your environment cleaned frequently enough? If you have a food preparation and cooking area, is this closed off or do smells permeate throughout the building?

Not limited to the neurodivergent community, strong smells can be very overwhelming for individuals, as can unfamiliar smells. These can lead to nausea and trouble navigating a space, thus it is essential that you take the Olfactory sense into account and are completely honest when reviewing your space. Consider inviting individuals who are first-time visitors to the space as they will not be as accustomed to the existing smells.

Relevant to environments that produce and sell food, have you considered the taste sense. Do you provide a range of meals of different textures? Does your food contain eclectic mixtures of ingredients? Is the appearance of your food impacting the taste?

Ensure that you have considered the taste sense by utilising clearly worded menus, meals that are visible to customers or directly replicate menu images, and a range of textures that do not oppose each other.

Finally, the sixth and seven senses need contemplation and study to ensure your space is autism-inclusive. The vestibular and proprioceptive senses are vital to understand how autistic - and neurotypical - individuals may navigate your space. Is the space cluttered? Are the exit routes readily accessible? Are their items that individuals can use to balance, swing, rock and bounce? Is there open space to run and jump? Is there a limit to how busy the space can become?

Honestly, there are likely over 100 questions that could be asked for these two senses. It is essential to understand that many autistic people may find it difficult to have a sense of themselves in relation to the environment around them, this can often lead to rocking, swinging, bouncing, and balancing to help them regulate and gain a feeling of self. Additionally, others may experience anxiety or apprehension if they cannot see what is happening, where sounds are coming from, or if things are constantly moving. This can be disorientating and challenging for individuals, as can navigating busy and cluttered environments. This can be overwhelming and therefore exits need to be numerous and readily accessible.

Who?

Once you have considered the senses, it is important to strip back your thinking and ponder the question: who will be using our space? Who are we making the space inclusive for? Though a seemingly simple notion, it is important to think this through thoroughly.

Perhaps the space will be used by autistic children, adults, residential groups, parents and children, schools etc. Each of these groups may require the space to be amended or altered in order for it to be autism-inclusive, by understanding the needs of your potential visitors you can strategise and pre-plan for this.

What will they be doing?

What will your visitors be using the space for? Another seemingly simple question, it is important to be aware of what your space will be used for. For example, is there a way to create a one way system for school groups when they visit in order to ensure the space is predictable? Will young children be accessing at the same time as autistic adults? Are there quiet spaces available to escape potential crying and screaming? Are there small and intimate rooms within your space? If so, are there opportunities to easily relocate to an open space where necessary? Are corridors unruly or can they be made 'one way'? This is vital for any place that people may be transitioning via.

Most importantly, ask and do not assume

This article is designed to act as a starting point on your journey to making spaces more autism-inclusive. However, do not assume that you understand what autistic people need. Do not assume that all autistic people are noise sensitive, detail orientated, literal thinkers, easily overwhelmed by sensory input, bad at social communication, or unable to deal with unpredictability. Instead, ask autistic individuals what they need. If you are renovating a family space, ask the person it is being renovated for. If you are renovating a community space, create a steering group or forum for those you are renovating for. If you are opening a new environment, allow autistic people to be co-producers and co-designers.

To conclude, it is important not to rush the process of making an environment autism-inclusive. There are numerous facets that need to be considered and numerous voice that need to be heard. But, if you are truly enthusiastic about creating an autism-inclusive space, remember this:

Autism does not disable the individual, the environment and our structures do.

If you would like to discuss anything included in this article, please do not hesitate to contact me.