What is a ‘sensory space’ and why are they so important?

In a situation, like a concert, a sports game or shopping centre, where the stimuli are often intense and multi-faceted, someone with autism may be able to manage for short periods but need the ability to de-arouse to regain a sense of equilibrium.

“One of the ways they might do that is to access a sensory environment that is less overwhelming,” says Trollor.

This is where a sensory space comes in. The concept is a room where the lighting is dim, the colours are cool and calming, there are noise-cancelling headphones available as well as sensory activities that are soothing.

“They provide a potential haven,” says Elizabeth Sarian, the chief operating officer of Autism Awareness Australia. “It’s not that [someone with autism] wants to go to a sensory room but having the option to go to one is really important because if it starts to feel like everything is closing in, there is an option there to go and take a break to regulate their sensory needs.”

It means individuals with autism and their families can participate in activities together, activities that might otherwise be too difficult. “All of a sudden, it’s more inclusive and more accessible,” says Sarian.

More businesses are doing their bit to be inclusive, she says.

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Different museums, including the Australian Museum, and theatres offer sensory-friendly sessions. Bunnings has recently implemented sensory maps, so people can avoid the busiest, noisiest and brightest parts of the stores. Some Woolworths and Coles offer a weekly ‘quiet hour’, while various airports have programs that identify those who need additional support, and many shopping centres and venues are providing sensory spaces.

“We’re getting better at it as a community. But we still have a long way to go,” says Sarian.

Denying the needs of someone with an invisible disability, like Hayden, is one issue. Another is that not everyone with autism – particularly older adults – have a formal diagnosis.

“In a truly inclusive society, we shouldn’t discriminate on the basis of a label,” Trollor says. “We should have a broader conceptualisation of autism with a range not limited by preconception of severe disability… therefore these facilities should be accessible to anyone who chooses to use them.”

And with the numbers of people with autism increasing significantly – this is the result of better diagnosis but also increased baseline prevalence, Trollor says – more people have these needs.

Understanding this and valuing autistic people is key for us as a society, he adds.

“I think we need to move towards a position of embracing and celebrating neurodiversity and seeing not only the challenges, but the strengths that autistic people bring to our society and culture,” Trollor says. “Not seeing those with autism as different or other but seeing them as people.”

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