The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

A majority of individuals with Autism are believed to have co-occurring Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).  Many other conditions, brain styles and life experiences are also associated with sensory processing differences.  Having ADHD or Down Syndrome, being highly gifted, having experienced trauma, having been adopted or born prematurely, all increase the risk for SPD.  The list is long and when combined, it is plausible that a majority of the population experiences sensory integration challenges that can make it difficult for them to function optimally. 

Lighting, sound and behavioral expectations can pose barriers to this population that for some may be as daunting as stairs are to an individual in a wheelchair.  What will be the “ramps” of the 21^st century for our citizens with autism and SPD?

Comprehensive modifications to public spaces can become costly, but even relatively simple changes to our homes, schools and public buildings—combined with strategies to help individuals navigate those spaces—seem to make a dramatic difference.

Creating inclusive spaces that are welcoming to individuals with autism and SPD will be the novel accessibility challenge of our time.  Much of the work in this area is still exploratory and the field demands more research and data.  In this talk, I will explore what is known and theorized about how and why sensory processing differences can cause the built environment to be overwhelming.  I will discuss space planning and accessibility strategies to help individuals with autism and SPD both access and function optimally, and will give concrete examples of strategies and modifications in schools, homes and community spaces.  This is not just decorating, folks!  Understanding, advocating for and implementing these changes will be vital for our families with autism and SPD to learn, work, interact, participate and be healthy.