Sensory Friendly Spaces

Sensory friendly spaces are necessary for many different groups of people such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), those with migraines, epilepsy, and other disorders. A practical knowledge gap was found with major companies not following previous research that emphasizes the need for sensory friendly spaces: alternative light sources, color theory, overcrowding effects and others. The goal of this project was to collect community perceptions of sensory friendly spaces and their overlap with where people with ASD and their caregivers often visit. The desired outcome was that areas of specific improvement could be identified and shared with those involved to increase awareness of this issue and spark advancements. A measure for sensory friendly perceptions of local businesses and community resources was created and shared with attendees of a community autism event. The most common accommodations identified that could be implemented to improve the participants' overall and sensory experiences are simple fixes such as dimmed lighting or having more mentally stimulating resources available. These possible accommodations can increase consumer populations, positive reviews, and potential profits for all parties involved.