Unveiling the Mystery: What Does Sensory-Friendly Mean?

Beyond Busy, Noisy and Bright: Why Being Sensory-Friendly Matters

Imagine this: a bustling museum filled with chattering crowds, flashing lights illuminating vibrant exhibits, and a cacophony of sounds – footsteps echoing, children giggling, and tour guides explaining historical artifacts. This exciting environment might be a dream come true for some, but for others, it could trigger sensory overload. Importantly, understanding the meaning of sensory-friendly is key to creating inclusive spaces that cater to these sensitivities. While some of us thrive in bustling environments, others process sensory information differently. For example, our eight senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement (proprioception), balance (vestibular), and internal body awareness (interoception) – constantly bombard us with information. Furthermore, for individuals with sensory sensitivities, this can be overwhelming. This is where sensory-friendly comes in…

More Than Meets the Eye (and Ear)

Think of sensory-friendly as an approach that intentionally minimizes overwhelming sensory experiences. Specifically, it’s about creating environments that cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities or those prone to sensory overload.

Our eight senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement (proprioception), balance (vestibular), and internal body awareness (interoception) – constantly bombard us with information. It’s like an orchestra playing a symphony, with each sense contributing its own melody. For most of us, our brains seamlessly conduct this sensory concert. On the other hand, for individuals with sensory sensitivities, processing this information can be overwhelming, similar to a cacophony of sounds instead of a harmonious tune. As a result, this can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and even meltdowns.

A sensory-friendly space proactively addresses these challenges by making adjustments to various sensory inputs. Here are some examples:

• Sight: Dimming bright lights, eliminating flickering lights, offering noise-canceling headphones.
• Sound: Reducing background noise, providing designated quiet areas, offering visual schedules to prepare for changes in sound.
• Touch: Providing fidget toys or calming textures, allowing for movement breaks, offering alternative seating options.
• Smell: Maintaining a scent-free environment, using natural cleaning products.
• Taste: Offering a variety of food options with predictable textures and flavors.

Why We Use “Sensory-Friendly”.

While “sensory inclusion” and “sensory-inclusive” accurately capture the goal of creating welcoming spaces for everyone, here at Sensory Friendly Solutions opted for “sensory-friendly” for a few key reasons.

Firstly, “sensory-friendly” emphasizes the positive experience for the individual. It focuses on how the environment is being modified to create comfort and enjoyment. “Sensory inclusion” or “inclusive” can sometimes feel more theoretical, focusing on the act of including people rather than the tangible changes being made.

Secondly, “sensory-friendly” is easier for a wider audience to understand. It’s clear, concise, and directly communicates the intended outcome – a space that caters to diverse sensory needs. “Sensory inclusion” might require additional explanation for those unfamiliar with the concept.

Finally, “sensory-friendly” has a more proactive connotation. It implies intentionality and action on the part of the space or organization creating the experience. “Sensory inclusion” can sometimes feel passive, suggesting simply allowing people with sensory sensitivities to participate, rather than actively modifying the environment for their benefit.

For us, the meaning of sensory-friendly isn’t just a concept, it’s about opening doors to a world of possibility for everyone.

Sensory Sensitivities and Sensory Overload: Who Benefits from Sensory-Friendly Spaces?

Sensory sensitivities are a common experience, affecting individuals across the lifespan. For instance, it’s estimated that one in six children experiences sensory processing challenges. Moreover, these sensory challenges can be temporary or permanent and can be linked to various diagnoses, including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Individuals with ASD may have heightened sensitivities to certain sounds, textures, or lights.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): People with ADHD can be easily distracted by background noise or visual clutter.
• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can heighten sensory sensitivities, making everyday environments overwhelming.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can cause hypervigilance, making individuals more sensitive to sudden noises or unexpected touch.
• Hearing Loss: Individuals with hearing loss may find environments with loud background noise challenging.
• Concussion: Following a concussion, individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to light and sound.

The list doesn’t end there. Sensory sensitivities can also be experienced by individuals with:

• Developmental Disabilities
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Long COVID
• Low Vision
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• And for many more reasons…

Creating sensory-friendly environments promotes neurodiversity and inclusion. Thus, it allows everyone, regardless of their sensory processing abilities, to participate and enjoy experiences comfortably.

Why Go Sensory-Friendly? It’s More Than Just Being Kind

Imagine a child with autism who longs to explore a museum but becomes overwhelmed by the sensory overload. A sensory-friendly experience could unlock this opportunity, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

The benefits of sensory-friendly spaces extend far beyond individual experiences. Here’s why creating these spaces is a smart move:

• Increased Accessibility and Inclusion: Sensory-friendly environments cater to a broader audience, allowing everyone to participate. This aligns with the growing movement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: By offering inclusive experiences, businesses and organizations demonstrate customer care and can build brand loyalty. A study by the Interactive Autism Network found that 68% of parents with children on the autism spectrum would spend more money at businesses that offered sensory-friendly experiences [2].
• Employee Well-being: Creating a sensory-friendly environment can also benefit employees with sensory sensitivities, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.

How You Can Make a Difference

Whether you’re a business owner, an event planner, or an educator, there are many ways to incorporate sensory-friendly practices. For example, here are some starting points:

• Conduct a sensory audit: Evaluate your space from a sensory perspective. Identify areas for improvement and prioritize adjustments. Our training teaches you how!
• Offer sensory tools: Provide fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted blankets for those who may need them.
• Train your staff: Educate your staff on sensory sensitivities and how to interact with individuals who may need additional support. Our online, on demand training is at your pace and for all industries.
• Communicate clearly: Clearly advertise sensory-friendly elements on your website, social media, or signage. Provide schedules or descriptions of what to expect

The Ripple Effect: Benefits for Everyone

Many people look sensory-friendly in everyday life. In fact, tesearch, “Caregiver Perceptions of Child Participation in Sensory Friendly Community Events” by DeBoth et al., (2021) found that sensory-friendly changes improve comfort, enjoyment and participation among children with sensory sensitivities ¹.  Finally, remember, this isn’t just about children – adults with sensory sensitivities also seek out calming environments, making sensory-friendly spaces truly beneficial for all ages.

FAQ: Understanding the Meaning of Sensory-Friendly

1. What does sensory-friendly mean?

Sensory-friendly refers to environments, products, or experiences designed to reduce sensory overload and accommodate diverse sensory needs. It creates spaces that are welcoming for individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism, ADHD, PTSD, or sensory processing differences.

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2. Why is sensory-friendly important?

Sensory-friendly practices make environments more inclusive for everyone, not just those with sensory sensitivities. They promote comfort, accessibility, and a sense of belonging in public spaces, schools, workplaces, and homes.

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3. How can an event be sensory-friendly?

A sensory-friendly event might include features like reduced noise, dimmed lighting, quiet zones, and clear communication about what to expect. These adjustments help attendees feel comfortable and fully included.

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4. What are examples of sensory-friendly products?

Sensory-friendly products include noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, dimmable lighting, and seamless clothing. These items help individuals manage sensory input in everyday life.

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5. Who benefits from sensory-friendly environments?

Sensory-friendly environments benefit individuals with sensory processing differences, such as those with autism, anxiety, or sensory processing disorder. However, these adjustments often improve experiences for everyone.

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6. How does sensory-friendly differ from accessible?

While accessibility focuses on removing barriers for individuals with disabilities, sensory-friendly focuses on reducing sensory barriers, such as overwhelming sounds or lights. Together, they create a more inclusive environment.

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7. Can sensory-friendly changes be implemented at home?

Yes! Sensory-friendly changes at home can include using soft lighting, reducing clutter, or providing sensory tools like fidgets or weighted blankets. These adjustments create a calming space for everyone.

8. How can I learn more about sensory-friendly practices?

Our Sensory-Friendly 101 Course is a great place to start. It offers practical tips and insights to help you make environments, events, and experiences more inclusive.

A Symphony of Words: Unveiling the Many Names for Sensory-Friendly

The concept of sensory-friendly isn’t confined to specific locations. It’s a philosophy that can be woven into the fabric of any environment, fostering inclusivity and comfort for everyone. Furthermore, this welcoming approach can be seen in a wide variety of settings, each using their own terminology to express this core value. Here, we’ll explore some of the diverse ways different locations describe sensory-friendly experiences:

• Museums: Often utilizing terms like “low sensory hours” or “sensory backpacks” to create calmer experiences.
• Movie theaters: Implementing initiatives like “sensory-friendly screenings” with lowered volume and dimmed lights.
• Libraries: Offering “quiet zones” and designated fidget toy areas for focused reading.
• Airports: Creating “sensory havens” with calming spaces and noise-canceling headphones available.
• Restaurants: Providing “sensory-sensitive menus” with clear descriptions and predictable textures.

Moreover, this list is just a glimpse into the vast and ever-evolving world of sensory-friendly locations. By embracing these practices, businesses and organizations demonstrate their commitment to creating a welcoming world for everyone, regardless of sensory needs. Let’s create welcoming spaces, regardless of the terminology.

A Tapestry of Inclusion: Exploring the Many Names for Sensory-Friendly

This extensive list below showcases the diverse ways communities describe experiences that may be sensory-friendly or have sensory-friendly features. For example from a focus on specific populations like “Autism-friendly” or “Veteran-friendly” to the desired atmosphere like “Calming” or “Quiet environment,” each term emphasizes a particular aspect of inclusivity. Ultimately, the unifying thread is the commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and can participate comfortably.

Importantly, this rich vocabulary reflects the nuanced nature of sensory needs and the creativity of communities in fostering inclusion. By understanding this diverse language, we can better advocate for and create sensory-friendly experiences that benefit everyone. Moreover, each term, from “low sensory hours” in museums to “sensory havens” in airports, contributes to the core meaning of sensory-friendly: crafting calming and inclusive environments that cater to a wide range of sensory processing abilities.

A

• Accessible
• Autism-friendly

C

• Calmer
• Calming
• Child-friendly
• Children-friendly

F

• Family-friendly

I

• Inclusion
• Inclusive

K

• Kid-friendly

L

• Low sensory

M

• Multi-sensory

Q

• Quiet environment
• Quiet hours
• Quiet space
• Quiet time
• Quiet zone

R

• Relaxed
• Relaxed performance
• Relaxed setting

S

• Sensorial needs
• Sensory days
• Sensory experiences
• Sensory-friendly
• Sensory-free
• Sensory hours
• Sensory inclusion
• Sensory-inclusive
• Sensory-relaxed
• Sensory sensitvie
• Sensory showtimes
• Sensory Saturdays
• Sensory Sundays
• Special needs (note this label is not respectful, even though it is still used)

T

• Tranquility

U

• Understanding enviroment

V

• Veteran-friendly

The goal is inclusion, so take action! And don’t worry about the words.

Unveiling the Language of Sensory-Friendly: A Resource of Common Terminology

Here’s a helpful list exploring the many terms used to describe sensory-friendly experiences. This rich vocabulary reflects the diverse ways communities create welcoming and inclusive spaces.  Finally, you can download the fact sheet with the many phrases used to describe sensory-friendly events and locations.

Bringing Sensory-Friendly to Life

The beauty of sensory-friendly practices lies in their versatility! Furthermore, these approaches can be implemented in a variety of locations, transforming everyday experiences for everyone.

Does the world sometimes feel overwhelming for the people you care about, or even your customers or employees? Our Sensory-Friendly 101 course can help! This course dives deep into understanding sensory sensitivities and overload, giving you the tools to create welcoming environments for everyone. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or business owner, learn practical strategies to build calming spaces, reduce sensory overload, and foster inclusivity. Become a champion for sensory awareness and unlock a world where everyone feels comfortable, engaged, and thrives.

Uncover a world of sensory-friendly knowledge! Our low-cost training membership grants you access to multiple courses, watch this short video about it:

1. DeBoth, K., Wendland, M., Bilinovic, T., & Sanford, C. (2021). Caregiver Perceptions of Child Participation in Sensory Friendly Community Events. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, &Amp; Early Intervention, 14(3), 291–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2020.1862729