Environmental Changes for Sensory Differences

• Use dim, natural lighting avoiding fluorescent lighting if possible as this can been seen to flicker, can be alerting and can also make a noise. Dimmer switches can be useful for flexibility.
• Use pale colours on walls. Avoid bright or busy wallpaper.
• Use plain flooring to keep visual clutter to a minimum. Ideally use one, light colour.
• Carpet will absorb or dampen sound, while wood or hard floors will increase the noise levels and echo of a room.
• Provide a quiet and less stimulating corner of the room for a child to go to/use to calm down.
• Use blankets/ sheets/ play tents for child to sleep or just relax in with lots of pillows inside for deep pressure.
• Use beanbag chairs and giant pillows to sit on.
• Child to sit on gym ball when working or watching TV.
• Provide relaxing music on tape player or headphones. For example, ocean waves, rain, classical music, nature tapes, slow/rhythmic music, white noise or nature sound machines.
• Reduce visual distractions by keeping the walls clear of lots of pictures or clutter.
• Keep toys/items/supplies neatly organized in bins and/or in their proper place.
• Avoid strong odours – open windows when cooking.
• Show the child’s schedule in words and pictures.
• It has been suggested that it’s best to avoid using slatted blinds, particularly vertical ones, as these can be distracting. Curtains may be a better option, with blackout curtains helping someone who is particularly sensitive to light. If someone has a tendency to pull on curtain rails, curtains can be held up with Velcro.
• Plastic stick-on covering can also be placed on windows, giving privacy while letting some light in.
• Furnishing can help to reduce noise levels in your home. For example, carpet or soft flooring is quieter than laminated flooring which can be noisy. This type of furnishing can also create a feeling of cosiness and safety.
• Using ear defenders for short periods to transition to and/or acclimatise to noisy environments can be useful. It is important to ensure that these are only used for short periods to ensure that individuals are given the opportunity to de-sensitise.