Insights into Sensory and Relaxation Preferences to Inform the Design of Calming Spaces and Sensory Rooms for Autistic Adults

Abstract

Background:

Sensory and restorative rooms provide environments that promote relaxation through sensory experiences. These rooms contain a variety of sensory-engaging equipment and materials that facilitate relaxation, emotional regulation, and sensory integration. However, researchers have limited understanding of which specific relaxation techniques and essential elements create effective, calming spaces for autistic adults. This study seeks to bridge this gap by analyzing the sensory preferences and needs of autistic adults to inform the design of sensory and restorative rooms.

Methods:

We conducted an online mixed-methods survey, divided into three parts. In Part One, we utilized the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50) to screen for autistic traits and we invited participants scoring 26 or above to complete Part Two of the study. In Part Two, we utilized a survey incorporating open-ended and closed questions to assess participants’ sensory and relaxation preferences. We then invited the participants from Part Two who indicated that they had previous sensory room experience to complete Part Three, which assessed their experiences with these spaces. We analyzed the qualitative results using content analysis.

Results:

We Screened 150 participants in Part One, of whom 96 and 13 completed Part Two and Three, respectively. Our analysis revealed that while we could identify general categories, autistic adults use a diverse range of methods and sensory modulation techniques to facilitate relaxation. When we asked about preferred relaxation activities, analysis of the participants’ responses revealed categories, including active or passive media use, spending time outdoors, seeking solitude, and engaging in creative activities. The participants showed considerable diversity in how they interacted with items within each category. Regarding specific sensory modalities, we identified visual, auditory, and somatosensory as the primary senses affecting relaxation, particularly through customized lighting or sounds, however, these preferences remained highly person specific.

Conclusions:

Our findings emphasize the importance of taking an individualized approach when designing calming spaces for this demographic. Our study reveals a wide range of methods autistic adults use to self-regulate, spanning customized environmental changes, sensory stimulation, engagement with nature, media engagement, and internal coping strategies. In addition, we found that suggestions for improving existing spaces focus on increasing personalization and control to better meet individual sensory needs. Future studies could investigate the practicality and efficacy of incorporating a broader spectrum of engaging sensory stimuli within sensory rooms, tailored to the diverse needs and preferences of autistic adults.

Community Brief

Why is this an important issue?

Autistic individuals can experience over or under responsiveness to sensory stimulation, which can negatively impact several aspects of their daily life. Without research into the sensory preferences and experiences of autistic adults, we risk creating spaces that are suboptimally designed for them and without their input for preferences. In extreme cases, these spaces may even be detrimental.

What was the purpose of this study?

The purpose of this study was to identify the preferred methods that autistic adults like to use to relax, as well as answer the question of what is required to create an effective calming space or sensory room for autistic adults.

What did the researchers do?

We asked 96 autistic adults from English-speaking countries around the world to complete a survey on their sensory experiences, preferences, and preferred methods of relaxation. We also asked them to rate common sensory room features based on how important they feel they are. In addition, we asked the participants some questions regarding what features they would include in a calming space for themselves as well as what kind of environment they seek out when they feel overwhelmed.

What were the results of the study?

We found that autistic adults use a wide range of various methods and sensory techniques to help facilitate relaxation. When we asked about their preferences, we found some trends such as engaging with different forms of media, spending time outdoors, seeking solitude, or engaging in creative activities. However, although we noticed some trends, there was a wide range of individual preferences and behaviors within those trends, highlighting the need for a person-centered approach to designing calming spaces for this population. We also found that specific sensory experiences can play a large role in mediating relaxation, particularly when it comes to sight, hearing, or touch. We also found a general preference for customized lighting and sounds; however, preferences were very person specific and varied considerably between responses.

With regard to answering the question of what is required to create an effective calming space, we found a general preference for smaller, warm spaces, opposed to large open spaces. We also found a preference for quiet and isolated spaces, free from unwanted noises, distractions, and people. The results of our study also stressed the importance of giving autistic adults control over various aspects of the environment due to the high amount of variability in personal preference for various features such as lighting or sound. In addition, the results stress the need for a sensory room to be better equipped with a wider range of equipment to meet the individual needs of its users.

What do these findings add to what was already known?

Our findings highlight the need for a person-centered approach when creating spaces that are designed for autistic adults and emphasize the need for flexibility in how sensory rooms are utilized. Although we were able to identify overarching categories within the data, the variability within those categories was substantial and highly dependent on individual preferences. In addition, the categories and subcategory we identified suggest that autistic adults may benefit from more engaging forms of stimulation than what is typically found in a sensory room.

What are potential weaknesses in the study?

A potential weakness of our study is that all participants required the ability to sign up and complete the experiment without any assistance from the researchers, because of this, we cannot make the assumption that the findings are representative for all autistic people.

How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?

Our findings can help autistic adults by informing the design and creation of spaces intended for autistic adults. The findings from our study also help highlight the need for a person-centered approach when designing sensory or calming spaces.