2.4 Describe how to create a ‘low arousal’ sensory environment

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism unit 2.4 Describe how to create a ‘low arousal’ sensory environment.

Sensory sensitivity is common in individuals with autism. They might experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input like lights, sounds, textures, or smells. Creating a low arousal sensory environment is key to helping them feel comfortable and focused.

Purpose of a Low Arousal Sensory Environment

A low arousal sensory environment minimises sensory overload. It ensures the person with autism experiences less stress and can engage more easily in daily activities. The goal is to help create a calm and supportive space.

Key Factors to Consider

Creating a low arousal sensory environment involves careful consideration of several factors. These include visual stimuli, auditory input, tactile experiences, olfactory stimuli, and the overall atmosphere of the space.

Visual Stimuli

Bright lights and busy patterns can be overwhelming. To manage visual stimuli:

• Lighting: Use soft, natural lighting whenever possible. Dimmer switches or adjustable lamps can provide control over light intensity. Avoid fluorescent lights which can flicker and cause discomfort.
• Colours: Opt for neutral, calming colours on walls and furniture. Avoid bright or contrasting colours that can be visually stimulating.
• Decor: Keep decorations simple and minimalistic. Avoid busy murals or patterns. Limit the number of pictures or posters on walls.
• Clutter: Maintain a tidy, organised space. Clutter can be visually overwhelming and distracting.

Auditory Input

Loud or constant noise can be distressing. To control auditory input:

• Noise Reduction: Use carpets, curtains, and soft furnishings to absorb sound. Acoustic panels can also help reduce echoes.
• Quiet Zones: Designate quiet areas where individuals can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Ensure these areas are away from noise sources like kitchens or playgrounds.
• Sound Machines: White noise machines or soothing background music can help mask unpredictable sounds.
• Communication: Encourage the use of noise-cancelling headphones if the individual prefers them.

Tactile Experiences

Certain textures might cause discomfort. To manage tactile experiences:

• Furniture: Choose soft, comfortable furniture. Avoid materials that are rough or itchy.
• Clothing: Ensure clothing is comfortable and not restrictive. Avoid tags or seams that could irritate the skin.
• Sensory Toys: Provide sensory-friendly toys or objects, like soft fabric or smooth stones.

Olfactory Stimuli

Smells can be powerful triggers. To manage olfactory stimuli:

• Scent-Free Policies: Aim for a scent-free environment. Avoid using strong cleaning products, air fresheners, or perfumes.
• Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation to reduce lingering smells from cooking or other activities.
• Natural Scents: If scents are necessary, opt for mild and natural aromas.

Overall Atmosphere

Creating a calm atmosphere involves the overall layout and vibe of the environment:

• Space Layout: Keep pathways clear and ensure there’s enough space for movement. Avoid overcrowding furniture.
• Routine: Maintain a consistent routine which can help reduce anxiety. Visual schedules can help indicate what will happen next.
• Personalisation: Allow individuals to personalise their space to some extent. Familiar objects can provide comfort.
• Support Zones: Create designated areas for specific activities like relaxation, study, or play. This helps set clear expectations.

Special Considerations for Different Settings

Home Environment

In a home setting:

• Bedrooms: Keep bedrooms as places for rest. Use blackout curtains and soft bedding. Limit electronic devices.
• Living Rooms: Arrange furniture to create cosy, quiet corners. Provide sensory-friendly zones with soft furnishings.
• Kitchens: Minimise strong smells from cooking. Ensure safe, clutter-free areas for meal prep.

School Environment

In a school setting:

• Classrooms: Arrange desks to reduce noise and distractions. Use calming colours and minimal decor. Create quiet corners for breaks.
• Corridors: Avoid echoing corridors by adding soft furnishings like rugs or curtains.
• Outdoor Areas: Provide quiet outdoor spaces with shaded seating areas for retreat.

Work Environment

In a work setting:

• Offices: Use partitions or cubicles to reduce visual stimuli and noise. Provide personal space that can be customised.
• Meeting Rooms: Organise meetings in quiet, distraction-free rooms. Limit the number of attendees to avoid overwhelming the individual.
• Break Rooms: Create a comfortable, quiet space for breaks with soft seating and low lighting.

Implementing Changes Gradually

Implementing all these changes at once can be overwhelming. Introduce changes gradually. Always communicate with the individual to understand their needs and preferences. Be flexible and willing to make adjustments as necessary.

Training and Awareness

Training staff and caregivers is important. Ensure everyone understands the importance of a low arousal sensory environment. Provide resources and workshops to educate them on best practices.

Continual Assessment

Regularly reassess the environment. Seek feedback from individuals with autism and their caregivers. Make necessary adjustments to ensure the space remains supportive and comfortable.

Example answers for unit 2.4 Describe how to create a ‘low arousal’ sensory environment

Example 1:
In my role as a support worker, I make sure to manage visual stimuli by adjusting the lighting in the environment. I use soft, natural lighting whenever possible, and have dimmer switches installed to control the light intensity. I avoid fluorescent lights due to their flickering, which can be distressing for individuals with autism. I also choose neutral, calming colours for walls and furniture to prevent overstimulation. To keep the environment from becoming visually cluttered, I ensure that decorations are minimal and I organise spaces to maintain tidiness.

Example 2:
To manage auditory input effectively, I focus on reducing noise in the environment. I use carpets, curtains, and soft furnishings to absorb sound and reduce echoes. I have set up quiet zones where individuals can retreat if they feel overwhelmed, ensuring these areas are away from noisy sources like kitchens. In some cases, using white noise machines or soft, soothing background music helps to mask unpredictable sounds. I always communicate with the individuals to see if they prefer using noise-cancelling headphones, providing them as an option.

Example 3:
Managing tactile experiences is important in creating a low arousal sensory environment. I make sure that the furniture we use is soft and comfortable, avoiding materials that are rough or itchy. I pay attention to the comfort of clothing by ensuring it is not restrictive and free from irritating tags or seams. Also, I provide sensory-friendly toys or objects, such as soft fabric or smooth stones, which can help individuals feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Example 4:
In terms of olfactory stimuli, I aim for a scent-free environment. This involves avoiding strong cleaning products, air fresheners, and perfumes that could be overpowering. I ensure rooms are well-ventilated to help reduce any lingering smells from cooking or other activities. If scents are necessary, I opt for mild and natural aromas to prevent sensory overload.

Example 5:
Creating a calm overall atmosphere is a top priority. I keep pathways clear and ensure there is enough space for movement to avoid any crowding. To help reduce anxiety, I maintain a consistent routine and use visual schedules to indicate what activities will happen next. I also allow individuals to personalise their space to some extent, as familiar objects can provide a sense of comfort. Specific areas are designated for activities like relaxation, study, or play to set clear expectations.

Example 6:
I understand the importance of continual assessment and training. I regularly reassess the environment and seek feedback from individuals with autism and their caregivers. This helps identify new needs or preferences, ensuring that the space remains supportive and comfortable. Also, I participate in training sessions and workshops to stay updated on best practices in creating low arousal sensory environments, ensuring I am well-equipped to support individuals effectively.

Final Thoughts

Creating a low arousal sensory environment involves thoughtful consideration of visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory stimuli. By managing these elements, you can create a supportive space that minimises sensory overload and enhances comfort for individuals with autism. Regular training, continual assessment, and a willingness to adjust the environment will ensure it remains effective and beneficial.