What Does “Sensory-Friendly” Mean?

Written by Jessica Holbrook, MSN, RN, CCRN

Published on March 20, 2024

• Some children are more sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, textures, and sensations than others. 
• Highly sensitive children may need sensory-friendly toys and activities to help them feel safe and comfortable. 
• Sensory-friendly experiences typically avoid bright lights, crowded spaces, and loud noises. 
• Parents should make thoughtful choices about the toys they bring home or activities they involve their children in to help them avoid sensory overload.  

For children with sensory processing difficulties, loud noises, bright lights, and flashing colors may cause stress and discomfort. Certain textures, noises, and smells may even cause sensory overload for different children. If your child has some of these sensitivities, helping them manage their emotions and anxieties can be a challenge. 

Parents of children with sensory processing disorder are often told to choose sensory-friendly toys and activities. Theaters, museums, and children’s centers have started scheduling sensory-friendly events or activities for children with special needs. As a parent of a highly sensitive child, you may wonder, exactly what does sensory-friendly mean?

Defining “Sensory-Friendly”

Sensory-friendly environments are designed to help children who are easily overstimulated. Children who struggle to deal with sudden noises, flashing lights, heavily scented items, or large crowds may do better in a sensory-friendly environment. 

Experts at Sensory Friendly Solutions¹1. Seeberger, C.. You Have Eight Senses Not Five. Sensory Friendly Solutions. 2020. https://www.sensoryfriendly.net/you-have-eight-senses-not-five explain that there are eight different sensory sensitivities that people may experience. These include: 

1. Sight
2. Hearing
3. Taste
4. Touch
5. Smell
6. Movement
7. Balance
8. Interoception

Sensory-friendly solutions for each of these sensitivities may include: 

Children with a sensory sensitivity have brains that work differently than those without a sensory sensitivity. Patience, understanding, and offering accommodations can help these children feel accepted as they go about their daily life.

3 Key Points to Understand About Sensory-Friendly Design

As sensory-friendly spaces and events become more mainstream, it’s important to keep these important points in mind:

1. Inclusivity and Accessibility

Many museums, theaters, and children’s play areas are embracing the idea of inclusivity and adaptability in their organizations. Many movie theaters offer special showings for anyone with a sensory sensitivity to attend, play areas are creating safe spaces for children who experience sensory overload, and museums may have quiet hours that are held specifically for people sensitive to loud noises. 

While autism is the most common cause of severe sensory sensitivity, research shows that up to 1 in 6 children in the United States²2. Crasta, J. E., Salzinger, E., Lin, M.-H., Gavin, W. J., & Davies, P. L.. Sensory Processing and Attention Profiles Among Children With Sensory Processing Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience. 2020;14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2020.00022 has some kind of sensory sensitivity. 

2. Sensory Friendliness for All Ages

Some people have a misconception that only children benefit from sensory-friendly environments. While senses like vision and smell do decrease with age, experts at Heliyon Journal³3. Ueno, Y., Takahashi, A., & Oshio, A.. Relationship between sensory-processing sensitivity and age in a large cross-sectional Japanese sample. Heliyon. 2019;5(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02508 explain that neurodivergent adults still benefit from participating in sensory-friendly experiences. 

Leaders can make community centers and adult workplaces more comfortable for neurodivergent adults by eliminating background music, reducing the use of air fresheners, dimming bright lights, or offering designated quiet areas. 

People should avoid making assumptions about who may or may not have a sensory sensitivity. Adults may feel pressured to eat foods or try new things that make them uncomfortable due to peer pressure. While some people do grow out of certain sensitivities, others do not. 

3. The Importance of Community Awareness and Education

When community members have a greater awareness, they can help children and families who struggle with sensory overload. Community theaters or event centers are often able to host a sensory-friendly event at specific times or create a quiet zone for kids to take a break from noise or bright lights. 

Parents of children with autism or other special needs shouldn’t be afraid to speak up and ask for reasonable accommodations for their children. These children may need a sensory-friendly haircut, special clothing, protective eyewear, or to attend only sensory-friendly events. 

FAQs 

What challenges do families face in finding sensory-friendly products?

Families of children with autism and other special needs may face several challenges when looking for sensory-friendly events and products. One of the most difficult challenges to overcome is that each child has different preferences and sensitivities. Finding a product or activity that aligns with all of a child’s needs can be difficult. 

Parents often have to make special requests or bring special items to events, even when those events are sensory-friendly. Children with extreme sensory sensitivities may need eye protection, weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and special foods. 

What role does technology play in creating sensory-friendly environments?

Technology can allow public spaces to accommodate children with sensory sensitivities. Most movies and theater productions can be edited or adjusted to eliminate flashing lights and loud noises, and technology like noise-reducing headphones or special glasses can help children be more comfortable in different environments. 

References

1. Seeberger, C. (2020, March 23). You Have Eight Senses Not Five. Sensory Friendly Solutions. https://www.sensoryfriendly.net/you-have-eight-senses-not-five
2. Crasta, J. E., Salzinger, E., Lin, M.-H., Gavin, W. J., & Davies, P. L. (2020). Sensory Processing and Attention Profiles Among Children With Sensory Processing Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2020.00022
3. Ueno, Y., Takahashi, A., & Oshio, A. (2019). Relationship between sensory-processing sensitivity and age in a large cross-sectional Japanese sample. Heliyon, 5(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02508

The information WonderBaby provides is not intended to be, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. Always consult with a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances.