House design for hyper and hypo sensitivities

Tips and ideas for designing a comfortable home for children with sensory processing issues.

Autistic children may experience hypo- or hypersensitivities that profoundly impact their sensory perception. As a result, they may interact with their physical environment in markedly different ways than neurotypical children. It’s also fair to say that no two autistic children are alike. However, designing with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sensitivities in mind can create a more calming, helpful, and synergistic space.

Define needs

The first part of designing your home is understanding what a particular room is meant to do. As a parent, you already know the answer to this question. For example, a child’s bedroom should be conducive to sleep and comfort. Rooms with a desk or study space should also encourage study and concentration. Having a rough idea of ​​the needs that a part must satisfy goes a long way to good design.

Get Feedback

The next step in the process is to get your child’s feedback. Asking questions about her sensory experience can shed light on her specific needs. As Karen Kabaki-Sisto, MS CCC-SLP points out, “Using more descriptive language helps to accurately identify your child’s sensory issues. Ask your children to be as specific as possible about what they like or dislike about a sound, sensation, or other sensory experience.

Understanding Hypersensitivity vs. Hyposensitivity

The next step is to discern between hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. Quite simply, “hyper-” refers to increased sensitivity while “hypo-” refers to decreased level. It is also worth mentioning that children with ASD experience hyper or hyposensitivity in very different ways. From a design perspective, this means that their individual physical space requirements also vary greatly.

Here are some common responses that children with autism may have with hyper or hyposensitivity. For more information, please see Sensory hyper- and hyposensitivity in autism, the second reference of this article.

Responses to hypersensitivity

The child may have:

• don’t like bright lights
• don’t like fluorescent lights
• fear of loud noises
• particular sensitivity to smell
• don’t like to be touched
• aversion to certain materials or textures

Responses to hyposensitivity

The child may have:

• difficulty in spatial recognition due to limited visual perception
• an attraction to bright lights and reflections
• an interest in touching objects in an unfamiliar place
• an attraction to loud sounds or vibrations
• limited sensation of hot/cold temperatures
• a high pain threshold
• a tendency to put objects in their mouths
• an attraction to pressure, tight clothing and heavy objects
• spatially limited body perception
• tendency to lean against furniture and walls

Either way, hyper- or hypo-sensitive autistic children have unique needs in different environments.

Integrative design by type of sensitivity

The good news is that homes can be designed to better accommodate children with autism and their sensory perception needs. Here are some ideas to consider for a safe and personalized home:

Design for hypersensitivity

• use a calming color palette
• include dim lighting
• avoid fluorescent lighting
• create sound blocks or barriers
  • consider soundproofing one or more rooms in your home
  • choose a quieter place in the house for your child’s bedroom
  • use noise canceling headphones or earplugs if necessary
  • use carpeting, textiles or other materials used for sound absorption

• eliminate odors
  • choose a room away from strong odors (kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
  • ventilate the room regularly by opening the windows, turning on the fans, etc.
  • avoid scented products such as candles, lotions, etc. in your child’s room
• use textures or materials approved by your child

• ask your child to help you choose pillows, blankets, etc. depending on how he feels
• include a space where your child can comfortably sit on their own (i.e. a chair or corner designed for one person)
• create a distraction-free study area (high walls, no visual or tactile stimuli)

In short, hypersensitive autistic children benefit from a less is more approach. Try to imagine a room that functions as a retreat from everyday life and all its sensory overload. The use of subtle light, color and sound sets the tone for a calm and collected ambience.

Design for hyposensitivity

• avoid regularly changing the layout of the room to facilitate spatial recognition
• avoid or limit bright lights and mirrors to avoid distraction
  • use strip lighting or other more subtle lighting
  • keep mirrors hidden or away from study areas
• avoid clutter to avoid injury
• remove small objects that could be inadvertently swallowed
• use an externally controlled thermostat such as a non-programmable or Wi-Fi version to avoid accidental burns or fire hazards
• ban candles in your room
• use weighted blankets for your child’s comfort
• use textures or materials that your child approves of
• ask your child to help you choose pillows, blankets, etc. depending on how he feels
  • add rainmakers, putty or other safe sensory aids for added comfort
• avoid hard edges or sharp surfaces
• consider baby safety solutions to soften the edges and limit potential dangers
• make sure the walls are strong enough to support your child’s weight
  • avoid partitions or other fragile building materials
• consider using nightlights, railings, or other space-defining aids to delineate spaces
• use color blocking to separate areas (i.e. study area, closet, etc.)

When dealing with hyposensitive children, safety and structure are essential. The idea here is to give them more visual and physical clues to meet them halfway. Be sure to incorporate a design that accommodates your child’s individual hyposensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Having an autistic child means seeing the world with a different perspective. Hyper- or hyposensitivities add to the complexities of living with autism and should be given due consideration when creating a space. Remember to get your child’s input and you’ll be well on your way to a happier, healthier home.

The references:

1. https://www.autism-society.org/children-autism-hypersensitivity-communication-tips-help/
2. https://www.integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/blog/sensory-hyper-hyposensitivity-autism/
3. https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues
4. https://www.carautismroadmap.org/autism-friendly-design-ideas/
5. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/make-room-quieter-92222.html

This article was featured in Issue 125 – Unpacking ABA Therapy

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