What Does Sensory Friendly Mean?

If you have an autistic or neurodivergent child, family member, or friend, chances are you’ve heard of sensory friendly or sensory safe events. As the world grows more accepting and accommodating towards disabled people, these kinds of events are becoming more and more popular. Attending an event that is sensory friendly can mean the world to someone who is sensitive to intense, changing, or overwhelming sensory input. 

What does sensory friendly mean?

If a space is sensory friendly, it has been specially designed or modified to accommodate people who have a sensory dysfunction or sensory processing disorder. This often includes people who are autistic or neurodivergent. And oftentimes, these events and locations focus on accommodations for children who have had less practice managing these disorders. Sensory safe events are necessary in order to give these kids a normal and enjoyable experience in a place they may ordinarily struggle to enjoy. 

Something that is sensory friendly typically refers to any one of the 5 senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) as well as senses of movement, balance, and internal body sense. There is a focus on the body and how the environment makes someone feel physically as they experience the event.

What makes an event or location sensory friendly?

Not all sensory safe events will function in exactly the same way. This depends on the space, the staff, and the purpose of the event. For example, a sensory friendly showing of a movie may keep the lights up, lower the volume of the film, and not restrict kids to remain seated or refrain from talking. This creates an environment where the film can be enjoyed without introducing sensory anxieties – like loud noises, high contrast lighting, and physically uncomfortable seating.

You can expect to find some of the following features in a sensory friendly environment. 

• The staff at the event might be Autism-friendly or trained to be better at communicating and understanding unique needs. They will probably be better at managing expectations and coordinating with caregivers. 
• The environment might contain more moderate and less intense color schemes.
• The light in the space might either be lowered or any instances of flashing or suddenly changing light would be removed. 
• There may be sensory objects or toys available to keep children’s hands busy. 
• The event may allow people and kids to get up and walk around when ordinarily they’d be expected to stay seated.
• The event may reduce admission to create smaller groups of people than usual. 
• The event may keep announcements, background music, or any other volume to a minimum to prevent loud and sudden noises. Or they may provide quiet zones or headphones by request. 
• The environment might reduce or entirely remove any air fresheners or any other unnecessary odors. 

It’s a great idea to call ahead to a venue and ask what accommodations make their event sensory friendly. Some locations may even have sensory friendly accommodations available at neurotypical events. So don’t be afraid to ask! 

Who Benefits from Sensory Friendly Events?

Sensory safe events are extremely important for families with neurodivergent kids. It has been shown in some studies that a modified sensory friendly event  can “decrease barriers to participation” for children with disabilities. The grand majority of sensory safe events you will find benefits kids. Socialization and environmental learning is incredibly important for childhood development. If public spaces are all too overwhelming for a child with autism, they could lose out on deeply influential social and educational experiences and growth. 

Not to mention sensory safe events can help support the parents of the kids who benefit from these modified spaces. It can be challenging as a parent to move through public spaces with small children. If those public spaces are not accessible for children with sensory disorders, it can make that experience all the more difficult.

Not only that, anyone who enjoys a more calm and less jarring environment can enjoy a sensory safe event. These events can help anyone with ADD or ADHD, anxiety, concussion, hearing loss, PTSD, or sensory processing disorder. It’s even been shown that since the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all walks of life experience more sensory overload in public places, not less, since 2020.

How do you find sensory friendly events nearby?

Chances are, your city features some amazing sensory friendly events. Check the websites and social media for your favorite museums, theaters, gyms, or libraries. 

You can also use the Sensory Safe Events Directory to find many sensory safe events in your area. Simply choose your location and some optional filters. And the directory provides you with a list of events coming up in your city. Including the address, dates, and a description of the event. 

Is there a sensory friendly event or venue near you that you love? Please submit them to our directory here.