| Strategies to optimize the sensory experience of autistic patients |
Examples |
| Removal of unnecessary sensory stimuli |
Avoiding scented perfumes, avoiding scented plants, avoiding reflective surfaces, avoiding decorative lighting or objects, avoiding color contrast |
| Substitution of highly noxious stimuli with more tolerable stimuli |
Natural lighting instead of artificial lighting, LED lighting instead of florescent lighting, pastel or natural colors instead of bright colors |
| Reduction of the impact of sensory stimuli on patients by using a mediator or isolation strategy |
False ceiling to cover lighting source, sound insulation between rooms and sound-absorbing materials inside rooms, sound-absorbing floors, use of noise-canceling headphones, use of sunglasses, optimal position of lighting source to avoid direct contact, high-level windows to limit distraction |
| Reduction of exposure/contact time with the sources of sensory stress |
Offering private quieter waiting rooms, allowing patients to wait outside to be called directly to their appointments, strategic scheduling of appointments to avoid busy or crowded times |
| Use of adjustable sources of sensory stimuli that allows flexibility and individualization |
Easy-to-use lighting source with accessible control switch, fans with manual operating system to avoid sudden activation |
| Modification of care to accommodate sensory differences |
Acknowledgement of atypical experience and expression of pain during medical evaluation, modification of examination and procedures as needed |
| Embracement of sensory interests, behaviors, and strategies to facilitate medical care |
Use of sensory items for distraction during procedures |
| Time and space for recovery from sensory overstimulation |
Offering quiet spaces for retreat, transitional spaces between environments with different sensory experiences |
