Use of sensory adaptive environments with autistic children: A scoping review.

Sensory differences in autistic children can impact their ability to have positive experiences in certain environments. Sensory adaptive environments (SAEs) are being increasingly used to reduce distress, increase enjoyment, and support opportunities for interaction. However, despite the increased prevalence of SAEs, there is little guidance in the literature indicating how to effectively create and use these spaces, including the components, equipment, and activities that are to be performed. A scoping review was conducted to address the following research question: What are the sensory experiences, equipment, and outcomes related to the use of sensory adaptive environments for autistic children? Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria and were categorized in terms of their study design, setting, sensory equipment, and outcome measures. A wide range of countries and study designs were represented. Sensory equipment spanned visual, auditory, tactile/deep pressure, olfactory, and vestibular domains. Six out of thirteen studies included safety and/or training protocols for using the SAE. The most represented environments were schools and healthcare settings. SAEs also varied in terms of their design purpose and level of technology. As SAEs are becoming increasingly prevalent, there is a need to understand the evidence for their design. Current evidence is mixed, with the need for more research and more robust study designs. • Sensory adaptive environments have mixed evidence for their use. • Suggested sensory equipment varies by setting, technology, and purpose of the environment. • Healthcare and school settings are most researched sensory adaptive environments. • Sensory adaptive environments are not tailored to the sensory needs of each child. • More robust study designs are needed to evaluate sensory adaptive environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)