About Us - A Sensory World

What does it mean? 

An ecological or environmental approach simply considers the interaction between each person and the world around them and visa-versa. It recognises that every person processes the information around them in different ways but for some people, including a significant number of people who have autism that sensory processing may be a little different. 

• A person who is Hyper sensitive to external stimuli may experience intense sensations from the same light, and sound which you may consider normal or in the background.

• A person who is Hypo sensitive may need lots more sensory feedback.

If a person is over reliant on sensory feedback as a number of people with autism and sensory differences are then understanding this becomes very important in designing support environments. Plus, the stress of people can be significant for many people with autism and in traditional care settings there are lots of people.

An ecological approach considers the interaction between people and the environment and in our approaches we assess and adjust to make an environment or 'world' work for a person. A personalised environmental plan!

Integrated Sensory Engagement (ISE) 

One of our underpinning approaches is Integrated Sensory Engagement or ISE. This approach combines building design, technology and care concepts in a way that increases well being, reduces self-harm resulting from environmental stress, and increases independence. In effect ISE is the use a range of technologies and products that together help people in their own home, workplace or any environment. 

Sunrises and Sunsets

It includes managing sound transfer in a building, and manages hues, colour, brightness and the intensity of lighting to stimulate and calm. One of our favourites is creating predictable sunrises and sunsets - the phased light is a great way to wake up in the morning and relax as the lights go down! 

This approach acts to support people with Autism and associated sensory difficulties who are hyper or hypo sensitive to light and sound. It can extend to video and audio communication to reduce the impact of direct staff for individuals where people can be experienced as stressful.  

The purpose of ISE is to create an environment that reduces stress and anxiety and facilitates positive environmental interaction between the person living in a room, home or building and visa versa.