26 June 2025
In a world that is often overwhelming for people with autism, a new study by Australian and US researchers is calling for a rethink in how calming spaces and sensory rooms are designed.
Feedback from an online survey of 96 autistic adults around the world reveals some common themes, including the importance of music, nature, solitude, and the ability to customise their environment.
However, what also emerged from the study – recently published in Autism in Adulthood – is that autistic adults often experience the world in profoundly different ways and what might be soothing for one person could be overstimulating or distressing for another.
Lead author, UniSA PhD candidate Connor McCabe, says that spaces must offer choice and not be based on child-focused designs that don’t reflect the needs of autistic adults.
“Our research highlights the incredible diversity of sensory needs within the autistic community and the importance of offering flexibility and personal control within these spaces,” McCabe says.
Key sensory factors such as lighting, sound and touch were shown to have a major influence on participants’ ability to relax.
For example, dim or adjustable lighting, TV, books, video games, natural environments and sounds were frequently cited as beneficial, but while certain trends emerged, the authors caution against a one-size-fits-all approach.
“That’s why it’s so important that these spaces offer choice – adjustable lighting, varied seating, different soundscapes and – above all – privacy.”
The study, which also involved Dr Nigel Newbutt from the University of Florida, found that traditional sensory room elements such as vibration or motion-based stimulation, projected visuals on walls, and standard sensory toys were not rated as particularly helpful.
Instead, participants called for more natural elements, including views of greenery, calming water features, and even animal interactions.
Co-author, UniSA Cognitive Psychology Professor Tobias Loetscher, says the survey respondents consistently emphasised the need to control aspects of their environment, such as noise levels, temperature, and even who is allowed in the space.
McCabe is currently winding up a second study that involves co-designing a VR sensory room with autistic adults.
This research project aligns with the next steps – exploring the use of customisable virtual reality to provide flexible, cost-effective sensory environments tailored to individual preferences.
“This VR sensory experience differs quite largely from what is typically found in a sensory room, as the virtual aspect allows much more freedom in terms of the environments we can create, and the stimulation that can be provided.”
“With virtual reality, people can engage in calming activities like virtual forest walks or immersive soundscapes without needing large physical spaces,” McCabe says.
A video explaining the findings is available here.
Notes for editors
“Insights into sensory and relaxation preferences to inform the design of calming spaces and sensory rooms for autistic adults” is published in Autism in Adulthood. DOI: 10.1089/aut.2024.0088. For a copy of the full paper, email candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
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Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
