Designing for Calm: How Inclusive Spaces Ease Sensory Overload

When I reflect on my children’s childhoods, I am often struck by how everyday tasks, like shopping, could easily lead to a meltdown for any one of them. The sensory overload they experienced in those moments was all-consuming, both for them and for me as a parent trying to help them navigate the world.

I vividly remember one instance when the sounds in a store were so loud that my two-year-old child began bashing their head, grabbing their hair, and punching themselves while trying desperately to escape the environment. To them, the world was a cacophony of noises—far more intense and layered than what I could perceive. It was only later that I began to understand that my children—and even myself—often felt anxious and dysregulated because of heightened sensory sensitivities. Some environments were not just overwhelming; they were unbearable.

Background noise, strong smells, certain food textures, and even the flicker of fluorescent lights could quickly escalate into a sensory storm that made managing daily life incredibly difficult. For example, a simple grocery store trip—a mundane chore for many—could become a gauntlet of sensory triggers. The bright, artificial lighting, the hum and whir of refrigeration units, the multitude of colours and textures on display, the mingling smells of produce and cleaning products, and even the memories associated with certain foods all converged to create an utterly overwhelming space for my children.

As their parent, the experience wasn’t much easier. When my child was on the brink of a meltdown, I’d find myself rushed, frazzled, and disorganized. To the public, it may have looked like my child was badly behaved or that I was a parent who had lost control. In reality, both of us were simply dysregulated, struggling to cope with the overwhelming sensory input that the environment was throwing at us.

It wasn’t just the big, obvious triggers either. My children couldn’t block out the droning hum of fridges, the flickering of lights that others might not even notice, or the repetitive sound of shoes squeaking on the floor. These details, invisible or insignificant to most, were magnified for them, contributing to their distress.

The Case for Inclusive Design

Experiences like these underscore the critical need for inclusive design in public spaces. Thoughtful adjustments can transform an overwhelming environment into one that accommodates sensory differences and promotes comfort and accessibility for all.

Here are some ways inclusive design or Sensory Awareness can make a difference:

1. Sound Control: Offering noise-reduced hours (radio low or off) can also help families shop in peace. Remind families that there are ear defenders, or sponge inserts for ears to limit noise.
2. Lighting Adjustments: Try wearing a broad-rimmed hat or sunglasses when in stores.
3. Clear Organization: Simplify layouts and signage to minimize cognitive load and make navigation easier.
4. Designated Sensory-Friendly Times: Establish specific hours with reduced lighting, sound, and traffic for sensory-sensitive individuals. I know I would arrange my schedule when possible to make trips better. Think about how busy Costco is on Saturday versus a Tuesday mid-morning.
5. Staff Training: Equip employees with knowledge about sensory sensitivities so they can offer assistance with empathy and understanding.

A Path Toward Empathy and Understanding

By creating spaces that consider the needs of autistic individuals and those with sensory processing differences, we can foster environments where everyone feels valued and supported. These changes don’t just benefit a small segment of the population; they improve the experience for all—from parents juggling multiple tasks to neurotypical individuals seeking a calmer, more welcoming atmosphere.

As I reflect on those challenging moments, I see how far awareness has come and how much work remains. Inclusive design is not just a nice thing; it’s a vital step toward creating a world where all individuals, regardless of sensory sensitivities, can thrive.