🌍Today is World Mental Health Day. Supporting sensory differences supports mental health.

As the Sensory Street team show, designing environments that recognise and support sensory differences can help create calm, connection, and inclusion for everyone. 💚

👉 buff.ly/39WQgqk

New research shows quiet zones and clear schedules improve live music event experiences for autistic adults. Read here: buff.ly/Z0Y8VTe

[ALT TEXT: Teal graphic with title “New Research Alert: Creating Sensory Friendly Music Events” with two musicians & girl in headphones.]

#Autism #Inclusivity

Hello! 👋 We’re Aneesa and Lily, new placement research assistants! Stay tuned for our updates! #UniOfBirmingham

ALT TEXT: Image of Lily and Aneesa saying, “We’re excited to support the team’s research projects on sensory experiences, helping to shape more inclusive, accessible spaces for all.”

This week, our University of Birmingham team said goodbye to Aamina as she begins her PhD! She has made a real difference to The Sensory Street Project, sharing research on sensory processing and autism on social media. #GoodLuck
ALT TEXT: Seven team members stand together, smiling.

This new study by King’s College London (Rattray, Ruane, Saliko, Absoud & Happé) shares autistic adults’ firsthand visual experiences. The authors highlight six themes and conclude that simple, low-cost changes can boost wellbeing.

The paper: buff.ly/mGLkWw5

We are sharing a personal perspective by Dr Mary Doherty who reflects on a episode of sensory overload at a medical conference.

The paper highlights the impact of unmet sensory needs, challenging assumptions about autism and highlighting the need for accessible environments: buff.ly/tGqqdDO

New editorial: we highlight 5 key issues with current questionnaire measures used to assess autistic sensory processing. We argue this may be limiting both research and support. Better validated and more inclusive tools are needed.

Read here: buff.ly/De0Lp0D

#AutismResearch #Autism #Research

We are excited to share that Dr Cathy Manning will be speaking at the National Neurodiversity Show Midlands (@natneuroshows) tomorrow (23rd of July 2025) in Coventry. Her seminar explores how public spaces can better support neurodivergent people.

For more information: buff.ly/QOFLaxS

We have now completed several steering group meetings for our 4-year study on visual comfort in autistic and non-autistic children. A massive thank you to the autistic adults, parents/carers and professionals who shared their insights. Your feedback and perspectives are already shaping our work!

We are sharing a new study on autism, sensory experience and education!
Using photo-voice, autistic teenagers in the UK shared how school environments overwhelm them (through noise, crowds, lights), highlighting the need for quiet spaces, support and understanding.

buff.ly/ZY6DcQH

UK school staff: Take part in a PhD study by Kyleigh Melville from The University of Edinburgh, on using multi-sensory environments with neurodivergent, SEND, and ASN students. The anonymous survey was co-designed with educators and neurodivergent adults.
Link: buff.ly/CTYhIQK

Gentle reminder... we are still recruiting!
Are you neurodivergent and love theatre? We want you!

Take part in a study exploring relaxed and non-relaxed performances.
See a free show this on or before 1st of June (free ticket + £10 voucher)

For more info and to Sign up: buff.ly/9TvX6VB

Are you neurodivergent and love theatre? We want you!

Take part in a study exploring relaxed and non-relaxed performances.
See a free show this on or before 1st of June (free ticket + £10 voucher)

For more info and to Sign up: buff.ly/9TvX6VB

Are you neurodivergent and love theatre? We want you!

Take part in a study exploring relaxed performances.
See a free show this Thurs 22 May, 12:30pm (free ticket + £10 voucher)

For more info and to Sign up: buff.ly/aTlEItG
Deadline: Wed 21 May

A new study by McCabe et al. (2025) explores the sensory preferences & relaxation needs of autistic adults to improve sensory & restorative room designs. Through asking autistic adults directly, it was found that effective spaces should offer choice and flexibility.

We are sharing research that introduces a clear framework for designing autism-friendly spaces. By organizing key sensory needs, it helps architects, educators & policymakers create more inclusive and supportive environments for autistic individuals: buff.ly/pS96pmN

Are you neurodivergent and have work experience in the UK? Cathy from Sensory Street is part of a UK Young Academy project exploring workplace inclusion.

Take this 10-min confidential survey to share your experiences:
🔗 buff.ly/jtPmWqw

More info on THRIVE:
🔗 buff.ly/d7642lQ

Informed consent is a critical part of research, but can sometimes be hard to completely understand.

Beck et al. developed guidelines to improve consent processes, making them more inclusive, especially for autistic individuals and those with intellectual disabilities: buff.ly/VLGnM0b

Gentle reminder, we are launching a 4-year project to understand how autistic children experience visual information and how it differs from non-autistic children.

We are looking for autistic adults, parents of autistic children, teachers etc to join our steering group: buff.ly/qbOBCWI

An Australian study highlights barriers autistic people face in physical activities. Anxiety, social challenges, & lack of autism awareness are key obstacles. Solutions like sensory accommodations & personalised coaching can help create more inclusive sports for all
buff.ly/HuL0ZD4

We are launching a 4-year project to understand how autistic children experience visual information and how it differs from non-autistic children.

We are looking for autistic adults, parents of autistic children, teachers and professionals to join our steering group: forms.office.com/e/Ed6Xp87aLq

A 2022 study highlights the need for better support for autistic children in mainstream education. This paper aimed to hear the voices of autistic children, parents/carers and staff to inform future efforts to make mainstream education more inclusive.

The paper : buff.ly/ffjJrfu

The Centre-UB is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in partnership with Katapult & Drayton Manor Resort starting October 2025! Focus on improving neurodivergent visitors' experiences & advancing inclusivity in theme parks.
Deadline: 5th March
For more details and to apply: buff.ly/Scnck0N

We are Sensory Street!

We conduct research to help create more inclusive spaces. We aim to understand how sensory environments impact neurodivergent people and to advocate for changes that enable greater independence and accessibility for all.

Find out more about our work at sensorystreet.uk