Autism Grown Up on LinkedIn: Autistic Adults’ Sensory Experiences in Public Spaces 🎧 Every Autistic… (2024)

Weekly Article October 28: “It Is a Big Spider Web of Things:" Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults in Public Spaces.This study investigated the sensory experience of autistic adults via online focus groups. It addresses specific physical environments and their effects on sensory processing in autistic adults. Results revealed supermarkets, eateries, city/town centers, healthcare settings, and retail shops and shopping centers were environments commonly found to be more challenging to access, while outdoor spaces, museums, concert venues, cinemas/theaters, and stadiums were reported as more accessible. The study underlies specific key principles to quantify how accessible environments are and provides insight into the experiences of autistic adults. It yields data that can be utilized by businesses, policymakers, and built environment designers to create public environments that are more supportive and sensory friendly with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of everyone, including the autistic community. Link in our bio for access to the full article!#thespiralfoundation #sensoryprocessing #sensoryprocessingdifferences #spd #sensoryhealth #sensoryprocessingresearch #Autism #Autisminadulthood

#phdlife#phdchat #phdresearch 9 in 10 autistic people have sensory differences, but the public spaces we use every day are not built with neurodivergent people's needs in mind. Released today, the Autistica #InclusiveSpaces Plan sets out how they plan to make public spaces more inclusive.https://lnkd.in/eZrWP3Sg

🌟 Sensory Overload and Architectural Triggers 🏙 Understanding Autism Perspectives 🧠👉 Sometimes, the world around us can feel like a dazzling kaleidoscope, overwhelming our senses with a symphony of colors, sounds, and textures. For individuals with autism, this sensory overload takes on a whole new dimension, where every sight and sound can become an architectural trigger, shaping their unique perspectives. 🎢🔍 Stepping into their shoes, we embark on a journey through a realm of heightened sensitivity, where a flickering light can feel like fireworks and a bustling crowd like a roaring ocean. 🌌 But within these challenges lies the beauty of neurodiversity, a tapestry of minds painting the world with extraordinary hues. 🎨💡 Awareness is the first step towards creating an inclusive society, where everyone's unique perspective is celebrated and embraced. 🤝 Let's join hands to bridge the gap between neurotypical and neurodivergent worlds, building a compassionate community where understanding flourishes. 🌈🧩Embracing sensory-friendly architectural designs and environments, we can create safe havens that empower and uplift those with autism. 🏞 Together, we can unlock doors to a more accessible world, where every space is thoughtfully curated to accommodate diverse sensory experiences. 🚪#SensoryOverload #AutismAwareness #ArchitecturalTriggers #UnderstandingPerspectives #NeurodiversityMatters #InclusivityMatters #AutismAdvocacy #EmbraceDifferences #BuildingCompassion #EmpathyInAction #CreatingAwareness #SensoryFriendlySpaces #UnlockingPotential #AcceptanceMatters #BeTheChange #BuildingASupportiveCommunity #TogetherWeStand 🤝💙

https://lnkd.in/g6jJ2vAD There is a dearth of audiologists, in fact it’s actually a shrinking profession relative to the fact that hearing loss is growing because we have an aging society. There aren’t enough hearing instrument specialists to fill the gap either.”— Dr. Nicholas Reed, Johns Hopkins UniversityThe lack of hearing professionals is of particular concern for rural Americans, as data from the United States Department of Agriculture shows rural areas tend to have older populations compared to urban regions, and the trend is growing: The number of rural residents over the age of 65 grew by 22% from 2010 to 2020.14Reasons for this change include baby boomers entering their 60s and 70s, and more people moving to rural retirement communities. It’s clear that older adults in rural areas face a double challenge when it comes to hearing: higher rates of age-related hearing loss and less access to in-person hearing care.

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Discover the incredible potential of Radio Frequency (RF) technology in supporting individuals with autism. 🧩📡Our latest blog uncovers how RF can address sensory challenges, create personalized environments, and reduce noise for a more comfortable experience. 🎧✨Not only that, but RF devices can enhance communication through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), empowering individuals to express themselves with ease. 🗣️💙RF technology also plays a crucial role in tracking and safety, providing location monitoring and safety alerts to ensure the well-being of individuals with autism. 🚀🔒Join us in exploring this promising field and shaping a future where RF technology promotes inclusion and empowers individuals on the autism spectrum. 🌈🤝Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/ekNPVed8#AutismSupport #RFtechnology #InclusionMatters #EmpoweringAutism #TechnologyForGood #neurodiversity

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🌍 Today, on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2024), we at Badalona Serveis Assistencials (BSA) are proud to spotlight our pioneering initiative, #Autis+, designed to reshape the way we support children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).🚀 Autis+ represents our commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality (VR), to create immersive and controlled environments tailored to the individual needs of those with ASD. These innovative tools are not just about technology for technology's sake; they are about opening new pathways for learning, communication, and emotional development.🤝 Through Autis+, we’ve embarked on a journey of collaboration with health professionals, researchers, and technology developers, alongside associations of people with ASD. Our goal is to ensure that our interventions are not only grounded in the latest scientific research but also directly responsive to the needs of the autism community.🌈 As we observe World Autism Awareness Day, let's celebrate the potential for technology to bring about positive change and reaffirm our dedication to creating a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive world for individuals with ASD.Join us in spreading awareness and fostering innovation in autism care. Together, we can make a difference. #AutismAwareness #InnovationInHealthcare #BSAAutisPlus #WorldAutismAwarenessDayhttps://lnkd.in/d-UrQp4M

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📺🧒 Navigating the Digital Age: The Unintended Side Effects of Increasing Screen Time in Kids 📱👧As the founder of Cremlin Clothing, a brand dedicated to keeping kids comfortable and stylish, I'm deeply concerned about the growing trend of increased screen time among children. While technology has its benefits, it's essential to acknowledge and address the potential side effects it can have on our little ones.🧠 Impact on Development: Extended screen time can impact children's cognitive and emotional development. It may hinder their ability to focus, think critically, and interact with others in person.😴 Sleep Disruptions: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep patterns, making it harder for kids to get the rest they need for healthy growth and development.🌱 Reduced Physical Activity: Excessive screen time often leads to a more sedentary lifestyle. Kids need physical activity to build strong bodies and develop essential motor skills.🤖 Loss of Creativity: Constant exposure to screens can limit a child's opportunity for imaginative play and creative expression, which are vital for their growth and problem-solving abilities.📚 Impact on Learning: While technology can be a valuable educational tool, too much screen time may replace valuable hands-on learning experiences and face-to-face interactions.At Cremlin Clothing, we're committed to creating clothing that encourages outdoor play, exploration, and active engagement with the world around us. We believe in a balanced approach to technology use, one that supports healthy physical, mental, and emotional development.Parents and caregivers, let's work together to strike a balance that allows our kids to benefit from technology while safeguarding their overall well-being. Together, we can ensure a bright and balanced future for our children. 🌟🚴♂️📚#CremlinClothing #KidsAndScreens #BalancedChildhood #ParentingChallenges #ChildDevelopment #DigitalAgeParenting

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April is Autism Awareness Month 🧩Nearly 1% of the global population is autistic. Autistic individuals often feel most comfortable online, where they can learn, communicate, shop, and game in environments that suit their preferences and sensory sensitivities. As UX practitioners, it's essential to recognise the needs of this significant online user group. Autism is not a disability but a genetically-based neurological variant, characterized by heightened synaptic connectivity and responsiveness. This means autistic individuals experience the world more intensely and chaotically, registering more information on both sensory and cognitive levels.While I haven't conducted user research with autistic individuals directly yet, it's an area of keen interest and purpose for me. I stay updated on case studies and best practices for designing inclusive experiences.💡 Research suggests that website design for autistic users should prioritize soft, mild colors, clear contrast between text and backgrounds, and simplified navigation with a single toolbar. Clearly labeled pages and progress bars aid in usability and comfort. Avoiding horizontal scrolling and minimizing animated components, especially those with sound, can prevent sensory overload and unnecessary anxiety in autistic users. Interestingly, some of history's most brilliant minds, including Steve Jobs are believed to have been autistic. Could it be that their intuitive design sense aligns with the needs of autistic individuals? Apple's core value to make great, simple, easy-to-use products that areaccessible by everyone is both an inspiration and vision in the consumer tech industry. If you are currently working on User Research related to autism or have related resources to share; please add them in comments below. Let's continue to create online spaces that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for everyone, including those on the autism spectrum. #AutismAwareness #InclusiveDesign #Accessibility #UXResearch #UserExperience

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Myopia stands as the leading cause of childhood visual disability.As the prevalence of myopia rises, understanding its impact on visual health becomes increasingly crucial for effective intervention.Nearsightedness, known as myopia, commonly emerges between ages 6 and 14, impacting around 5% of preschoolers, 9% of school-aged children, and 30% of adolescents. A higher likelihood exists for children to develop myopia if their parents are nearsighted.Despite this, myopia is increasing, particularly in children, with potential links to increased indoor activities such as computer use and video gaming, although the precise reasons remain uncertain.Vigour360 school health program focus on preventive screening to detect eye problems in children early on.Follow Vigour360#shortsighted #myopiaawareness #eyes #ClearVisionForKids #EyeHealth #MyopiaAwareness #VisionMattersChildhood #ProtectTheirEyes #EyeCareForKids #VisualWellness #HealthyEyesHappyChildhood #Myopia #vigour360 #schools #eyecheckup #schoolhealthcheckup

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🌻It’s Autism Acceptance Month🌻As a content creator, I’m trying to be more diligent about making my content more accessible. Here’s what accessibility online means for autistic people:🥒 Breaking down large passages of information into smaller chunks. (Emojis also help!)🎥 Providing social stories, images, or videos of a public space online so autistic people know what to expect when they’re in the space.⌨️ Including closed captions in videos in case someone needs to tend to their sensory processing needs in that particular moment. Here are more tips from the National Autistic Society in the UK! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gWk8jmAi#contentcreator #actuallyautistic #autismacceptance #neurodivergence #accessibility