Sensory Adaptive Environment to Enhance Participation in Healthcare for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Interdisciplinary Design Thinking Approach

Introduction/Background Participation in healthcare for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be overwhelming resulting in stressful responses safety concerns.¹ Sensory features impact healthcare participation. Up to 84% of individuals with ASD experience atypical sensory features of : - Hyper or hypo reactivity to sensation.² - Unusual sensory interests in the environment.² - Poor sensory integration.² Families may refrain from participation in medical care to prevent negative experiences, contributing to occupational deprivation.¹ Sensory Adaptive Environments (SAE) may improve participation for autistic persons.1,3,