Synopsis

Home should be our safe place, but for many people with sensory differences as a result of neurodiversity, this is not the case. Environmental modification as part of Occupational Therapy intervention provides an improved fit between the person, their environment and the occupations the person wants or needs to participate in within that environment. Drawing on Ayres Sensory Integration theory®, this presentation will outline a range of sensory profiles which can significantly affect how a person experiences everyday environments including home; influencing arousal, emotional regulation, distress, and participation in everyday activities. The presentation will explore how understanding sensory profiles can directly inform environmental design resulting in person-centred changes that can improve safety, participation and agency. The presentation will examine the impact of sensory differences for one individual, showing how sensory experiences contributed to increased dysregulation and safety issues, reduced tolerance of the environment, and restricted purposeful occupational engagement with restricted autonomy. Using the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model, the case study will demonstrate how environmental adaptation can be an efficient and least restrictive means of reducing the impact of sensory challenges. Rather than attempting to change the person, the intervention focused on modifying sensory demands within the environment to create conditions that supported regulation, safety and participation. Particular focus is given to co production with the recipient and the builder, as well as the innovative use of the Disabled Facilities Grant to help fund the adaptation. The presentation will highlight outcomes and will demonstrate how occupational therapy perspectives contribute to design by linking sensory understanding with practical environmental change, offering transferable learning for those seeking to create environments that are enabling.