Sensory Street
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sensorystreet.bsky.social
Sensory Street
@sensorystreet.bsky.social
37 followers 2 following 28 posts
🎓 Research, engagement, education
🌇 Making public places sensory-inclusive for autistic people
🤝 Working with businesses and the autism community

https://sensorystreet.uk/
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sensorystreet.bsky.social
This new paper by Bruno S. Masiero and colleagues asks and answers ten questions about how we can design the acoustics of environments to support autistic people. The authors argue for a universal acoustical design in buildings to create inclusive spaces for autistic people.
#Autism #InclusiveDesign
November 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
👀Visual comfort levels in autistic and non-autistic children: Research opportunity from the University of Birmingham!

We are looking for children aged 6-14. 👉For more information, please contact us. Short expression of interest form: buff.ly/jwM8DUY

#AutismResearch #Accessibility
Recruitment Poster for the University of Birmingham’s research study on visual comfort levels in autistic and non-autistic children. The poster features a digitally drawn scene of a garden. Two clouds over the blue-sky background contain text reading “We are looking for children aged 6 to 14 years and their parents. We are finding out what things autistic and non-autistic children find comfortable and uncomfortable to look at. Benefits. At the University: A £10 voucher, travel costs, a certificate, and a summary of what your child finds comfortable or uncomfortable to look at. Online: A chance to win a £25 voucher.” Two trees on the left poster edge also contain a text chunk reading “Who Can Take Part? Children aged 6 to 14 with an autism diagnosis OR without any developmental conditions. Only children aged 9 to 14 can take part online.” A garden path leads from the bottom centre of the poster, up to a wooden fence and gate. Within the fence, and on either side of the path, are a brown dog and a grey, striped cat.
November 5, 2025 at 11:53 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
Exciting update at the University of Birmingham! Guided by our steering group, autistic artist Emily (@21andsensory) created artwork for our study on visual experiences in autistic children, and our new SPIN (Sensory Processing, Inclusion & Neurodiversity) Lab logo.

#InclusiveResearch #ThankYou
[ALT TEXT: Image showing digital artwork and new ‘SPIN Lab’ logo designed by autistic artist Emily. Title reads ‘Responding to Feedback from the Autism Community’]
October 21, 2025 at 11:01 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
Are you neurodivergent and love theatre?

Join our study on how relaxed performances work for neurodivergent adults. Enjoy free shows and vouchers!

Choose a performance either on: Tues 2nd Dec 12.00pm or Thurs 29th Jan,12:45pm.

Limited spaces, sign up here: buff.ly/9TvX6VB #Theatre
[ALT TEXT: Teal graphic background titled “Are you neurodivergent and interested in free shows and vouchers?”. A red banner reads, “Limited Spaces” and text next to it reads “Sign Up Below”. Beneath that are images of show titles Robin Hood and The Nutcracker and an image of The Birmingham Hippodrome entrance.]
October 16, 2025 at 11:30 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
🌍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
A silhouette of a head surrounded by images representing sensory supports (e.g. dimmed light, headphones, fidget toy, and nature scene). Text below reads: “Supporting sensory differences supports mental health - World Mental Health Day 2025.”
October 10, 2025 at 8:45 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
September 29, 2025 at 1:30 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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.”
September 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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.
September 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
Graphic with teal background, at the top, text reads 'New Research Alert' with a siren emoji on the left and a research paper icon on the right. Below, bold text says 'Autistic Adults’ Visual Experiences.' In the centre is an illustration of an eye with the Earth inside it, casting a dark beam. Inside the beam, the words read 'Seeing the world differently’
September 8, 2025 at 12:54 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
A teal graphic with the heading “New Research Alert” and the title “My autistic meltdown” with the text “The impact of autistic sensory needs” underneath. At the bottom, an illustration shows a person holding their head in distress, surrounded by city buildings, noise and Wi-Fi icons, symbolising sensory overload.
August 27, 2025 at 9:51 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
A teal background graphic with the title “New Editorial Alert” at the top, featuring a red siren emoji and a paper labelled “Research.” The main text reads, “How well do we measure autistic sensory experiences?” Below, a circular graphic shows a clipboard with a pen, surrounded by icons representing the five senses: an ear (hearing), a nose (smell), an eye (sight), a mouth (taste), and a hand with a pointing finger (touch). The text around the circle reads: “Tell us about your sensory experience…”
August 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
Promotional poster for the National Neurodiversity Shows 2025. Text reads: 'Come and see me speak at the National Neurodiversity Shows 2025! July 23rd 2025 – Coventry Building Society Arena'. Background shows a microphone in front of an audience and small circular images of event attendees. Branding includes the National Neurodiversity Shows logo and the tagline 'discovering different'.
July 22, 2025 at 2:44 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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!
Illustration of a diverse group of people in a meeting, including a person using a wheelchair, gathered around a table in a bright, welcoming room. Above them, a colourful banner and bold text reads "Thank you to our Steering Group Members." On a teal background
July 9, 2025 at 9:10 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
June 24, 2025 at 9:52 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
June 3, 2025 at 1:32 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
Fill | Helping make theatres inclusive - Birmingham Hippodrome
Are you neurodivergent and interested in free theatre shows and vouchers? – We Need You!  We have teamed up with The Birmingham Hippodrome to explore how relaxed performances work for neurodivergent…
buff.ly
May 28, 2025 at 5:01 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
Please fill out this form
buff.ly
May 27, 2025 at 11:49 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
Please fill out this form
buff.ly
May 20, 2025 at 12:30 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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.
Illustration with the text "New Research Alert: Designing Calming Sensory Spaces for Autistic Adults." A girl meditates on a rug while a boy writes in a notebook. A plant sits between them, with a sunny window in the background.
May 19, 2025 at 5:31 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
Teal background with the title at the top reading "New Research Alert" with a red flashing siren icon on the left and a paper icon labelled "Research" on the right. Below, text reads: "Creating a system for sensory-friendly design in autism." The lower portion of the image features a colourful illustration of a city skyline with various buildings, trees, and streetlights against a semi-circular blue background.
April 30, 2025 at 1:30 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
Banner with UK Young Academy Logo. Text reads: "Neurodivergence at work. Share your experiences and help us make workplaces more accessible for neurodivergent people. ukyoungacademy.org. Take our survey. #UKYoungAcademy
April 23, 2025 at 3:56 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
April 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
April 2, 2025 at 8:44 AM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
March 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM
sensorystreet.bsky.social
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
March 19, 2025 at 1:45 PM