SENSORY ENVIRONMENTS: A STRATEGY FOR INCLUSION

Multisensory environments (MSEs) allow modulating sensory stimuli according to different sensory profiles, to reduce anxiety and stereotypical behaviours, promote self-regulation and increase sustained attention in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In this contribution, we present an application of DU IT’s co-designing approach: Andrea Bodo sensory room, at the SpazioTempo Multifunctional Centre in Vercelli (Italy), which will welcome more than 70 children currently undergoing therapy with ANGSA Novara-Vercelli. Guidelines for the design and use of MSEs are still limited and poorly systematised. This represents an example of a flexible environment, in which the user can decide how to transform the space through a technological automation system, and self-regulate senses according to individual’s sensory needs and preferences, and give to the staff a fully adaptable tool to create personalised therapeutic rehabilitation programmes, promoting inclusion.