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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 21h

Over the past few months, our University of Birmingham team has welcomed placement student Anne-Marie to Sensory Street as a Research Assistant. She has been supporting our Visual Comfort Project and research on children’s decision-making. We are so grateful for all her hard work!

Bold headline reads: “Welcome”. Below this, there is a picture of Anne-Marie. Underneath, bold text reads “Anne-Marie”, with a star icon.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Our University of Birmingham team says goodbye to placement students Lily and Aneesa. They made valuable contributions: updating Sensory Street socials and collecting data for our Visual Comfort Project. We wish them both all the very best of luck, and a big thank you for all their hard work!

Bold headline reads: “Thank you and Good Luck, Lily and Aneesa!” Below it there is a photo of Lily and Aneesa smiling, sat next to each other with their SPIN Lab mugs. Beneath this, bold text reads: “Goodbye”.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

The Collaboration for Comics & Autism (University of Cambridge) shares co-produced guidance to make comics events more inclusive for autistic visitors. 👉Clear info, sensory support, trained staff & community voices 'The Inclusive Issue' 10-page comic: buff.ly/FALC8i4 #Inclusivity #CoProduction

Comic-style speech bubble with text reading ‘The Collaboration for Comics and Autism’. Beneath this, text reads ‘Guidelines for Designing Inclusive Comics Spaces’. Under this text, and covering the right side of the page, are two images showing examples of the Inclusive Issue Comic. They show cartoon comic illustrations, including autistic characters and speech bubbles.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Exciting news! The Sensory Street team will be at the Helios Family Day with a stall about visual comfort. Meet researchers, take part in interactive activities and discover more about the Sun. 📅 Sat 21st March 2026 (11.00am - 15.00pm) 📍The Exchange, Birmingham Click here : buff.ly/uEA6qOl

[ALT TEXT: A graphic with a pale-yellow background with the headline “Family Helios Event” in dark blue. The date, location and time of the event is written beside a photo of an adult and child pointing at a model of the Sun”]

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

New research from Sensory Street team member Hayley explores how neurodivergent people experience theme parks, partnering with @Katapult and @Drayton Manor. Using surveys, guided walks and interviews, the project aims to support more neuroinclusive, welcoming attractions. 🎢👥

A graphic with a muted blue background showing two people riding a rollercoaster beneath a speech bubble with white and dark blue text reading “Themed Leisure Accessibility and Inclusion for Neurodivergent People"

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

New in @ConversationUK: Keren McLennan highlights the sensory challenges autistic children can face in school. Busy, unpredictable environments can build up sensory overwhelm across the day. Sensory-inclusive design and training matter. 🙌👥 👉https://ift.tt/C5OJTRo #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Members of the Sensory Street team attended a relaxed performance of Robin Hood at @brumhippodrome as part of our research exploring neurodivergent adults’ theatre experiences. Designed with sensory accessibility in mind, these performances offer a flexible, welcoming environment. 👥🙌 #SensoryStreet

Slide one has a blue background with open theatre curtains. At the top of the page, yellow spotlights shine down. Text in the page centre reads ‘Relaxed Pantomime Performance at Birmingham Hippodrome’. Below this are graphics of musical notes, a theatre ticket, an action sign and ear defenders.

Slide two contains four images taken from our visit to the relaxed performance. Image one is of audience member heads looking towards the pantomime curtain reading ‘Robin Hood’. Image two shows a red bucket containing sensory toys, noise-cancelling headphones and fidget items. Image three is of Robin Hood-themed colouring pages, with felt-tip pens in a tray beside. Image four shows one of the quiet spaces available. To the side of two beanbags are fidget toys, ear defenders, mood lighting cubes and a basket.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Research by Kelly et al. shows how neurodivergent children co-designed playgrounds through play, drawings and journals. They asked for regulating swings, high climbing and quiet rest spaces. Read full paper here: buff.ly/DmEB7BK #InclusivePlayground #SensoryNeeds #AccessiblePlay #ChildLedDesign

[ALT TEXT: A graphic with the headline ‘New Research Alert’ with a siren emoji and a research paper icon. Below it, bold text reads: “Co-designing Inclusive Playgrounds”. Illustration of children drawing around a table with speech bubbles of ideas for a playground.]

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

We’re excited to share our newly designed research spaces! The waiting room has comfy seating, fidget toys, colouring books and a teepee tent. Our main room offers dimmer lighting, a wobble cushion and a weighted blanket which helps participants feel calmer and focused during tasks. #Inclusive

[ALT TEXT: A collage of five photos of both the waiting room and main room with fidget toys and different seating arrangements such as chairs and a beanbag. There is a photo of the frames on the wall and a computer with a keyboard and mouse. Another photo of a wobble cushion on a chair with fidget toys on the table.]

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Sensory Street is signing off for the Christmas break! 🎄 Wishing everyone a restful break over Christmas. A big thank you to everyone who has been part of Sensory Street this year. We’ll see you in the New Year with more exciting updates! ✨ #MerryChristmas #SensoryStreet #FestiveBreak

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The festive season brings new lights, sounds, crowds and routines, and for some autistic people, this can feel overwhelming. Sensory-accessible events can help make the festive season more comfortable for everyone. 💬 Have you attended any sensory-accessible festive events? buff.ly/l5uZUZ8

Blue background with yellow lights dotted across the centre of the page. Title in the centre of the graphic reads, 'Sensory Accessibility During the Festive Season'. Around the edge of the graphic, surrounding the title, are six circles containing an example of these events. Starting from the top left corner, they read, 'Relaxed Theatre Performances, Autism Friendly Light Displays, Sensory Santa's Grotto, Quiet Festive Shopping, Relaxed Christmas Film Screenings, Quiet Ice Skating Sessions.' Each circle contains a digital drawing of an item related to the sensory-accessible event.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Festive lights can bring warmth and joy, but not everyone experiences them in the same way. Flashing, flickering, high colour contrast, and very bright lights can feel visually uncomfortable for some people. Small changes can help support everyone's sensory comfort. ✨🎄 Full Article: buff.ly/PTjhiFz

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Sensory Street has been cited in the new House of Lords report! It highlights our research on public spaces and autistic experiences. We’re proud to see sensory accessibility recognised. #SensoryStreet #TimeToDeliver Full Report: buff.ly/nvxP9L4 Easy Read: buff.ly/5D74ryv

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

New research from Alice Price and colleagues explores how sensory sensitivities can impact work, social life and wellbeing, but coping tools and sensory friendly environments can make a huge difference. Read paper here: buff.ly/XANIRcb #SensoryAwareness #Inclusive

[ALT TEXT: Teal graphic with the headline “New Research Alert” with a siren emoji and a research paper icon. Below, bold text reads “Sensory Sensitivities “They Impact My Life Daily”. In the middle of the graphic is a woman sitting with her legs crossed wearing headphones. Surrounding her are the icons representing the five senses: smell, touch, hearing, taste and vision.]

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

👀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.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

🌍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.”

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

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.”

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

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.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

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’

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

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.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

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…”

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

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

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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…

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

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.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

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.

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

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

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

A 2022 study highlights the need for better support for autistic children in mainstream education. This paper aimed to hear the voices of autistic children, parents/carers and staff to inform future efforts to make mainstream education more inclusive. The paper : buff.ly/ffjJrfu

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

The Centre-UB is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in partnership with Katapult & Drayton Manor Resort starting October 2025! Focus on improving neurodivergent visitors' experiences & advancing inclusivity in theme parks. Deadline: 5th March For more details and to apply: buff.ly/Scnck0N

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Sensory Street @sensorystreet.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

We are Sensory Street! We conduct research to help create more inclusive spaces. We aim to understand how sensory environments impact neurodivergent people and to advocate for changes that enable greater independence and accessibility for all. Find out more about our work at sensorystreet.uk

sensorystreet.uk

Sensory Street

Making public places sensory-inclusive for autistic people

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