Our environment plays a huge role in our well-being, especially for autistic individuals. A well-organised space can reduce stress, support focus, and minimise sensory overload. How to create a space that truly works for you – this was the theme of the well-intended, interactive, and informative March ALAG event.
Julieanne Steel’s presentation revealed that organisation matters because it reduces anxiety by creating predictability, supports focus and productivity, and minimises sensory overload. A structured space can bring a sense of calm and efficiency to daily life.
A focus on creating a sensory-friendly environment involves thoughtful adjustments. Lighting choices, such as natural light, dimmable lamps, or coloured bulbs, can significantly impact comfort. Noise control strategies, like using noise-cancelling headphones or soft materials to absorb sound, help reduce auditory stress. Selecting comfortable furniture with preferred textures and incorporating calming colours into the décor can also enhance the space.
Executive functions play a crucial role in planning, organising, and task completion. To support these functions, using timers can help maintain focus, checklists and visual reminders can simplify tasks, and break tasks into smaller steps making them more manageable.
Audience contributions highlighted practical tips that many were already using. Digital clutter, practical strategies, and hoarding as part of emotional attachment, were also raised in the discussion. Others mentioned charities and other places to support de-cluttering.
Hearing from another guest speaker Matt, we listened to his insightful lived experience in organising his life and living spaces being autistic. Using ‘must’, ‘should’ and ‘could’ lists was highlighted as a practical tip. Always working with self-compassion was also raised to help support us to work in reality with these practical tips.
There were several post-event takeaways to help. Among these are:
- Start by choosing one small area to declutter this week
- Identify and adjust one sensory element in your space to better suit your needs
- Set a simple daily tidying habit, even if it’s just five minutes a day
- Experiment with zoning to make your space work more effectively for you.
- The overwhelming number of emails can be better managed by unsubscribing from frequently unread online correspondence.
Small, thoughtful changes can create a big impact, making your home a space that truly supports your comfort and wellbeing. This was a practical and enjoyable session, with many personal insights that I enjoyed hosting.
Nick Stone, Autism Hub peer support facilitator & ALAG member, 7 March 2025
