Extended Abstract—Implementation of an Immersive Sensory Room for Autistic Individuals: Enhancing Therapeutic and Learning Experiences Through Technology

Abstract

Autistic individuals experience sensory sensitivity to stimuli, such as sound, light, and touch. Traditional sensory rooms have long been used as therapeutic tools to help autistic individuals regulate sensory input and promote emotional balance. These environments, equipped with calming lights, sounds, and textures, allow individuals to explore sensory stimuli in a controlled, non-threatening manner. In recent years, immersive technologies have been integrated into sensory room designs providing a more adaptable sensory environment that can be tailored to the unique needs of each user. The aim of this work-in progress paper is to present the potential of immersive sensory rooms as a therapeutic and educational tool for autistic individuals while targeting multiple senses. The immersive sensory room will be customizable so that autistic participants can tailor it to their specific needs and preferences. A user study will be conducted with autistic participants and autism experts to examine the influence of immersive sensory rooms on sensory overload and self-regulation. A mixed-method design will be used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, follow up with performing descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to assess the data, and further discuss the need for customizable immersive sensory rooms.