Strategies:

• Sensory-friendly space:

  • Quiet area: Designate a quiet room or corner with soft seating, calming colors, and minimal distractions where individuals can retreat if overwhelmed.

  • Lighting control: Use dimmable lights and soft lighting fixtures, and avoid harsh fluorescent lighting.

  • Sound management: Consider sound-absorbing materials, earplugs, or headphones for those sensitive to noise.

  • Texture options: Provide fidget toys, textured blankets, or stress balls to provide tactile stimulation when needed.

  • Scents: Minimize strong scents from candles, cleaning products, or perfumes.

• Communication and Accessibility:

  • Open dialogue: Encourage individuals to share their sensory needs with ministry leaders and staff openly.

  • Individualized plans: Work with individuals to develop personalized sensory support plans by scheduling a meeting time and using a getting-to-know-you form.

  • Staff training: Educate staff on sensory processing differences and how to support individuals with sensory needs best.

• Worship adaptations:

  • Flexible seating: People can choose where they sit based on their sensory needs.

  • Alternative worship options: Consider offering quieter worship services, outdoor services, or online options.

  • Sensory-friendly activities: Incorporate calming activities like deep breathing exercises or guided imagery into worship.

• Sensory tools and resources:

  • Sunglasses: Offer sunglasses to soften the light

  • Noise-canceling headphones or ear plugs: Consider providing noise-canceling headphones or disposable ear plugs for individuals sensitive to sound

  • Fidget tools: Offer a variety of fidget tools to provide tactile stimulation. Remember: all fidget tools should be quiet and not distract others in the space.