The ward environment can be particularly challenging for autistic people who experience sensory differences to a range of stimuli. Sensory over or under stimulation leads to dysregulation which can have a negative impact on a person's wellbeing or present a risk of harm to peers, staff, the environment and the person themselves.
In a survey of providers in October 2024, 83% of respondents identified 'making reasonable adjustments to the environment to meet the person's sensory needs' as one of the biggest challenges. Fewer than 10% of respondents said they were confident or strongly confident that the physical environment of their service meets the needs of autistic people.
“To have had my needs as an autistic person met would have made my experience quite different. Being overwhelmed from being on the unit exacerbated my mental state and mental distress so I was probably there for longer than I would have been there otherwise.” Emily, quoted in the National Development Team for Inclusion's ‘It’s Not Rocket Science’ report.
To respond to this need, the Provider Collaborative has launched the Sensory Resource Access Fund to enable providers to purchase sensory tools and other equipment to meet the needs of autistic individuals. The aim is to improve the experience of patients' time in hospital, reduce distress and support engagement in treatment.
Individual funding applications are now open. Any autistic inpatient unit funded by the Provider Collaborative, in and out of area, is eligible for funding, with a maximum amount of £2,500 per individual.
If you would like to discuss an application, please speak to the autistic patient's case manager and/or Rachel.