The sensory totes programme: sensory-friendly autism program innovations designed to meet COVID-19 challenges

Abstract

The Sensory Totes Programme is a series of COVID-19 adapted sensory-friendly events taking place in a metropolitan area of the south-central United States. It offers experiences for children with autism or sensory processing disorders who have communication, motor, sensory, or social differences. Sensory-friendly programmes aim to facilitate skill development while mitigating potentially negative impacts of sensory input. While occupational therapy professionals work in tandem with event planners to design and implement programmes throughout this metropolitan area, these events are not therapy sessions, but are instead opportunities to participate in community life. Presently, changes have led event designers to reconsider COVID-19 programming as a new normal that oftentimes aligns with the needs of many children. This programme description explores how one urban locale made practical considerations and developed solutions in response to COVID-19, and how those responses affected best practices for sensory-friendly programming, enduring after the pandemic ends.