Inclusivity: Everyone’s sensory profile is different. It takes time, curiosity, and trial and error to figure out what works best for you.

Insight: We heard that light and sound needs are often the first things that get modified, but that other senses really matter too. Temperature, movement, pressure, and texture were also important for feeling comfortable.

Tip: Pay attention to what feels calming, energizing, or overwhelming when you are in different spaces. It could be places like cafés, stores, waiting rooms, or other people’s homes. Take a quick note when you notice something helpful or uncomfortable.

Tip: Watch videos of sensory-friendly spaces. Search online for “sensory rooms” or “sensory setups” to learn from people who have personalized their space. Notice what you like or what you want to try.

Example: In our research, we interviewed one Neurodivergent person who said they never would have thought to try a rocking chair, but it turned out to be a great way to regulate their nervous system.

“I stumbled upon it somewhat by accident but quickly realized that rocking or swinging isn’t just enjoyable; it’s a form of stimming for me that brings a profound sense of peace and comfort. There’s something about the rhythmic motion that just grounds me and helps me regulate my emotions and sensory input. On difficult days, it’s my go-to spot to find balance and calm. It’s like this chair understands me in a way that nothing else does. It’s more than just furniture; it’s a sanctuary.”

Application: Check out our menu of options for Modifying Spaces for Sensory Needs, with many ideas to try out.

Insight: We learned that it’s a good idea to ask to visit a space, if possible, to understand if it’s the right fit for you. Some new builds, rental units, or group homes may offer an opportunity to view the space or host open houses in a unit with a similar layout.

Tip: Think about the features that you liked and disliked in other places you’ve lived. Consider things like layout, laundry facilities, heating, and cooling. Make a list to guide your visit and focus your attention on what’s important to you.

Tip: Ask questions about how things work or if changes can be made. Sometimes changes can be made and sometimes they can’t. You can always explore and advocate for what you need.

Tip: Visit available places even if you’re not ready to move yet. It can give you a sense of what’s out there, and help you figure out what layouts, features, or environments feel right for you.

Tip: Bring a support person with you to the visit if you want to. Some people shared that this made the visit more comfortable and less overwhelming.

Insight: We heard from many people that small scale, low-cost adjustments worked well for them and added flexibility in how they used their space. Small adjustments had large, positive impacts.

Tip: Add a cozy chair, soft lighting, or a favourite blanket to create a more comfortable space.

Example: We spoke with several people who used or suggested having a tent in their room as a quiet zone for themselves. It’s a creative way to create a private space within another space. Plus, it can be affordable and easy to set up.

“When I used to live with a lot of roommates and stuff and I didn’t really have that space, I used to create them in my closet or like create tent forts, you know, that type of thing almost so I could have a space that was quiet and dark and felt like I was being, I don’t know, hugged by the space around me.”

Tip: Have some items handy in a basket or bag, such as clothing layers, sunglasses, headphones, sensory supports, snacks, or water. This can make it easier to adjust to temporary changes in your environment, especially when you’re sharing space that isn’t designed for your needs.

Insight: We heard that the area around a home can be just as important as the home itself. Being close to places like work, school, the grocery store, or a pharmacy can make day-to-day routines easier.

Example: In many conversations with Neurodivergent people, we heard that they felt better when they lived near parks, nature, or welcoming community spaces. They found it difficult when their hobbies, group activities, and green spaces were far away or tough to get to.

Tip: Think about what you need from a neighbourhood to feel comfortable. Are there quiet parks, places to walk, or spots to do your favourite activities? Does it feel safe to you? Would you want to spend time there?

Tip: Explore or ask someone you trust to guide you through things like access to public transit, walkable paths, or bike routes that would be right for you. This is a good idea even if you have a car.

Insight: We learned that talking to others about their housing experiences can surface helpful details, raise new questions, and make the planning process feel a little easier. Just keep in mind, what worked for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay.

Inclusivity: Just because someone else had a tough housing experience doesn’t mean you will too. Everyone’s needs and situations are different.

Tip: Talk to people who’ve been through similar housing experiences to what you’d like to have. Ask what worked for them, what didn’t, and how they figured out if a living situation was a good fit.

Insight: We heard that household tasks can feel overwhelming, but that Neurodivergent people had different ways to make these big, recurring jobs feel more approachable.

Tip:

Break big jobs into smaller steps. For example, instead of “clean the kitchen,” try breaking it down into:

• Wipe the counters
• Take out the garbage
• Load the dishwasher

Pair tasks with something enjoyable such as:

• Play some music
• Listen to a podcast
• Plan a small reward for yourself

Gamify your tasks, like:

• Set a timer and race the clock
• Give yourself points
• Turn it into a mini challenge

Use a body double. Ask someone to sit with you while you do the task. They don’t have to do the tasks, just being there can make it easier to get started.

Think of chores as a form of self-care. Tidying up can be a way to support your future self and create a more comfortable space.

Insight: Using the idea of spoon theory helped some people plan their day based on how much energy, or how many “spoons,” they had.

Tip: Create a low-energy backup plan, like doing just one small task or asking someone for help.

Application: Check out our Spoon Theory and Housing Transitions tool to understand how energy levels can fluctuate, and how to plan tasks, pace yourself, and avoid burnout.

Insight: We learned that moving can mean changes to your current support needs.

Tip: Think about what is helping you now. What routines or supports make your days easier? What might be different in your new home?

Tip: Write down and talk about supports with someone to spot changes early and figure out what new supports you might need.

Tip: Ask a social worker, peer support worker, or service navigator, if possible, to plan or connect to services with you.

Application: Check out our fillable template, Keeping Track of Your Supports During a Move, to stay organized and connected with supports.