Need a break from sensory overload? Check out these autism-friendly spaces
These spots have taken proactive steps to support ASD individuals, from designating sensory-friendly areas to implementing policies that prioritise accessibility.
IN Malaysia, there are many public spaces dedicated to people with disabilities, particularly individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many shopping malls have consistently advocated for this community by allocating specific spaces for them or ensuring inclusivity in their decision-making.
Here are a few places that cater more to the ASD community:
1. SUNWAY PUTRA MALL
This shopping mall allocates every Tuesday for autistic people by making the mall autism-friendly. Through the Autsome Tuesdays campaign, the mall has consistently advocated for autists by dimming lights, lowering volume levels, and providing priority parking from 10am to 5pm at Basement 1 near lifts and escalators.
Without overloading your senses, you can experience a shopping spree that is both relaxing and rewarding every Tuesday.
2. 1 UTAMA SENSORY POD
Their sensory-friendly pod is perfect for people who find their sensory sensitivities aggravated after a whole day of shopping, offering a space to take a break from the busyness of the mall. This makes it not only suitable for autistic individuals but also for anyone feeling overstimulated.
Especially targeting people with autism spectrum disorders of all ages, they can relax in comfort with multisensory tools and toys designed to "engage, entertain, and self-regulate," according to 1 Utama's website. Meanwhile, in another space called the Owl Quiet Zone, visitors can nap in peaceful Owl tents with soft bean bags to enjoy some tranquility.
3. SUNWAY VELOCITY
At this mall, you can find Calm Pods and sensory walls, introduced as part of its initiative to raise awareness towards the ASD community. As part of the Autsome (Autism is Awesome) initiative, they have placed a sensory wall inspired by Van Gogh's art at Level G, Lifts 5 & 6, and Calm Pods at Level G and Level B2, where people can take a break from their shopping activity.
These spaces help soothe sensory overload and feelings of being overwhelmed. The art is also 100 percent sustainable, combining the initiative of not just helping the ASD community but also supporting the environment. In most Sunway Malls, similar efforts have been made to make shopping experiences more autism-friendly.
You can also find a rooftop garden at Sunway Velocity, making it a great place for those seeking not just an escape from noise and crowds but also greenery and eye-soothing relief.
4. GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS (GSC) SENSORY FRIENDLY SCREENING - Paradigm Mall, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, and IOI City Mall
At most malls with GSC cinemas, these movie spaces support people with autism by minimising sensory triggers. The cinemas lower volume levels, keep auditorium lighting dimmed instead of completely dark, and allow visitors the freedom to move around without restrictions.
Additionally, reduced guest capacity creates a less overwhelming experience. Autistic individuals can enjoy movies at the cinema like anyone else, without the concern of becoming too overstimulated and needing to leave before the film ends.
5. HAPPY FARMS HIPPOTHERAPY MALAYSIA
Hippotherapy, which involves horse riding as a form of therapy, helps provide sensory relief for people experiencing sensory overload. It serves as a rehabilitative treatment for individuals with cerebral palsy, while the ASD community can take a break from sensory overload, such as fatigue, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, panicky, or foggy, by riding a horse during their leisure time.
Pioneering the motto of "horses that heal," individuals are allocated 30 to 45 minutes for horse riding. In addition to horseback riding, the facility offers visual perceptual therapy, which is beneficial for children with autism and special needs.
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