Autism Reality Experience Training

The Autism Reality Experience is an innovative and inspirational training session designed to give participants a virtual experience of living with autism. This is a very practical, hands-on experience that gives participants a greater insight into autism and helps us see the world from an autistic person’s perspective.

Trying to understand what someone with autism is going through is extremely difficult unless you are on the spectrum yourself. But there is hope for those on the autism spectrum and others trying to understand and offer support for those living with autism.

Major advances are being made to not only help treat autism, but to understand what it is and convey how teachers, caregivers and parents can better meet the needs of people with autism. One of these advances is a high-tech intervention called the Autism Reality Experience, that provides a realistic tangible experience of what it is like to have autism.

Invented by Training 2 CAREs UK and Autistic people, the Autism Reality Experience really is as true to life as currently possible and is changing the landscape of understanding Autism. Autism Reality Experience training is creating greater awareness about autism and breaking down barriers and stereotypes associated with it. And there is no better way of gaining this awareness than walking in the shoes of the persons on the autism spectrum, understanding the daily issues they face and recognising that these are often caused by our lack of knowledge from their point of view.

Already commissioned in the UK by the NHS, Care Providers, Universities and Colleges, Police, Ambulance, Schools, Families and many more the Autism Reality Experience continues to develop and give a greater empathy and understanding. 

Autism Reality Experience Training

• The training course gives delegates an experience of what it is like to have Autism and then an in-depth teaching session that helps participants to really improve knowledge.
• Participants will be able to use their own experiences going through the Autism Reality Experience to build greater empathy and understanding for what it might be like for autistic people, which will in turn help them to come up with simple yet transformative changes to make the world a more inclusive place for all.
• Th environment is carefully crafted to replicate the sensory experiences and challenges often encountered by individuals with autism. Participants are equipped with various devices and props that alter their sensory perception, simulating some of the experiences common to those on the autism spectrum.
• Participants are asked to take part in practical tasks requiring dexterity, amid flashing lights and loud noise whilst wearing heavy gloves and glasses that reduce vision, at the same time needing to remember a specific piece of information.
• The Autism Reality Experience is suitable for everyone including professionals and families. This training course is ideal for businesses such as: Airports, Hotels, Entertainment Venues, Shopping Malls, Health and Social Care Providers, Schools, Colleges, Universities, Police, Fire, and more.

Immersive Reality experience – VR Without The Headset!

What is Immersive Technology?
Immersive Technology extends or creates a new reality around a user, so whichever way they look they will see content. Content is digital – either computer generated imagery (CGI) or 360 degree video, and can be laid over the real world as augmented reality (AR) or replace the real world as virtual reality (VR). This technology is developing quickly and driven by world leading companies, including Sony with its Playstation VR and Microsoft with its HoloLens. The scope for immersive technology is phenomenal.

Inclusive Learning Experiences

Immersive Reality spaces allow students to practice everyday tasks, processes and events in a safe, guided environment, building confidence at every stage.

We understand the importance of differentiated learning and know that the ability to change both the teaching environment and content to the specific students’ needs is the key. We believe that anyone, regardless of ability, should be able to interact with an Immersive Reality space and our supplier has harnessed hardware from Microsoft and sensory specialists to deliver this. It’s completely accessible and works with any switch. It’s also controlled by movement, touch, gesture and sound. Making learning fun and exciting, while developing hand-eye coordination and tracking skills.

How Virtual Reality Learning Environments Benefit SEN Students

Virtual reality offers an array of wondrous opportunities when it comes to making learning more accessible for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The experience has the ability to improve quality of life, enhance social participation, strengthen life skills, and, most importantly, provides a unique, interesting and motivating experience.

With outstanding full 360-degree video, ultra-high-resolution images and truly interactive computer-generated scenes, the space provides a fantastic resource for SEN students to learn. Bridging the gap between imagination and real life, the shared space allows the user to experience the world from the safety of their school, whilst providing another dimension for teachers to engage with their students.

At the heart of the Immersive Reality space, you will find superb curriculum-rich content designed to inspire and excite. It’s a unique space that maximises learning by allowing students to truly experience a subject. Discover outer space, visit the Serengeti, and walk through the icy-cold arctic to learn in a stimulating and memorable way. This mind-blowing experience makes learning any subject exciting and thrilling, ensuring information is retained more effectively. The shared virtual experience promotes group participation and the development of key life skills – including tracking, cause and effect, colour and shape recognition, as well as important social interaction skills. The skills are developed in a safe and non-threatening environment, ensuring the children feel at ease.

Not only can individuals explore the wonders of the world in an immersive space, but they also have the opportunity to experience activities, such as paragliding or visiting a farm. These activities can seem daunting to some SEN students, so our rooms can help them prepare for future situations, by developing empathy and understanding in a controlled, safe environment.

Our Immersive Reality spaces allow the user to have full control of the environment in a variety of exciting ways. These include touch and movement control, gesture control, wireless Xbox controller, as well as the incredible Xbox Adaptive Controller created by Microsoft. The touch and movement control allows intuitive interaction, the Xbox wireless controller brings a familiarity to a huge range of users, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller allows those with limited movement to control the space. The freedom of movement gives the children a sense of control of their environment, and ensures the space is available to all, regardless of their age or ability.

The benefits of an Immersive Reality space for SEN pupils are extensive – it strengthens their life skills, encourages inclusion, and allows them to gain a sense of control and independence, all whilst providing an enjoyable and memorable experience which reduces anxiety and stress.

What’s inside an Immersive Reality Space

Key features in one of our Immersive Reality Spaces

What is a Sensory Hub?

A Sensory Hub is a private and enclosed space designed to provide a calming and soothing environment for individuals who need to regulate their senses and emotions. Our Sensory Hubs can be permanently placed or mobile depending on the requirements of the venue.

Sensory Hub typically consists of a comfortable chair, cushion, or mat, as well as various sensory equipment and features, such as:

• Soft Wall and Floor Padding
• Calming LED Lighting
• Visual projections or Bubble Wall
• White Noise or Calming Music

The purpose of a Sensory Hub is to create a safe and predictable space where an individual can retreat to when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or overstimulated. By controlling the sensory input and providing a relaxing atmosphere, a Sensory Hub can help an individual calm down, refocus, and self-regulate their emotions and behaviour.

Sensory Hub Typical Lay Out

Choose one of our bespoke designs or customize your own Sensory Hub.

Sensory Hub Work

Sensory Hubs are a revolutionary solution for neuro-divergent individuals who struggle with sensory overload and overwhelming emotions. By providing a safe and comfortable space where an individual can regulate their senses and emotions, a sensory hub can improve their well-being and communication, and enhance their experiences in socializing, exploring, traveling, shopping and more.

Sensory Rooms

Full range of complete sensory rooms carefully crafted to meet the entire spectrum of specific needs and abilities, and to make a real difference to the users’ lives. These sensory environments were designed following decades of experience and collaboration with some of the best health professionals in the world.