It is World Autism Acceptance Week this week, which provides the perfect opportunity for us to talk about how Changing Places Toilets can help people living with autism and other neurodivergencies.
With the recent confirmation of £23.5m of Government funding across 191 English councils, more than 500 new Changing Places Toilets will be installed over the next few years, providing better toilet facilities for more people with complex needs.
It is not just people with physical disabilities who benefit from public Changing Places Toilets. For those with autism and their families, the features that come as standard with these fully accessible toilets and the environment they create can help mitigate some of the challenges brought up when the need to use a toilet while out and about arises, especially for children.
Here are some of the ways in which Changing Places Toilets can help children (and adults) with autism:
CHANGING PLACES TOILETS ARE…
Private
Changing Places Toilets are private, meaning that distractions (such as other people or sudden hand dryer noise) are minimised and there is time to encourage independence and success with the complete toilet routine, including hand washing and drying. Social interaction can also be kept to a minimum.
A calm and predictable space
Changing Places Toilets are specifically designed to be calm, relaxing spaces, with much more space – helping to minimise stress for children and allowing a parent or carer to go in with them. They also have a standardised layout, making them more predictable, and include a screen so that the toilet area can be separated from the main space if privacy is needed.
Comfortable
Comfort is a priority in Changing Places Toilets, with added equipment such as rails beside the washbasin and sink to ensure that the toilet is as easy as possible to use.
Adaptable
Most Changing Places Toilets have height adjustable washbasins, meaning that it can be placed at exactly the correct height for a child or adult.
Quiet
Minimising excess noise is a key part of the design of Changing Places Toilets. Paper towel dispensers are installed as standard in addition to electric hand dryers.
Sensory considered
Other sensory elements are also considered when designing Changing Places Toilets, including water temperature, light brightness and the reflectiveness of surfaces. This will hopefully make the environment less challenging for those with sensory sensitivities.
ABOUT WORLD AUTISM ACCEPTANCE WEEK
Pioneered by the National Autistic Society (NAS), World Autism Acceptance Week aims to draw attention to the 700,000 people living with autism in the UK both to educate those unaware of the condition, and to help make the world friendlier to those who are affected by it.
Embracing and promoting work or school-based initiatives, as well as virtual events including the chance to run, swim, cycle or walk 7km during the week to raise money for the 700,000 the NAS is looking for people to step up to the challenge and help them highlight this issue across the UK!
ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN
Astor Bannerman offer the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including fixed and mobile changing tables, hoists, height adjustable washbasins, toilets and accessories. We are always developing new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets.
ABOUT AVESO
The team at Aveso are passionate about Changing Places toilets. They have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013, and can provide free, expert advice on all aspects of the Changing Places planning and design process.