Ways that the home environment can be adjusted to support those with sensitivities to temperature.
19 February 2025
BY NEUROKIND DESIGN
Temperature is an unseen but no less important aspect of the sensory environment that impacts our emotional and sensory regulation. Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by how warm you feel in a room? Or struggled to concentrate because you feel so cold with no way to warm up? Our ability to sense temperature is known as thermoception; the temperature of the environment or an object is perceived by our bodies in relation to skin temperature. A separate concept, known as thermoregulation, refers to our ability to regulate a stable body temperature in response to hot or cold conditions [i]. For some with sensory processing differences, thermoception or thermoregulation may be different, resulting in hyper-sensitivity or hypo-sensitivity to thermal conditions in the environment.
If you are hyper-sensitive to temperature you may:
•Be more susceptible to feeling hot or cold.
•Be more sensitive to changes in temperature.
•Find it more difficult to adjust to changes in temperature.
•Become overstimulated easily in temperatures beyond your threshold of comfort.
If you are hypo-sensitive to temperature you may:
•Seek hot or cold sensations.
•Be under-reactive to extreme heat or cold.
•Wear what might be considered inappropriate clothing for the weather [iii].
The Research
Research into thermoception and thermoregulation in autistic individuals is currently inconclusive, with varying reports of hyper or hypo-sensitivity, or no difference at all between autistic and control groups according to a 2024 literature review [ii]. However, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that thermal conditions can be a dysregulating factor for those with sensory processing differences, and that some may be hyper or hypo-sensitive to hot or cold. This can be linked to differences in the interoceptive sense, which might mean that a person can be either more or less aware of their internal sensations of thermal discomfort. This might lead to feeling overstimulated or being less likely to act on their needs [iv].
With this in mind, how can we go about adapting our own environments to better support those with sensitivities to temperature? Below, we suggest simple strategies and provide some examples. [1]
1. Prioritise control and adaptability in heating and cooling systems.
We've all had those moments were we've seen someone and thought; "how could they could be wearing a jumper in this weather?", or "how are they not freezing?". Everyone's 'ideal' temperature is different, and sometimes this can be difficult to accommodate in shared spaces. The best way to support a range of sensitivities to temperature is to incorporate control and adaptability in heating and cooling systems. This could be achieved by:
•Providing each room or specific rooms with individual climate control (e.g. reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling fans, thermostat or under-floor heating, with adjustable features).
TIP: Think of the rooms you use most, or where individual control would be most beneficial, such as in bedrooms.
•Incorporating portable heating and cooling implements with multiple settings (such as fans, portable air-conditioners and space heaters).
TIP: A rechargeable wireless desk fan is a handy portable item that you can take with you around the house, especially if you're doing household chores and want some cooling airflow.
•Closing off rooms with doors or curtains to isolate temperatures. This can prevent heat/cold from escaping and improve the efficiency of heating/cooling systems by not wasting it on areas of the home where it isn't needed or wanted.
•Providing operable windows and doors to allow stored heat to dissipate or allow in a cooling breeze when needed.
•Incorporating window coverings (such as blinds, curtains or awnings) to either allow, filter or block heat caused by sunlight or outdoor temperatures. We recommend having both a sheer covering and a thicker block-out covering to provide maximum adjustability.
TIP: Make sure your internal window coverings are large enough to cover the whole window and are fitted close to the wall. Large gaps can and reduce their effectiveness in regulating a comfortable internal temperature as it allows air to escape. Having a pelmet over the top of a curtain or blinds can help [v].
If you are building a new home or renovating, talk to your architect or designer early on about passive design principles, (which take into account factors such as the home’s orientation, local climate, insulation and air flow) to maintain comfortable temperatures and reduce reliance on additional heating and cooling.
2. Integrate cooling and warming materials or objects
Another way to address individual or fluctuating needs is to integrate cooling or warming materials and objects [vi]. These could be things that you can integrate into your home for the long-term, like certain materials, fixtures or plantings. Or, they could be objects that you can easily pick up to help you regulate your temperature as needed in the moment, and then put aside when you don't need them. These more short-term solutions may also be useful for keeping yourself comfortable without affecting others who may have different thermal comfort needs to you. As always, don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you, even if it's unconventional!
Cooling materials or objects might include [2]:
SHORT - TERM
LONG - TERM
-Lighter coloured materials, which reflect rather than absorb heat.
-Greenery around the outside of the home to provide natural cooling and shade.
-Water in various forms (pools, ponds, water features, baths, inflatable baths, etc.).
-A cool stone.
-Cooling gel pillows.
-Ice packs.
Examples of cooling materials:
Warming materials or objects might include [2]:
SHORT - TERM
LONG - TERM
-Dark-coloured materials, which tend to absorb heat.
-Floor rugs and carpets.
-Soft furnishings and wall linings (such as thick curtains).
-Blankets, cushions and throw rugs.
-Electric blankets.
-Hot water bottle.
-Heating pads (e.g. a heated lap pad).
Examples of warming materials:
If you’d like to learn more about how to support temperature sensitivities within your home, get in touch with us today. We’d like to hear from you!
Endnotes:
[1] We recognise that environments are rarely occupied by one, and some of the strategies we suggest may not address opposing needs. However they are intended to inform, empower and create conversations about how neurodivergence can be supported and celebrated in our physical environments. In the case of differing sensory needs in environments occupied by multiple people, we recommend prioritising adaptability, control and flexibility as much as possible.
[2] The best building materials for maintaining comfortable temperatures in the home will depend on your local climate alongside other factors. Consult your architect, builder or designer for the most appropriate advice for your situation.
References:
[i] Owens, A.P, D.A. Low, V. Iodice, C.J. Mathias, H.D. Critchley. 2017. “Emotion and the Autonomic Nervous System—A Two-Way Street: Insights From Affective, Autonomic and Dissociative Disorders.” Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128093245017995
[ii] Casterman, N., Rossignol, M., Colomar, A., & Cassioli, F. 2024. “Thermoception in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Concise Systematic Review.” Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2024, 1-9. doi.org/10.1007/s40489-024-00445-2
[iii] Laporte, Valérie Jessica. n.d. “Temperature Hyposensitivity.” Autism 123.
[iv] Gray-Hammond, David. 2024. “Coping With The Summer Heat: By Autistics For Autistics.” Emergent Divergence, June 30, 2024. https://emergentdivergence.com/2024/06/30/coping-with-the-summer-heat-by-autistics-for-autistics/
[v] ABC. 2007. Windows. ABC (Carbon Cops). https://www.abc.net.au/tv/carboncops/factsheets/cc_windows.pdf
[vi] PAS 6463 2022 (BSI) https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/brochures/pas-6463-design-for-the-mind-neurodiversity-and-the-built-environment
Disclaimer:
The product suggestions provided on this blog are intended for general informational purposes only. Neurokind Design Research and Knowledge do not endorse or guarantee the products suggested by us. We do not receive compensation or incentives in exchange for a recommendation.
Neurokind Design Research and Knowledge cannot guarantee that all information is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We encourage readers to conduct their own research and make decisions based on their unique circumstances.
The information, ideas, advice and suggestions presented in this blog are not substitute for professional advice, treatment or assessment. The author shall not be liable or responsible for any loss, injury, disruption or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this blog.