A sequential mixed-methods approach to exploring the experiences of practitioners who have worked in multi-sensory environments with autistic children.

Background & Aims: Multi-Sensory Environments (MSEs) are common in special-needs schools and are widely used with autistic pupils. In this exploratory sequential mixed-methods study, we explored the beliefs and experiences of practitioners who regularly use MSEs with autistic pupils.

Methods: Qualitative interviews with ten practitioners (9 female, aged 24-62 years) identified six themes reflecting beliefs about MSE use with autistic children. To explore wider relevance of these themes, codes from the themes were converted into a 28-item online survey.

Results: Qualitative themes included: (1) MSEs are perceived to benefit behaviour, attention and mood, (2) MSEs have distinct properties that facilitate benefits, (3) MSE use should be centred on the child's needs, (4) MSEs are most effective when the practitioner plays an active role, (5) MSEs can be used for teaching and learning, and (6) MSE use can present challenges. Responses to the survey (n = 102, 93 female, aged 21-68 years) generally showed good agreement with the original interviews, and there was modest evidence that MSE training affected beliefs about the benefits of MSE use.

Conclusions & Implications: These results provide insight into possible benefits of MSE use for autistic children and are relevant when considering the development of practitioner guidelines.