ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sensory friendly

Okay, so have you ever been in a situation where there are so many loud noises, people talking loudly, bright lights that hurt your eyes, or smells that bother your nose? It can be overwhelming, right? Well, some people find it very very difficult to cope with all these things, and they get easily overwhelmed by sensory input, which means the information that comes to their senses.

So, to help them feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed, some places or events offer something called a "sensory-friendly" environment. This means that they will tone down some of the things that could cause sensory overload. They might turn down the volume, have dimmer lights, and reduce the strong smells. They might also provide special seats, like beanbags or cushions, to sit on, where people can feel more relaxed.

Think of it like going to a new place for the first time, and someone has drawn you a map to help you find your way around. A sensory-friendly environment is like a map for our senses; it helps us navigate through all the different things we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste, and makes sure that everything feels comfortable and not overwhelming.
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