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Target Launches Sensory Collection for Autistic Children
Target has revealed a new line of sensory furniture to support autistic children in need of extra stimulation or isolation from their environment. The launch was announced on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) to extend its bright and playful Pillowfort collection to a broader diversity of children.
The collection includes an indoor tent that’s large enough to hold a desk and a cocoon chair with an enveloping padded backrest to sooth kids who feel overwhelmed in their environment. These designs come in subdued tones to reinforce a sense of calm and safety.
For those that struggle with overstimulation, a rocking deckchair and large foam floor pillows allow them to fidget and tumble to exert built-up energy. All pieces feature different tactile materials that are interesting to touch and physically engage the user so they can better focus their attention.
The announcement comes after the launch of Target’s sensory kids clothing line, which is free of clothing tags and three-dimensional embellishments that can irritate wearers with highly sensitive skin.
The collection verifies the influence of the environment on mental wellbeing, as well as the role furniture plays in constructing a space that can both relax and excite the user. For another example of furniture that explores new forms to cater to autistic children, see Inclusive Sensorial Design for Autistic Users.
To find out how colour is being used as a tool to influence emotions, see Design Shanghai 2019: Mood-Affecting Furniture and Partition Uses Colour Gradients to Influence Mood.
