My Sensory Experiences Tool (MYSET)

At the heart of MYSET is the recognition that sensory experiences are unique, complex and deeply personal. Rather than categorising sensory processing as ‘poor’, ‘dysfunctional’ or ‘atypical’, MYSET provides a descriptive, qualitative framework that acknowledges each individual’s lived experience and context. It promotes understanding, compassion and advocacy, empowering individuals to communicate their sensory experiences, needs and preferences.

MYSET takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach by:

• Recognising lived experience: Valuing individuals as the experts in their own sensory experiences.
• Embracing differences: Acknowledging sensory differences as an integral part of individual identity, rather than something that needs to be corrected.
• Considering the environment: Exploring how environmental factors can contribute to sensory discomfort or barriers, and identifying opportunities for meaningful environmental modifications.
• Building personalised strategies: Supporting individuals to identify strategies that work for them and reduce barriers to participation.
• Promoting self-advocacy: Empowering individuals to communicate their needs and seek accommodations that support their comfort, participation and well-being.

MYSET is designed for autistic and other neurodivergent children (as young as 5 years old) and adults, and can be used by professionals, caregivers and educators to better understand and support individual sensory experiences.

• Children as young as five years have contributed to completing MYSET with support from a parent and professional practitioner.
• Autistic and neurodivergent people with mild intellectual disability have successfully used the tool.
• Caregiver and educator versions are included to support the exploration and communication of sensory experiences for very young children and people with high support needs.

Developed in collaboration with a diverse team of researchers and autistic consultants, the MYSET represents a groundbreaking approach to sensory exploration and advocacy. The tool is a picture-based, person-centred card-sorting resource developed to empower autistic people to communicate their individual sensory experiences, identify sensory preferences and challenges, and explore appropriate supports and accommodations. Originally developed as a research tool, MYSET was further refined and developed in response to requests from therapists seeking to use it in clinical practice. Its development recognises the importance of listening to autistic people themselves, ensuring their perspectives are central to understanding how sensory experiences influence everyday life.

Unlike standardised sensory assessments, which often rely on parent or caregiver questionnaires, teacher reports or direct observation, MYSET places the autistic person’s own experiences at the centre of the process. Sensory experiences are highly individual, and another person’s interpretation may not accurately reflect what someone is experiencing. Rather than assigning numerical scores or comparing responses against typical and atypical sensory profiles, MYSET captures nuanced, qualitative information about the person’s unique sensory world, preferences and the impact these have on daily activities and participation.

Drawing on the strengths of visual communication, MYSET combines pictures with simple text to help autistic people of different ages and communication abilities identify and share experiences that can sometimes be difficult to describe in words. Its card-sorting and prioritisation approach provides a structured, accessible way to explore sensory experiences, communicate personal preferences and identify strategies that may help manage everyday sensory challenges. Feedback from autistic people, family members and practitioners highlighted the tool’s accessibility, versatility and value in developing a deeper understanding of individual sensory needs. The resource was further refined in response to participant feedback, resulting in a flexible, evidence-informed tool that supports meaningful conversations, self-advocacy and the development of personalised accommodations.

Neurodiversity-affirming approach: MYSET recognises sensory differences as part of identity—not a disorder to be fixed.

Person-centred & evidence-informed: Built on extensive participatory action research with autistic people aged 8–54, their families, and practitioners, MYSET prioritises lived experience and self-expression.

Visual & accessible: MYSET’s card-sorting format supports diverse communication styles, using visual cues and simple text to make concepts easier to discuss.

Collaborative & empowering: Facilitates shared understanding between individuals, caregivers, and professionals. Leads to tailored strategy/support plans that reduce barriers and promote wellbeing. Professionals across various practice settings use MYSET to better understand, support, and advocate for the people they work with.

The MYSET is ideal for use in:

• NDIS planning and reviews
• School and tertiary education transition supports
• Allied health, disability, mental health, and wellbeing services
• Supported living and other lifestyle support settings
• Employment, training programs, peer mentoring, and advocacy programs
• Supported living and other lifestyle support settings
• Self-directed planning families or other professionals.

Autism Queensland wishes to acknowledge all involved in the development of the MYSET:

• Research and development team: Dr Jill Ashburner, BOccThy, PhD; Victoria Tomkins, BOccThy (Hons); Dr Cerys Downing, BSc, BA, MAudSt, PhD; Emily Rietberg, BSc (Hons) (Psych); Natasha Bobir, BSc (Hons) (Psych), MClinPsych; Dr Jessica Hill, BOccThy (Hons), PhD; and Courtney Judd, BSc (Hons) (Psych).
• Autistic consultants: We extend our sincere thanks to Alex Hill and Jayden Hill for sharing their lived experience, insights and expertise to help inform the development of MYSET. Their contributions were invaluable in shaping a resource that recognises and respects the diverse sensory experiences of autistic and neurodivergent people.
• Finally, a sincere thanks to all participants who contributed to the evaluation and refinement of the MYSET through all research, development, and production phases.

My Sensory Experiences Tool (MYSET)
© Copyright Autism Queensland Limited
All Rights Reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and publisher, except for the following permitted uses:

• Reproducing relevant forms, worksheets and other designated recording materials for the express purpose of documenting individual responses, experiences, goals, strategies, support needs, plans or progress associated with the use of this tool.
• Reproducing designated guidance materials, information sheets and supporting resources for the purpose of facilitating the purchaser’s use of the tool with individuals, families and relevant support networks.
• Photographing or otherwise visually documenting completed activities or material arrangements where expressly intended to record individual responses, experiences or outcomes associated with the use of this tool.

All permitted reproductions must be limited to these purposes. No other part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or adapted without the prior written permission.

Published: 2024