A multi-sensory playroom for autistic children created by a student from Darlington has received rave reviews.

The room, titled 'Submerged', has been designed by Abi Flory, 19, to provide a calming and immersive environment for children with autism.

The exhibition includes sea creatures which can be touched and moved.

In the background there is soothing lighting and relaxing music.

The 19-year-old explained that she had been inspired by her cousin Max, who was diagnosed with autism in 2020.

The Northern Echo: Ali's cousin Max who was diagnosed with autism in 2020

She said: "Max is my motivation and this year I created ‘Submerged’ as a safe space that would benefit the lives of those experiencing sensory issues.

"These spaces are life enhancing, and successfully achieving a space that could impact children like Max in a positive way was very important to me."

Abi plans to study illustration at Teesside Univeristy. 

She has already achieved outstanding A-Levels at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College: A*'s in Graphics, Fine Art and Sociology.

Max came to visit the room and Abi described watching him interact with the room.

She said: "Seeing Max interact and engage with the space in its intended way was incredibly rewarding and moving."

Abi's graphics teacher, Robin Armitage, described her unwavering dedication to her work.

He said: "Her level of professionalism, her immense creativity and her unfathomable work ethic are astounding, but it is the meaning behind her work - her dedication to helping Max and children like him - that makes Submerged such a beautiful and genuinely moving experience."


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Zoe Mather, Education Officer at the National Association for Special Educational Needs, also visited Submerged.

She said: "Abi shows a depth of understanding of the needs of her autistic cousin with a level of co-production and compassion that is reflected in the detail and quality of finish to her sensory room.

"She has the passion, the heart, the talent and the drive to succeed and for a Foundation level project, this is beyond expectations."