Happy Place was built with neurodivergent children in mind โ
especially children on the autism spectrum, with sensory
processing differences, or who are non-verbal. This page explains
the thinking behind every design choice, and how you can use this
portal to support your child's development at home.
๐ง Understanding Special Needs & Neurodiversity
๐งฉ
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition
that affects how a person perceives, communicates, and interacts
with the world. Every autistic child is unique โ the "spectrum"
means experiences vary widely from person to person.
Differences in social communication and interaction
Repetitive behaviours or strong, focused interests
Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input
Preference for routine, predictability, and structure
Strengths often include pattern recognition, memory, and focus
๐
Sensory Processing Differences
Many autistic children experience the world more intensely than
neurotypical children. Sensory processing differences mean the
brain processes sights, sounds, textures, and movement
differently โ sometimes causing overwhelm, sometimes causing
under-sensitivity.
Bright lights or fast-moving visuals can trigger distress
Loud or unexpected sounds may cause physical discomfort
Certain textures or movements can be soothing or distressing
Some children seek sensory input (spinning, jumping, touching)
Around 25โ30% of autistic children are non-verbal or minimally
verbal. This does not reflect intelligence or understanding โ
many non-verbal children have rich inner lives and can engage
deeply with the right tools and supports.
Communication may happen through gestures, images, or devices
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools help
Removing the need to verbalise reduces pressure and anxiety
Picture-based and emoji-based interaction is more accessible
Celebrate all forms of communication, not just speech
๐๏ธ
Visual Stimulation & Learning
Most autistic children are visual learners โ they process and
retain information far better through images, colours, and
visual patterns than through spoken or written words alone. This
is a strength that can be powerfully harnessed in education.
Visual schedules and picture-based routines reduce anxiety
Colour, shape, and pattern games build cognitive skills
Videos with calm pacing are more effective than fast-cut media
Avoid flashing lights, rapid animations, or unpredictable
sounds
๐ฎ
Play-Based Learning
Play is how all children learn best โ and for neurodivergent
children, low-stakes, joyful play removes the anxiety that can
block learning in traditional classroom settings. Games with
immediate visual feedback are especially effective.
No time pressure allows children to work at their own pace
Repetition without boredom is a key autistic learning style
Choice and control ("I pick this game") reduces anxiety
Stars and rewards connect effort to meaningful outcomes
๐ซถ
Emotional Regulation
Many autistic children experience intense emotions and may
struggle to identify, name, or manage their feelings. This is
called alexithymia. Building emotional vocabulary and
self-regulation skills is one of the most impactful things you
can do.
Naming emotions through pictures reduces frustration
Breathing exercises calm the nervous system in minutes
Validating all emotions ("it's okay to feel angry") builds
trust
Co-regulation โ calming together โ is more effective than
alone
๐ How This Portal Supports Your Child
๐จ
Sensory-Safe Design
Every colour, animation, and sound in this portal was chosen
deliberately to avoid sensory overwhelm while still being
engaging and joyful.
Soft, muted pastels โ no harsh contrasts or neon colours
Gentle, slow animations โ no sudden flashes or strobing
Sound effects are quiet and gentle by default
No autoplay videos โ child must choose to press play
Calm, rounded corners and consistent visual layouts throughout
All videos are pre-screened for calm pacing and no flashing
๐ฑ
Three Game Levels
The Beginner, Medium, and Expert levels mean this portal works
for children across a wide range of abilities โ from pre-readers
to confident 7-year-old learners.
Beginner: Picture-only โ no reading required.
Perfect for non-verbal or pre-literate children
Medium: Simple words, early maths, rhymes โ
for emerging readers
Expert: Full spelling, sentences, harder
maths โ for confident readers
Switch levels at any time โ there is no "fail" state
๐
Voice Read-Aloud
Every game has a "Read to me" button that reads all text aloud
using the device's built-in voice. This supports children who
cannot read independently, have processing differences, or
simply prefer to hear rather than read.
Reduces pressure on children who find reading stressful
Child controls when they want it โ no forced narration
Mood responses and encouragement are also spoken aloud
๐
Emotional Check-In
The mood selector and Feelings board in the Calm Corner give
children a low-pressure way to communicate how they are feeling
without needing words โ just a tap on a face.
12 emotion faces to choose from with clear labels
Each tap is met with a warm, validating voice response
Builds emotional vocabulary over time through repetition
Removes the need to verbalise difficult feelings
๐ซง
Calm Corner Tools
The Calm Corner was designed specifically for moments of
dysregulation, sensory overload, or simply needing a break. All
tools are non-verbal and picture-based.
Breathing Bubble: Paced visual breathing
exercise to calm the nervous system
Calm Sounds: Layerable ambient nature sounds
for sensory regulation
Bubble Pop: Tactile-style interaction for
sensory seekers
Colour Mixer: Calm, exploratory colour play
Spin Wheel: Randomised calm activity
suggestions
Doodle Space: Free creative expression with
no rules
๐
Reward System
The star and reward system is designed to connect effort with
meaningful, real-world outcomes that parents control โ making it
a powerful tool for motivation.
Stars are earned through play and learning, not just correct
answers
Rewards are shown to parents to claim โ no unsupervised access
Rewards range from small treats to big experiences
Celebrating milestones builds intrinsic motivation over time
You can customise which rewards feel right for your child
๐ก Signs to Watch For
These are some signs that your child may be experiencing sensory
overload and needs a break or a switch to the Calm Corner:
๐ Covering ears or eyes
๐ค Hand-flapping or stimming
๐ค Sudden frustration or tears
๐ Turning away from screen
๐ Repeating the same action
๐ Zoning out or glazed eyes
๐ Leaving the area suddenly
๐ค Hitting or self-stimulating
๐ฌ Refusing to engage
๐ด Sudden tiredness
๐คข Headache or tummy ache
๐ฐ Increased anxiety or rocking
๐ Helpful Tips for Using This Portal
โฑ๏ธ
Session Length
For autistic children aged 5โ8, screen sessions of 15โ20 minutes
work best, followed by a physical or sensory break. Use the Calm
Corner to wind down before switching off rather than stopping
abruptly, which can cause distress.
๐ฏ
Follow Their Lead
Let your child choose which game, topic, or video to start with.
Autonomy and choice dramatically reduce anxiety and increase
engagement. If they want to do the same game five times, that is
excellent โ repetition is how autistic children often
consolidate learning.
๐๏ธ
Build a Routine
Autistic children thrive with predictability. Using Happy Place
at the same time each day โ for example, after school or after
dinner โ can help it become a calming part of their routine
rather than an unexpected activity.
๐ค
Play Together
Sitting alongside your child and sharing in the games โ even
just watching and celebrating their wins โ builds connection and
makes the portal more meaningful. Co-play also gives you insight
into what skills are developing and what your child finds
challenging.
๐
Manage Volume
Set device volume at about 40โ60% before starting. The sound
effects and voice features are calibrated for calm, but every
child's sensory threshold is different. Headphones can also help
some children focus and reduce background distractions.
๐ฌ
Celebrate All Wins
Whether your child got every answer right or just opened the
portal and sat quietly โ that is a win. Progress for
neurodivergent children is rarely linear. Celebrating presence
and engagement, not just correct answers, builds long-term
confidence and trust.
Raising a neurodivergent child takes extraordinary patience,
creativity, and love. Every moment you spend learning about your
child's world โ and building tools like this one for them โ makes
an enormous difference. You are seen, and so is your child.
๐
๐ฃ Show this to a grown-up to claim your reward!
๐ญ
How are you feeling?
Tap to update your mood anytime!
๐ Privacy Policy
Last updated: May 2026
Happy Place ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the
privacy of children and their families. This Privacy Policy explains
how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you use Happy
Place.
1. Information We Collect
Account information: When you create an account, we
collect an email address and a child's first name (or nickname). We
do not collect surnames, addresses, phone numbers, or any other
personally identifiable information.
Usage data: We store the child's progress โ total
stars earned and rewards claimed โ solely to provide continuity
across sessions.
No cookies for advertising: We do not use tracking
cookies, advertising pixels, or third-party analytics.
2. How We Use Information
To save and restore the child's stars, progress, and redeemed
rewards across devices.
To personalise the experience (greeting by name, chosen avatar and
mood).
We never sell, share, or rent personal data to any third party.
3. Children's Privacy (COPPA & GDPR-K)
Happy Place is designed for children under 13. Accounts are created
and managed by a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect
personal data directly from children without verifiable parental
consent. Parents may request deletion of their child's data at any
time by contacting us.
4. Data Storage & Security
Account and progress data is stored securely using Supabase (hosted on
AWS). Data is encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest. We apply
row-level security so each account can only access its own data.
5. Data Retention & Deletion
You may delete your account at any time by submitting a request via
the Contact Us form. All associated data will be permanently deleted
within 30 days.
6. Contact
Questions about this policy? Use the
Contact Us
form.
๐ Terms & Conditions
Last updated: May 2026
By using Happy Place you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Please
read them carefully.
1. About Happy Place
Happy Place is a sensory-friendly educational portal designed for
children with autism, sensory processing differences, and other
learning needs. It is free to use and provided in good faith to
support children and their families.
2. Eligibility & Parental Consent
Happy Place is intended for children under 13, used under the
supervision of a parent or guardian. By creating an account, the adult
confirms they are the parent or legal guardian of the child using the
platform and consents to these terms on the child's behalf.
3. Acceptable Use
Use Happy Place only for its intended educational and recreational
purpose.
Do not attempt to reverse-engineer, copy, or redistribute any part
of the platform.
Do not use the platform for any unlawful purpose.
4. Content
All games, videos, learn topics, and calm corner tools are curated for
child-appropriate content. Videos are embedded from YouTube and
subject to YouTube's own Terms of Service. We are not responsible for
changes to third-party content.
5. Stars & Rewards
Stars and rewards within Happy Place are virtual and have no monetary
value. They exist solely to motivate and celebrate children's learning
achievements. Parents and guardians are responsible for honouring any
real-world rewards they choose to offer their children.
6. Disclaimer
Happy Place is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do
not guarantee uninterrupted access. We are not liable for any loss or
damage arising from use of the platform.
7. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of Happy
Place after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.