Realty firm in Buffalo, N.Y., partners with autism group to help families evaluate sensory environment of homes

From Business First of Buffalo:

One of the region’s largest residential real estate firms is taking steps to help families affected by autism evaluate new homes.

Coldwell Banker Chubb/Aubrey Leonard Realty partnered with Autistic Services Inc. to offer training for 14 agents and staff designed to identify homes with the appropriate sensory environment features best-suited for a family member with autism.

Homes that are determined to create a “sensory smart environment” designation will receive a seal of approval from Autistic Services. The training session with Coldwell Banker Chubb, the region’s sixth-largest residential real estate firm, addressed the issue of hypersensitivity to various environmental stimuli along with information regarding the unique needs of those with autism.

Veronica Federiconi, executive director of the nonprofit service provider, says sensory input plays a major role in the behavior of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

“Our world was not made with autism in mind, and yet there is so much sensory input that comes from the environment that affects the behavior of a child with autism,” she says.

Identifying the right features in a house includes looking at whether it has sidewalks or an open floor plan, as well as colors, lighting and building materials. It also could include how close the house is to a bus route, traffic and accessibility. All of these things play into sensory processing, which affects many individuals with autism.

“It’s really about accepting their autism for how it plays out and making their environment as comfortable as it can be to live in,” Federiconi says.

Coldwell Banker Chubb also adopted Autistic Services as a corporate charity, with quarterly fundraisers and by displaying artwork in its offices produced through a therapeutic art program at the agency.

The idea is primarily a way to give back to the community and help satisfy the special needs of these families, says Barry Chubb, president.

But it also offers the firm an edge when it comes to providing specialized services to a growing niche: Autistic Services says one in every 100 children is diagnosed on the spectrum of autism disorders, up from one in 150 just a few years ago.

“I do think as we develop a little more notoriety and there is common knowledge this is what we’re doing, it should bring us more business, absolutely,” he says.

With offices in East Aurora, Orchard Park, Williamsville and Clarence, Coldwell Banker Chubb has 100 employees, including 84 independent contractor agents and 16 support staff.

Autistic Services provides a range of services to families and to the public, including education, respite care, behavioral supports, residential placement and enrichment programs.

The agency is looking to develop additional partnerships in the community with other corporate groups to grow awareness about autism.

The next step will be an autistic services center for learning, which will include a calendar of events and training available to anyone who wants to learn more about autism.