Changing Australia: Bliss Cavanagh and creating sensory spaces
From Radio National Breakfast by ABC Australia
May 3, 2026 · 11 min
About this episode
Bliss Cavanagh discusses her journey in creating accessible sensory spaces influenced by her experiences with Tourette syndrome and art.
Ever since she was a little girl, Bliss Cavanagh lost herself in art. She was just six years old when symptoms of Tourette syndrome first appeared, a lifelong condition which can result in involuntary movements and vocal tics. When Bliss started studying at university, she discovered that — like art — purpose-built sensory rooms could also have a calming effect. It's an experience that set her on a journey to make these rooms more accessible to the general public and create her own inclusive spaces. Guest: Dr Bliss Cavanagh, founder Creative Sensory Spaces
People in this episode
Guest: Bliss Cavanagh
Topics covered
- art
- Tourette syndrome
- sensory rooms
- inclusivity
- mental health
Keywords
- sensory spaces
- Tourette syndrome
- art
- inclusivity
- mental health
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Creative Sensory Spaces, ABC Australia
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