Creating A Sensory Space
What is a sensory space?
- A sensory space is an area where an individual is able to utilize sensory supports.
- It is a therapeutic space that is equipped with a variety of opportunities for individuals to receive sensory input.
- A safe space for someone to bounce, climb, swings while expressing their emotions.
- An area where an individual is encouraged to explore different textures, sounds, smells, etc.
- An environment where and individual with sensory difficulties can learn to regulate their brain’s negative reactions to external stimuli by utilizing coping skills.
- This can be a whole room, or it can be a small corner in a room.
Benefits of a Sensory Space:
- Improve creativity
- Provide security
- Reduces stress
- Reduces aggression
- Increase awareness
- Increase ability to focus
- Motivate learning
- Increase social interactions
- Sensory integration
- Provide relief
- stimulation
Variety of Possible Equipment
- Ball pits
- Provide deep pressure, visual, auditory, and tactile sensory stimuli as well as proprioceptive feedback.
- Weighted blankets
- Provides deep pressure to the muscles and joints to help calm down and relax.
- Scalp massagers
- To provide a head massage to release tension, reduce stress, and promotor relaxation.
- Vibrating massagers
- Can provide deep pressure and help relax tense muscles.
- Body sock
- Provides tactile, proprioceptive, and deep pressure sensory input.
- Cuddle Swing
- Provide vestibular input
- Create a calming effect with deep pressure
- Aromatherapy
- Use of a diffuser with a variety of different scents.
- Sound Machine
- Can be beneficial for one who is soother by music or white noise.
- Bean bag chair
- Provides proprioceptive input. They come in many different shapes and sizes to be tailored to each person’s needs.
- Sensory lighting
- If the room has windows, provide curtains or shades that can soften the light. This could include adding twinkle lights to the space to create a soft and calming space.
- Chewable
- For those who seek oral stimulation, providing sensory input to the mouth, jaw and lips can provide a relaxing experience. This can also help with controlled breathing and muscle tone with lip closure.
For more information on creating a sensory room, visit:
- https://funandfunction.com/
- https://dreamscapefoundation.org/dreamscape-works-with-louisiana-elementary-school-to-create-a-sensory-room/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_dWGBhDAARIsAMcYuJxFcfYCddQ9ewzqRtW0O9eLt3xs-K
**Please keep in mind there are numerous ways to create a sensory space, but it should be tailored to each individual’s specific needs**
