Sensory rooms have been proven to help both children and adults who are neuro-divergent, or have other additional needs regulate their emotions and decompress when feelings run high. Having items easily available to touch, stroke, hug, play with, smell or listen to helps bring people back into the present moment. Connecting with multiple senses can stop people feeling overwhelmed by anxieties and stop them falling into a ‘fight, flight or freeze’ mindset. While everyone is different, having somewhere to retreat to, perhaps with softer lighting and objects designed to be calming, can be a huge reassurance and support.
How and when to use a sensory room
Incorporating a sensory room into re-existing routines is one of the best ways to use it, as this introduces it gradually and calmly into the lives of those who need it most. You can create all kinds of different sensory rooms or spaces that cater to different needs, Some people like a calming, quiet environment, while others actively seek stimulation to help them release energy or regulate their nervous system. You could opt for a mixture of holding regular sessions in the sensory room as part of a daily or weekly routine and having the space available whenever someone needs to use it on an impromptu basis.
What to include in a sensory room?
First of all, a sensory ‘room’; doesn’t have to literally take up a whole room. What you are able to achieve will depend entirely on how much space you have free to allocate to the project. You could find a space corner, part of the garden or even create a shelf, cupboard or box full of sensory-related items that people can use when they need to. Think about comfort. If there is room for a chair, pile of cushions, bean bag etc., this can be a nice thing to include. Blankets – especially weighted blankets – can add warmth and comfort too.
Have something to play music on – a stereo or tablet connected to headphones can help those who want to block out other sounds and concentrate on some favourite music. Fiddle toys and other tactile items that are soothing or stimulating to touch can be a nice addition. You can collect a variety of things to help different people self-regulate. Some ideas include silky scarves or squares of material, fidget spinners, puzzles, pine cones, cuddly animals or squeezable toys.
Other things to think about
Consider b ringing the outdoors inside. Some people, when they are having a meltdown or are triggered by something feel too overwhelmed to venture outdoors. Yet the therapeutic effects of nature are well documented. So, add some plants to your sensory area. Think about an indoor water fountain or even a recording of some birdsong or gentle rain. Put up pictures of restful scenery, such as a forest, meadow or lake.
You might want to incorporate some rehabilitation equipment in your sensory room, but make sure this doesn’t cause any anxieties or added pressure for users. Have it available in case anyone wants to use it, or hold a therapy session in or near to the sensory room to help them remain grounded and calm. Think about having water or other drinks and snacks nearby too. Anything that can help those using the space feel comfortable, cared for and safe. Sensory rooms can often help people learn how to self-soothe and manage their own sensory needs independently. Having everything they need to do that close by helps keep the process smooth and simple and avoids any anxieties around having to ask for what they need, or worrying that it will not be available when they need it.