A multi-sensory room for children with autism provides a stimulating yet calming, therapeutic atmosphere. Over-responsive children can be calmed, while under-responsive children become interested. Distractions of the outside world disappear as children explore and develop their senses in a sensory room.
Building Blocks offers a multi-sensory room that utilizes the near senses: tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive. This helps our students stimulate, develop and balance their individual sensory systems. We find that our students become interested in the environment around them, allowing themselves to calm and de-stress during designated sensory breaks.
Sensory rooms can be wonderful for all children, whether they have an autism spectrum disorder or not. Here are some key ingredients for constructing a sensory room at home:
- Dark paint on the walls and ceiling
- Low-lighting
- Bean bag
- Foam crash pad
- Rubber ball pit
About Nicole Walton