Creating a sensory-friendly space at home for your child can be a wonderful way to support their sensory needs and promote relaxation and well-being. Occupational Therapists can help give you tips on sensory strategies to use when developing your sensory space. Here are steps to guide parents in setting up a sensory room:
1. Understand Your Child's Needs:
Observe and Communicate: Pay attention to your child’s sensory preferences, sensitivities, and reactions. Communicate with them to understand what sensory experiences they find calming or stimulating.
2. Designing the Space:
Choose a Suitable Location: Select a quiet and easily accessible space in your home. Consider factors like natural light, noise levels, and available space.
3. Budgeting:
Establish a budget for creating the sensory room. Consider repurposing existing items or exploring affordable sensory tools and decorations.
4. Create a Calming Theme:
Discuss Preferences: Involve your child in choosing a theme for the sensory room. This could be based on their interests, such as nature, favourite colours, or characters.
5. Sensory Elements:
Visual Stimulation:
- Use soft lighting, such as string lights or floor lamps.
- Hang curtains or fabric in calming colours.
- Incorporate wall decals or artwork that align with the chosen theme.
Auditory Stimulation:
- Include a small speaker for playing calming music or nature sounds.
- Use noise-cancelling curtains or rugs to minimize external sounds.
Tactile Stimulation:
- Provide textured cushions, blankets, or rugs.
- Create a cozy corner with soft seating options.
Olfactory Stimulation:
- Introduce scented items like essential oil diffusers or scented sachets.
6. Comfortable Furniture and Seating:
Soft Seating: Choose comfortable seating options like bean bags, floor cushions, or a cozy rug for sitting or lying down.
Cozy Corner: Create a special corner with soft pillows and blankets for relaxation.
7. Safety Considerations:
Soft Flooring: If possible, use soft flooring options like foam mats or rugs.
Secure Fixtures: Ensure that all fixtures and furniture are stable and securely anchored.
8. Interactive Features:
Sensory Toys: Include a variety of sensory toys that your child enjoys, such as stress balls, fidget spinners, or textured items.
Interactive Panels: Hang or install interactive panels that respond to touch or movement.
9. Calming Zones:
Quiet Corner: Designate a quiet corner with soft lighting for times when your child needs a break.
Dimmable Lighting: Use dimmable lights to control brightness levels.
10. Accessibility:
Accessible Storage: Organize sensory items in accessible storage containers or shelves so your child can easily reach what they need.
11. Educational Materials:
Books and Activities: Include age-appropriate books, puzzles, and activities that align with the sensory theme.
12. Incorporate Personalized Elements:
Personalized Decor: Display items that are meaningful to your child, such as their artwork, photos, or favourite objects.
13. Regular Communication:
Check-In: Regularly check in with your child about their experience in the sensory room. Ask about their preferences and if there is anything they would like to add or change.
14. Promote Independence:
Teach Independence: Encourage your child to independently use and enjoy the sensory room. Teach them how to access and put away sensory tools.
15. Join in the Experience:
Shared Activities: Spend time together in the sensory room. Engage in activities that your child enjoys, fostering connection and support.
16. Flexibility and Adaptations:
Be Open to Changes: Be flexible and open to adapting the sensory room based on your child’s evolving needs and preferences.
17. Documentation:
Record Changes: Keep a record of any changes made to the sensory room, including new additions or modifications.
Conclusion
Remember, a sensory room is a dynamic space that can evolve over time. Occupational Therapists can help create a sensory-friendly environment at home that allows parents to provide tailored support for their child’s sensory well-being, contributing to a more comfortable and regulated experience for the entire family.
Transform Life is a NDIS registered organisation that provides support for your autistic teenager, as well as support to you as a parent to best navigate the challenges your teenager and family face on a daily basis.
Book your consult with an experienced Therapist at Transform Life to explore how OT can support you and your family.
