3 Sensory Room Ideas For Kids With Autism - 98types

3 Sensory Room Ideas For Kids With Autism

How To Create A Sensory Room For Your Child

Sensory rooms are often used for children with sensory processing disorder but mostly for children with autism and are, luckily, becoming more common to have in schools, airports and malls! Providing your child with a sensory room will support their sensory needs, help them stay calm, and improve their emotional regulation which can significantly reduce disruptive behavior! Children with autism grow very fond of sensory rooms as they feel that this is their safe space, where they can explore and learn on their own terms.

Sensory Room Lighting

Children with autism love learning through visual inputs, however, this can often be overwhelming even for them. Certain types of light such as fluorescent, halogen and flashing lights can be problematic and disturbing for children with autism. You’ll want to make sure to keep lights dim in your sensory room and to provide your child with subtle visuals such as pastel colors, bubble columns, lava lamps and water fountains. A popular and autism-friendly lighting idea is the use of projectors. Whether your child needs more visual stimulation or simply feels calm by looking at his favorite animal or place, a projector can create stunning effects and will help your child focus and stay in the present.

Sensory Room Walls & Toys

Your sensory bedroom won’t be complete without those calming wall decorations! Try creating collages out of pictures, shapes and materials to create the ideal sensory bedroom wall. This will help your child feel a sense of calm and comfort. Check out some of these simple, yet effective, DIY sensory wall ideas and spend a day creating customizable décor with your child to ensure they get exactly what they want. Another popular sensory room wall décor idea are world maps – look into purchasing a 98types.co.uk world map as well as some pins to locate continents and countries all over the world!  With this, you will have created a lovely wall on a budget while meeting your child’s sensory needs!

Seating & Movement

Choosing the right sensory atmosphere for your child to relax, play games or eat is extremely important! Incorporating the right kind of seats for your child to simply do nothing can have a great impact on their day to day behavior. Swings are one of the most popular seat types for children with autism as they are captivating and stimulating for their vestibular sense. Not only will a swing help in your child’s development of balance and motor skills but can be a soothing and calming experience, when standing still or doing nothing makes them anxious.

Final Words on Sensory Rooms

To create your ideal sensory room, make sure to include your child as part of the experience. Letting them choose what they would like their safe space to look like is key, and by doing so you’ll get it right the first time! Although lighting, wall décor, seating and sleep all are crucial factors, sounds can greatly impact your child as well. Make sure to invest in soundproof headphones or walls to create the perfect and ultimate sensory room experience!

 

 

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