Why Sensory Rooms are essential

 Negative reactions to sensory experiences are frustrating for both children and adults. When distressed, spending time in a dim, calming room where we can regulate our emotions is beneficial. Sensory room elements can include a white noise machine, an aromatherapy diffuser or a variety of other soothing items designed to help regulate our senses.

 Sometimes we need additional sensory stimulation to heighten feelings of awareness and well-being. For these individuals, a sensory space may contain toys or items that encourage engagement that appeal to sensory seekers. These toys help us cultivate an awareness of our senses and explore sensory experiences in a safe and controlled environment. 

 Sensory rooms can also provide places for us to practice interacting with others. In these cases, the idea is to provide a safe, stress-free space that allows children to move and explore together, especially in rooms where we can practice becoming more aware of how our bodies move and how our movements affect others. 

 Individuals with developmental disorders can experience distraction and we struggle to correlate what’s going on around us. A sensory room can help us increase awareness of our surroundings and learn to cope with real-life situations where concentration is essential, such as in the classroom or the workplace. 

Muscle movement and balance can be a challenge for some, so providing a safe space to hone both fine and gross motor skills while we practice movement is beneficial. Equipment that encourages bouncing, jumping or even core stabilizing activities promote this skill building.

 Sensory rooms are instrumental in facilitating how to process experiences and cope in situations where reactions might otherwise become extreme. It’s also a great way to help explore cause and effect while learning about how our actions influence our environment.