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Sensory Rooms: A Haven for Learners from Preschool to College

Table of Contents

An Oasis for Students with Autism, Who are Neurodivergent, and Who Have Other Sensory Needs:

Schools are bustling environments filled with sights, sounds, and textures. While stimulating for some, this sensory overload can be overwhelming for students with sensory processing differences. This blog post dives deep into the world of sensory rooms in schools, exploring their benefits, who they help, how they function, and how to create one in your own educational setting.

Autistic Students and More: Sensory Rooms for a Diverse Learners

Sensory rooms are important for students on the autism spectrum. However, they can be a valuable resource for a wide range of students who experience sensory processing differences, like:

  • Learning Disabilities: Students with learning disabilities may be particularly sensitive to specific sights, sounds, or textures. Furthermore, a sensory room can provide a calming space to escape overwhelming stimuli and refocus.
  • ADHD: Individuals with ADHD often benefit from movement and fidgeting to regulate their focus. For instance, a sensory room can offer a designated space for movement breaks with equipment like balance balls or fidget tools.
  • Anxiety and Mental Health: Students experiencing anxiety or mental health challenges may find the calming environment of a sensory room helpful for managing stress and emotional regulation. Moreover, tools like weighted blankets or noise-canceling headphones can provide a sense of security and relaxation.
  • PTSD and Post-Concussion Syndrome: Individuals with PTSD or post-concussion syndrome can be highly sensitive to sensory stimuli. In fact, a sensory room can offer a safe haven to escape overwhelming environments and promote healing.
  • Hearing Loss and Low Vision: While seemingly counter-intuitive, sensory rooms can be adapted for students with sensory impairments. For example, calming visual displays can be adjusted for those with low vision, and quiet spaces can be restful for those with hearing loss.
  • Other Sensory Processing Disorders: Many other diagnoses can involve sensory processing differences. Discover more: Understanding Sensory Disorders and Differences. This could include developmental delays, intellectual disabilities or even long covid. Sensory rooms can be a valuable tool for all students, providing a safe space to manage sensory overload and promote self-regulation.
three children sitting a school sensory room ball pit

What is a Sensory Room in Schools?

A key takeaway is that sensory sensitivities can manifest across a wide range of diagnoses and age groups from pre-school aged students to post-secondary learners. Sensory rooms offer a flexible and adaptable space to support a diverse population of learners in managing their sensory needs and promoting a more positive learning experience.

A sensory room in a school is a specially designed space that caters to the sensory needs of students. For example, these rooms provide a calming and stimulating environment, equipped with various tools and activities that engage the senses – sight, sound, touch, smell, movement (proprioception), balance (vestibular) and interoception (internal body sense). As a result, sensory rooms serve multiple purposes:

PurposeBenefit
RegulationThey offer a safe haven for students experiencing sensory overload, allowing them to self-regulate and return to a calm state.
FocusThe controlled sensory environment can promote focus and concentration, aiding learning for students who struggle in traditional classrooms.
DevelopmentSensory rooms can support motor skills development, balance, and coordination through various activities.
RelaxationThey provide a space for relaxation and stress relief, helping students manage anxiety or emotional dysregulation.
Key Benefits of Sensory Rooms: Providing spaces for regulation, focus, development, and relaxation to support students’ unique needs.

Sensory Rooms in Mainstream Schools

Sensory rooms are not and should not be exclusive to specialized schools. In fact, all schools can benefit from having a sensory room. As mentionned, students with a wide range of diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and PTSD, can experience sensory sensitivities. Moreover, a sensory room offers a valuable resource for these students, and in fact all students, promoting inclusion and accessibility within the mainstream educational environment.

Teacher and young boy each sitting on a therapy ball in a mainstream school sensory room

A Sensory Playground for Tiny Learners: Preschool Sensory Rooms

Preschool-aged children are on a whirlwind adventure of sensory discovery. Their brains are rapidly developing neural pathways that process sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, movement and balance, and even their internal body sensations (interoception) – a lot to take in for little explorers! A sensory room in a preschool setting can be a haven for these curious minds, providing a safe and stimulating space for exploration while nurturing their developing sensory processing systems.

A Symphony of the Senses:

Well-designed sensory rooms for preschoolers incorporate elements that engage all the senses:

  • Sight: Soft, calming lighting with the option for color-changing displays or fiber optic lamps can create a visually stimulating yet soothing environment. Large murals or projected images on the walls can offer opportunities for exploration and imaginative play.
  • Sound: Gentle music with calming nature sounds or calming white noise can be played in the background. Musical instruments like chimes or drums, along with safe, age-appropriate noisemakers, can encourage sound exploration and creativity.
  • Touch: Soft play areas with climbing structures, tunnels, and crash pads provide ample space for gross motor exploration. Tactile bins filled with different textures like beans, rice, or play dough allow children to explore touch in a safe and engaging way. Fidget toys can be helpful for calming anxious moments or promoting focus.
  • Movement and Balance: Balance beams, wobble boards, and age-appropriate climbing structures encourage movement and vestibular (balance) input. For children who seek proprioceptive input (deep pressure), weighted blankets or vests can be provided under adult supervision.
  • Smell: Aromatherapy diffusers with calming scents like lavender or chamomile can be used, ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding any potential allergens. Sensory bins with scented materials like herbs or spices can also be incorporated for exploration under adult supervision.
  • Exploring Interoception: Interoception, the sense that helps children understand their internal body signals, is also crucial for emotional regulation. A sensory room can be a great place to introduce interoception activities in a playful and engaging way like belly breathing, exploring facial expressions with mirrors, and adopting yoga postures.

Balancing Exploration with Safety:

While sensory rooms provide an environment for exploration, safety is paramount. Critically, choosing age-appropriate equipment and creating soft, padded play areas for more rumbunctious play, are essential. Futhermore, supervision by a qualified adult is crucial to ensure safe use of equipment and to prevent any potential sensory overload.

Ultimately, a preschool sensory room should be a place where young children can explore their senses freely while learning to manage sensory input and regulate their emotions. Besides, this playful and nurturing environment can set the stage for a positive and successful learning journey!

Young Asian boy with glasses in a preschool sensory room with books, reading on a carpeted floor

Sensory Rooms for Autism in Schools

Students on the autism spectrum often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. Furthermore, sensory rooms can be a crucial tool for autistic students, offering a calming space to escape overwhelming sensory experiences. For instance, these rooms can be equipped with specific tools and activities that cater to individual needs, such as noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets or weighted lap pads, and calming lighting options. Importantly, be sure to follow safety protocols with anything weighted.

Find ideas about tools and toys specifically for autistic students: The Best Sensory Toys for Autism.

Use of Sensory Rooms in Schools

Sensory rooms in schools can be utilized in various ways:

  • Proactive Regulation: The Most Important – Utilize the sensory room strategically throughout the day, not just reactively. Short sensory breaks can help students regulate before minor issues escalate.
  • Individualized Breaks: Students experiencing sensory overload can visit the sensory room for a short break to self-regulate before returning to class.
  • Sensory Therapy Sessions: Occupational therapists can utilize the sensory room to conduct therapy sessions for students with sensory processing needs.
  • Calming Down Corner: The sensory room can serve as a designated quiet space for students who need to de-escalate from emotional outbursts or anxiety.
  • Motor Skills Development: Activities in the sensory room, such as climbing structures or balance beams, can promote motor skills development.

Embracing a Whole-School Approach to Sensory Needs

Benefits of Sensory Rooms in Schools (Evidence-based)

There is evidence to suggest that empowering autistic students with a degree of control over their sensory environment with multi-sensory room use can significantly enhance learning conditions. While sensory rooms are a valuable tool, but they shouldn’t be the only solution for supporting students with sensory processing needs.

A truly inclusive learning environment requires a whole-school approach.

Here’s why:

  • Proactive Support: Sensory rooms are often seen as a reactive measure – a place to go when students are already overwhelmed. A whole-school approach emphasizes proactive strategies to prevent sensory overload in the first place. This could involve incorporating sensory breaks into the daily routine, offering fidget tools in classrooms, or creating calming corners within each classroom.
  • Building Awareness: Educating teachers, staff, and even students about sensory processing differences fosters a more understanding and supportive environment. When everyone is aware of the challenges students might face, they can make adjustments and accommodations to create a more sensory-friendly learning experience.
  • Beyond the Walls: Sensory needs don’t disappear outside the sensory room. A whole-school approach encourages collaboration with parents and therapists to ensure consistent strategies are used both at school and at home. This holistic approach provides students with the support they need to thrive in all environments.

By going beyond the sensory room and embracing a whole-school approach, we can create learning communities that are truly inclusive and supportive of all students, regardless of their sensory needs.

For more information on sensory-friendly schools, consider this research, “Including Students With Autism in Schools: A Whole School Approach to Improve Outcomes for Students With Autism” by Jacqueline Roberts and Amanda Webster (2020) about an inclusive approach to designing educational programs 1.  

Young students meditating in a sensory room, guided by their teachers

How to Start Creating a Sensory Room at School:

Creating a sensory room doesn’t require a massive budget or elaborate equipment. Here’s a roadmap to get you started:

  1. Identify Needs: Assess the sensory needs of your student population. Therefor, talk to teachers, therapists, and parents to understand the specific challenges students face.
  2. Design the Space: Choose a quiet, dedicated location with ample space for movement and activities. For example, consider lighting options, ventilation, and safety features.
  3. Sensory Stimuli: Equip the room with a variety of tools and activities that cater to all the eight senses:
    • Sight: Calming visuals like nature scenes, fiber optic lamps, or color-changing lights.
    • Sound: Noise-canceling headphones, calming music players, or nature sound machines.
    • Touch: Soft play areas, textured toys, beanbag chairs, or fidget tools.
    • Movement: Balance balls, wobble chairs, trampolines (supervised use), or climbing structures.
    • Smell: Aromatherapy diffusers with calming scents (ensure proper ventilation).
    • Balance: Balance beams, wobble boards, vestibular balls (inflatable balls used for movement activities).
    • Interoception: Weighted blankets, deep pressure massage tools, joint compression socks (provide deep touch input).
  4. Comfort and Safety: Include comfortable seating options like weighted blankets, yoga mats, or beanbag chairs. Importantly, ensure all equipment is age-appropriate and meets safety standards.
  5. Accessibility: Make the room accessible for students with physical disabilities. For example, consider ramps, wide doorways, and height adjustable equipment.

Sensory Room Ideas for Schools

Here are some additional ideas to inspire your sensory room design:

  • Dark Den: Create a cozy space with dim lighting, soft cushions, and blackout curtains for visual calming.
  • Fidget Corner: Fill a designated area with various fidget toys, stress balls, and tactile objects for students seeking calming sensory input.
  • Movement Zone: Include a mini trampoline, balance beams, or a climbing structure for students who benefit from movement breaks.
  • Light Show Room: Project calming visuals and light patterns on the walls or ceiling for a visually stimulating experience.
  • Calming Music Corner: Provide comfortable seating with access to calming music or nature sounds for relaxation.

14 Things for Sensory Rooms in Elementary Schools, Middle Schools and High Schools

Infographic highlighting 14 things to do in a sensory room.


Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Rooms in Schools

What exactly is a sensory room and how does it help students?

A sensory room is a specially designed space that provides a controlled environment where students can regulate sensory input and find calm. To learn more about what a sensory room is and its benefits, check out our blog post, What is a Sensory Room?

How can I equip a sensory room to create a calming space for students?

Creating the perfect sensory room requires thoughtful equipment choices to promote relaxation and focus. For a comprehensive guide on what to include, read our blog, Creating a Calming Oasis: The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Room Equipment.

How do portable sensory rooms promote inclusion in schools?

Portable sensory rooms allow schools to create sensory-friendly spaces that can be used in multiple settings, ensuring more students have access to calming environments. Learn more about how these portable rooms create inclusion by reading our blog: How Portable Sensory Rooms Create Inclusion.

How can sensory rooms benefit students with autism and sensory processing challenges?

Sensory rooms provide a safe space where students with autism and sensory processing disorders can find calm and focus. To learn more about the benefits, read our blog, Sensory Rooms: Find Calm and Focus for Autism and Sensory Processing

How can schools create sensory rooms to support students’ diverse sensory needs?

Creating a sensory room in a school setting can offer students a calming space tailored to their unique needs. For tips on designing an effective sensory room for children, check out this resource: Sensory Rooms for Children.

How can I learn to create inclusive sensory rooms in schools?

Our blog, Sensory Room Training: Creating Inclusive Spaces, offers valuable insights and training tips on designing sensory rooms that cater to all students, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

What are some simple but effective sensory solutions for my classroom?

Discover practical and effective sensory tools that can make a big difference! For expert recommendations, head over to our blog on: Sensory Equipment for the Classroom.

What are the benefits of offering DEI training to all school staff, including non-teaching personnel?

Offering DEI training to all staff ensures that every part of the school, from classrooms to common areas, is inclusive and accessible. Learn more about the benefits our blog: DEI Training for Schools.

Is there special equiment for sensory rooms?

ou can DIY, buy off-the-shelf items, or purchase specialized Snoezelen room equipment, for example.

What are the rules for using a sensory room?

Rules typically include respecting the space, using equipment safely, and allowing each person to regulate without disruption. Supervision may be required for students.

Drawing from Christel Seeberger’s decades of experience as a regulated health professional working with students in schools, one of the most effective practices for sensory room use is allowing students to help create the rules. When students actively participate in setting the guidelines, they not only take greater ownership but also feel more responsible for maintaining the space. This involvement makes it more likely they’ll respect and follow the rules they helped shape. It also serves as a valuable learning experience, teaching students about self-regulation, safety, and respect for others. This collaborative approach transforms the sensory room into a more inclusive, empowering environment where every voice is heard and valued—a space truly designed with their needs in mind.

Are sensory rooms evidence-based?

Yes, sensory rooms are supported by research, showing benefits in emotional regulation, focus, and motor skills development for various groups, including children and individuals with disabilities.

This study surveys school-based occupational therapists on the effectiveness of sensory-based interventions, including sensory rooms, in improving educational and social participation for students. It highlights the value of collaboration between therapists and educators. You can read the full study on ERIC: Sensory-Based Intervention in Schools​(ERIC).

What is another name for a sensory room?

Another name for a sensory room is a “multi-sensory environment” (MSE), often used in therapeutic or educational settings.

What are some effective ways to create a calming sensory environment in a classroom?

Creating a calming sensory environment often starts with the walls. Consider using calming colors and textures. Learn more about how sensory room walls can contribute to a soothing atmosphere in our blog post about creating a calming environment with sensory room walls.

Beyond the Dorm: Fostering Student Success in Post-Seconary Education

From Freshman Year to Finals: Supporting Sensory Needs Throughout College and University

Many families with autistic children navigate the transition to post-secondary education unsure of available options. While seeking “autism-friendly” schools is a natural starting point, the reality is that neurodiverse students across the spectrum can benefit from supportive resources at universities and colleges.

Beyond Autism: Sensory Issues in Higher Education

University life throws a lot at students: bustling campuses, crowded classrooms, and intense workloads. While these challenges are universal, students with autism or who are neurodiverse may face additional hurdles due to sensory sensitivities. Noisy cafeterias, bright lecture halls, and social overwhelm can create a constant state of sensory overload, impacting academic performance and overall well-being.

The Spectrum of Sensory Needs

The experience of autistic students extends to a wider group. Students with hidden disabilities such as learning disabilities, PTSD, concussion, anxiety, or even hearing loss might also experience sensory sensitivities. Furthermore, even neurotypical students face stress and burnout due to exam pressure and future uncertainties. These elevated anxiety and exhaustion levels can make busy college environments overwhelming.

Creating a More Inclusive Campus

The good news? Colleges and universities are increasingly recognizing these challenges. Many institutions are implementing adaptations to create a more inclusive environment for all students:

  • Sensory Rooms: As discussed previously, sensory rooms offer a calming haven for students experiencing sensory overload. These designated spaces can provide refuge and a chance to self-regulate before returning to a stimulating environment.
  • Disability Resource Services: Most colleges and universities have dedicated departments to support students with disabilities. These services can provide accommodations such as extended test times, note-taking assistance, or preferential seating in quieter areas of the classroom.
  • Mental Health Resources: Colleges and universities are placing a growing emphasis on mental health support services. Counseling centers can provide students with strategies for managing stress and anxiety, which can often exacerbate sensory sensitivities.
  • Campus Awareness Programs: Raising awareness of sensory sensitivities among faculty and staff can foster a more understanding environment. Educational workshops can equip educators with strategies to support neurodiverse learners in the classroom.
Studious student working on laptop in autism friendly school library.

Exploring Neurodiversity-Inclusive Activities on Campus

Sensory rooms offer a valuable tool for managing sensory overload, but a truly inclusive campus experience extends beyond these designated spaces. For example, here are some ideas for creating a neurodiversity-friendly environment through campus activities and events:

  • Sensory-Friendly Movie Nights: Organize movie screenings with adjusted lighting, lower volume, and fidget toys available for attendees. Partner with student disability services to promote these events and ensure accessibility for all. Learn more: Sensory-Relaxed Movies: Expanding the Reel for Everyone
  • Calming or Relaxed Performances: Showcase artistic performances that cater to a neurodiverse audience. This could include dance pieces with slower tempos and softer music, or theatrical productions with dimmed lighting and less sudden sound effects. Consider collaborations with student performance groups to create inclusive artistic experiences. Uncover the fundamentals: Demystifying Relaxed Performances: A Welcoming World for All
  • Mindfulness Workshops: Offer workshops or group sessions on mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These sessions can equip students with tools for managing stress and anxiety, which can often exacerbate sensory sensitivities.

Creating Spaces for Everyone: Sensory Rooms Beyond Campus

Sensory rooms aren’t just for students—they can benefit adults in various settings, from workplaces to community centers. These calming spaces help reduce stress, improve focus, and support overall well-being for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Explore our blog on Sensory Rooms for Adults to learn how these spaces can be designed to meet diverse needs and create more inclusive environments beyond post-secondary institution

Conclusion:

By acknowledging the diverse sensory needs of their student population and implementing supportive resources, colleges and universities can create a more inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. This not only benefits students with autism and other neurodiversities but fosters a more welcoming and understanding campus community for everyone.

Finding My Oasis: A Student’s Story

Elaine Chen sitting quiet space University of New Brunswick, Saint John Campus.
Elaine Chen, University of New Brunswick, Saint John Campus, New Brunswick, Canada, submitted photo.

Finally, this is Elaine Chen in the photo above.  She was an MBA graduate of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and contributor to this blog post.  Moreover, Elaine completed an internship at Sensory-Friendly Solutions in 2018.  She found a sensory-friendly space at UNB Saint John campus in New Brunswick, Canada, during her studies there. 

Down a corridor, there is this little spot between classrooms and offices in Oland Hall.  Students and professors alike,  who want a break, can sit down on these sofas and enjoy a peaceful environment. When I sit there, I like to feel the warmth of the sunlight and the calmness that sitting amongst plants brings.  In conclusion, I would love to see more places like this on my campus.

-Elaine Chen, University student

Empowering Educators with Sensory-Friendly Solutions

At Sensory Friendly Solutions, we understand the importance of creating inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all students, including those with autism and sensory processing differences. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of resources to empower educators with the knowledge and tools they need to support neurodiverse learners.

Build Your Knowledge with Sensory-Friendly 101

Ready to take your sensory-friendly efforts to the next level? Our Sensory-Friendly 101 Course offers essential insights and strategies to help you create inclusive spaces beyond the sensory room. Our introductory course, the Sensory Friendly 101 course included in our low cost training membership, provides educators with the fundamentals.

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Source

  1. Roberts, J., & Webster, A. (2020). Including Students With Autism in Schools: A Whole School Approach to Improve Outcomes for Students With Autism. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 26(7), 701–718. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1712622
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