Q&A: Recommendations for Sensory Rooms?

Question:

I have completed several of your webinars and consider you a very good resource for sensory modulation as it impacts on self-regulation. Do you have any recommendations, resources, or guidelines for the development and use of universal sensory rooms in schools?

Answer:

Here is a pretty good article by Betty Ray on sensory rooms:

My only issue with sensory rooms is that they are usually treated as a free-for-all, more like indoor recess. While that may work for kids who don’t have sensory modulation issues, it does not work for kids who do. These kids need some help figuring out their current sensory state and determining which activities will be most beneficial at that time. To that end, I like to use the BrainWorks tachometer or the Zones of Regulation chart and have activities color coded accordingly. Alternatively, the article mentioned recommends a circuit rotation. That often works too, especially if all activities in the rotation are just-right types of activities, minimizing the possibility of either over-stimulating or over-sedating a child.

For cost-effective solutions, you may want to check out my webinar titled Low Budget Sensory Rooms and DIY Sensory Equipment.

I hope that helps! Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Best Wishes,
Gwen