Creating Calm

In recent years, the understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has grown significantly, leading to more tailored approaches in providing support and accommodation for individuals with I/DD. One such innovative intervention gaining traction is the use of sensory rooms. These specialized spaces offer a controlled environment designed to stimulate and soothe the senses, providing invaluable benefits, especially for individuals with autism. Sensory processing difficulties are common in autism, making sensory rooms particularly beneficial.

Imagine a world where everyday sensations—light, sound, touch—can feel overwhelming, causing distress and anxiety. For autistic individuals, this is often a reality. According to Chastity Overholt, clinic director for Stepping Up and Stepping Forward at Boundless, “It’s an escape from a lot of what is going on outside of the sensory room. The center can get loud, we have these bright lights on us all the time. Individuals with these sensory challenges, they might hear the buzzing of the light and it’s just absolutely all they can focus on. That can cause a lot of anxiety.”

Sensory rooms offer a variety of sensory inputs for multiple senses. They typically include stimuli such as soft lighting, different tactile experiences, repetitive and calming movement opportunities like swings or interesting visual stimuli like colorful lights. Some common items are weighted blankets, ball pits, light-up activities, textured panels, fiber optic toys and balance disks. Sensory rooms are typically painted all white, as well. This works best for a few reasons—it allows the individual to see the colorful lights, it helps individuals to still see clearly in low light and, according to Overholt, it provides a clean and sterile setting for individuals to recharge.

One of the primary benefits of sensory rooms is their profound calming effect, helping individuals alleviate stress and anxiety. For people with autism, sensory overload can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns. Sensory rooms provide a safe space where individuals can learn to manage their emotions, which helps with everything from schoolwork to therapies. Overholt said, “It helps them with de-escalation for sure, but it also can just be a break from instruction for them to find a place where they can self-regulate and where they can self-soothe.”

By offering a safe and sensory-rich environment, sensory rooms empower individuals to regulate their emotions effectively and at their own pace. Overholt emphasized the importance of free exploration when individuals are in the sensory rooms. “We try not to place a lot of demands on the individual. That is also helpful to allow their minds to wander and their bodies to relax and rest.” It is vital that sensory rooms remain separate from the demands of instruction.

Sensory rooms are not limited to clinical settings like Boundless but are increasingly being incorporated into schools, community centers and other public spaces. By making sensory accommodations readily available, these environments become more inclusive and welcoming for individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities. In educational settings, sensory rooms can offer a supportive environment for learning and self-regulation, ultimately enhancing academic engagement and success.

Overholt pointed out that sensory rooms should be designed for their users. If someone wants to build a sensory room that is for a loved one in their own home, it can be much more specific to that individual and could include only the sensory items they prefer. However, if it’s meant to be used in a group or public setting, not every item will appeal to everyone and there should be a wide variety of items available.

It is also important to let each individual use whatever sensory items they enjoy, even if it goes against what you believe they should want. For example, Overholt said, “We try to teach our individuals to engage with age-appropriate items, but in that sensory room, we really want that to be a place where they can go and be themselves. If they’re 20 years old and want to play with something that’s more the level of a five-year-old, we let them because that’s what’s going to help calm them in that moment.”

Sensory rooms play a crucial role in supporting individuals with sensory challenges by providing a supportive environment for their sensory exploration, emotional regulation and relaxation. By addressing unique sensory needs of individuals, these spaces empower them to navigate their surroundings more effectively and participate more fully in daily life.