Eager to build a great sensory room for a loved one with special needs? Let the experts at Premier Sensory Boutiques help you.

Creating a DIY sensory space is an exciting project! What’s more meaningful than designing a safe haven for your loved one with special needs?

You get to personally create an amazing sensory environment that is meant just for them.

We’re just as excited and we’re here to help you!

To give you the best advice, Premier Sensory Boutiques teamed up with professional designers who have vast experience in designing sensory rooms and, together, have pared it down our advice to just 3 great tips.

But first, let’s start with the basics:

What Triggers Sensory Overload?

People suffering from developmental disorders such as autism do not have the ability to regulate certain sensory stimuli. For most people, the 5 senses only include the sense of sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. And we tend to forget that there is a connection between our senses and how we behave.

For example, if we are standing in the middle of a noisy room full of people, loud music and bright colors, our brain just normally signals our senses to regulate and adjust based on our environment. We act accordingly because our brains are wired to regulate appropriately, as well.

But for people with developmental disabilities, this is not the case. They may suffer from sensory overload. Loud noises, gaudy colors, bright lights, crowded places, etc. may trigger negative behavior such as excessive tantrums, mild to severe violent behavior (they either

What Can Carers Do?

People living with disabilities have a difficult time coping in a world that most of the population are living in. Even the smallest trigger such as food with an unwelcome taste or texture can trigger a huge meltdown that can negatively their health and well-being.

The best thing to offer our loved ones with sensory disabilities is to provide a calming, relaxing haven that is designed to suit their needs. Nothing is more meaningful than seeing them safe and happy.

What are the benefits of a sensory room?

• Calming space at home when tantrums occur
• Safe environment to help deal with sensory issues and emotions
• Develop coping skills and assist in overcoming sensitivity
• Relaxing “no trigger” place to socialise

We understand that because of the many benefits of a sensory room, you’ll start feeling overwhelmed and will want a sensory room that is just right. But, don’t worry. We’re here for you.

Here are 3 sensible (and definitely do-able) tips!

 

1. Location & Lighting

These are 2 fundamental aspects to consider when creating a sensory room – where you plan to create a sensory room and the lighting/electrical works you need.

When thinking of location, it’s important to build a sensory room in a place that is far away from the “busyness” of your household. A suggested location would be the corner most room at the end of the bedroom hallway.

Also, your sensory space does not actually have to be a room; you may create a sensory area at the farthermost corner of perhaps your home office, spare guest room or even a garage with extra space. As long as it’s a low-stress, peaceful and quiet area, then it should be perfect.

For lighting, stay away from fluorescent lights as these may cause extra brightness and noise that can cause additional stress.

You’ll want dim, relaxing lighting but you would also want lighting than can assist in sensory development.

Premier Sensory Boutiques offers a relaxing, and mesmerizing bubble water light with LED lighting. A great way to foster visual development, our water bubble water lights are both relaxing and stimulating at the same time. See our products here.

1. Color & Calm

For people with developmental and sensory issues, colors can trigger a serious meltdown. Too bright or too dark, the colors of the walls, floor, and ceiling are very critical to the calming effects of a sensory room.

We consulted with designers and they have advised the following color schemes to be optimal for sensory development:

• Plain White– white-coloured spaces can help the individual stay calm and focused. White is also multi-functional as carers can use white walls for sensory objects to reflect light and bubble effects.
• Colors of Nature – the cool colors of blue and the calming colors of green both foster a relaxing environment. It’s a great palette to introduce other sensory stimuli into the room or space.

It’s important to carefully consider what the individual needs. It’s best to observe the individual and figure out the best colors that they respond to.

Regardless of what color you pick, Premier Sensory Boutiques offer sensory room packages that’s perfect for any paint palette. See our packages here.

 

1. Size, Shape & Sound

The sensory stimuli that you introduce into your sensory room must be carefully considered.

For example, people with visual impairment issues would do great with sensory stimuli that offer varied shape and texture.

Autistic individuals may want to hear calming sounds of nature that help them regain focus and control of their senses.

While those that experience sensory overloads will not want any unwanted sounds at all. For these individuals, you may want to consider installing sound insulations, as well.

In terms of size, consider what the individual needs? Of course, a larger room will allow for more socialization skills and more space for interaction and play, but some individuals may thrive in a more smaller, intimate setting.

Premier Sensory Boutiques ensures your needs are met. Check out our range of sensory packages here.

We’d also like to add a “fourth” tip, which we feel is most important.

Regardless of color, location, size or sensory tools that you use for your sensory room, let’s not lose focus on the most important factor of all – the individual.

Whether you are caring for a child with developmental disabilities or an elderly person living with a disability, they are the center of what we are doing, and we are here to help them

 

If you also require assistance with NDIS Service Providers, head over to this website. We look forward to hearing from you!