Sensory rooms are something that most people with Autism have seen before. A simple run down of what a sensory room is would be a place where someone with Autism can be themselves and relax. A good way of describing it to a human would be like getting a massage. It calms you down and relaxes you.
Last year was the first time I saw a sensory room and it was located at Arrowwood School. When you walk in the room, whether you have autism or not, you automatically feel relaxed. The lighting is low and definitely puts you in a calming mood. There were swings or what is called a 'floating bed' hanging from the ceiling and all kinds of games. A lot of the games involve a lot of colors to help the children think. There is one game that was especially cool to me and that was a screen that had different colors on them but the trick is that the colors would go on into infinity and never end. You could change the colors by pressing one button and each time I pressed it it would manage to amaze me. There are swings that hang from the ceiling for the children to sit in and be lightly pushed. There was a bed that was also hanging from a ceiling and when you sit in it you actually feel like you are floating. These rooms help autistic children because it shows their creative side. There are also things that involve touching and feeling. They enjoy playing with Play-doh, textures balls, textured walls, materials such as satin, silk, or wool, and even vibrating toys. One thing I have found is that most autistic children do like music but a lot of them like it to be very low and a very calming. In a sensory room you may find music like a nature sound or classical music. Another thing that most sensory rooms have a bean bags, squishy beds, or blankets. This allows the children to feel hugged and calms them down. A lot of times they do not like to be touched by others that are not family but they do enjoy things like bean bags.
Sensory rooms give children a break from the outside world and let them be alone. Most often 20 to 30 minutes is enough for these children to become relaxed but of course, anyone would want to spend more time in a room full of games and relaxation.
Last year was the first time I saw a sensory room and it was located at Arrowwood School. When you walk in the room, whether you have autism or not, you automatically feel relaxed. The lighting is low and definitely puts you in a calming mood. There were swings or what is called a 'floating bed' hanging from the ceiling and all kinds of games. A lot of the games involve a lot of colors to help the children think. There is one game that was especially cool to me and that was a screen that had different colors on them but the trick is that the colors would go on into infinity and never end. You could change the colors by pressing one button and each time I pressed it it would manage to amaze me. There are swings that hang from the ceiling for the children to sit in and be lightly pushed. There was a bed that was also hanging from a ceiling and when you sit in it you actually feel like you are floating. These rooms help autistic children because it shows their creative side. There are also things that involve touching and feeling. They enjoy playing with Play-doh, textures balls, textured walls, materials such as satin, silk, or wool, and even vibrating toys. One thing I have found is that most autistic children do like music but a lot of them like it to be very low and a very calming. In a sensory room you may find music like a nature sound or classical music. Another thing that most sensory rooms have a bean bags, squishy beds, or blankets. This allows the children to feel hugged and calms them down. A lot of times they do not like to be touched by others that are not family but they do enjoy things like bean bags.
Sensory rooms give children a break from the outside world and let them be alone. Most often 20 to 30 minutes is enough for these children to become relaxed but of course, anyone would want to spend more time in a room full of games and relaxation.
This is pretty awesome Jenni.. I've always had an interest in autistic children because they are just so unique! This blog is full of information that I never knew!!! Great job! Maybe I'll start reading your blogs ;)
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