If you have a relationship with a child or children with autism, you may have noticed that they generally struggle to find comfort in the busy world in which we live. Autistic people tend to process sensory information differently than neuro-typical people do, so they likely need more support to thrive in their day-to-day activities.

One great way to support children with autism is to create a sensory room or space for them to spend time in when they feel the need. Such rooms can help kids take a break from the overstimulation they may experience and, instead, be able to decompress in an area that supports their needs.

What is a sensory room?

For children with autism, the world can be an intimidating and anxiety-inducing place. A sensory room is a space that has been designed with this in mind to help calm kids, reducing their anxiety and improving their focus.

A sensory space can be set up as its own room, or occupy just a corner or any part of a bigger room. The important thing is that the area can be separated so that the children using it are able to detach from other things happening in the room.

The benefits of a sensory room

If you have a child with autism in your life, there are many benefits to making space for a specialized sensory room to create a safe and comfortable space for your child. Among the benefits:

At SensoryOne, our strength is more than supplying sensory equipment throughout the United States and Canada. We collaborate and design sensory rooms with clients, ensuring optimal design for environments built with autistic children in mind. Call us with your questions today!

1. Allows therapy to remain consistent

By creating a sensory room at home or at school, you help ensure that your child’s therapy will stay consistent, regardless of where they are. When kids have access to the same soothing methods and occupational therapies in places where they spend most of their time, they will feel the benefits without having to wait for an appointment.

2. Therapy can be personalized

Sensory rooms typically involve a number of different toys, tools and features. This means that one room can be used by several different children, and yet they will all be able to make use of personalized and individualized therapies.

3. Give your child control of their situation

A child with autism may feel powerless in many situations, so having a sensory room to escape to can help to reduce their anxiety and increase their focus.

What to include in your sensory room

Every child is going to have different needs when it comes to finding solace in a sensory room. Some kids will want a quiet and calming space, while others may want a space with things they can touch and feel.

The ideas suggested here are only a starting point. It’s always worthwhile to speak to your child’s therapist to get some ideas as well.

Tactile toys

Tactile items, such as bouncy balls, rubber bands, pop-its and slime toys, encourage kids to touch, play, experiment and learn, making them worthy to include in a sensory room. Some autistic kids love the repetition that these toys offer, as well.

Tools that encourage movement

Rope swings, exercise balls, mini-trampolines, small ball pits, tunnels, ramps and rocking chairs can be great ways for children to get moving. Some autistic children use movement to help work out some of their anxiety.

The right lighting

A sensory space should be relaxing and not overly stimulating. Lighting will play a large role in creating such an environment. Include warm, soft lighting that incorporates fibre optic glow kits, curtains, cascades and light panels, to name a few. Of course, Christmas lights, battery-powered candles, lava lights and bubble tubes can change the atmosphere.

Interactive spaces

To help autistic children immerse themselves in tasks, and leave their anxiety at the door, it’s a good idea to include interactive items, such as puzzles, tactile floors and murals, and advanced technological tools, including motion-activated projection systems and immersive virtual reality systems.

The OMI interactive motion-activated projection system offers its Autism Suite package of more than 200 applications specifically targeted to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The BroomX MK360 is the only fully mobile, all-in-one VR unit, offering immersive experiences previously unattainable without headsets.

A comfortable crash space

While some children need activities and toys that gently stimulate them, others may need an area where they can relax and decompress. A corner with pillows, cushions, stuffed animals, and weighted blankets can be just the ticket.

Fresh activities

Rather than filling the room with all of the toys and activities that you can think of, consider putting some items aside and then changing it up every few visits. This may not work for all children, but many will thrive on the ability to try something new on a regular basis, rather than face information overload if they see everything all at once each visit.

Sensory rooms will support autistic children in your setting

Whether in a school or other educational setting, or as part of a health care environment, a multi-sensory space may be a missing element in your institution. The positive effects that sensory rooms can have on children with autism are many, and supported by research and experience. Gaining an understanding of how to create the right environment is readily had by contacting multisensory room environment specialists, as well as referring to other institutions that have implemented such spaces.

Closing in on a year that has largely confined us to home, wannabe globetrotters are increasingly fantasizing about the sights, sounds and places they long to visit.

However, even when real travel is possible again, there are many people with physical, financial or other limitations who will find taking a trip difficult, if not impossible.

These range from older adults, including those with dementia, who live in long-term-care facilities to people with special needs, such as some with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

For these people, virtual travel can be the next best thing to being there. Credit the latest advances in virtual reality technology, including the BroomX MK360, newly available in North America.
Fully immersive VR experience: no headset required!

This device, originating in Spain, creates a fully immersive experience without the need for VR headsets.

And while other similar technology requires multiple projectors, the BroomX is the only fully mobile, all-in-one unit. It projects a video that stretches across three walls and onto the ceiling, creating a 4-D experience within a user’s entire field of vision.

Imagine, for instance, sitting amid a pod of dolphins watching them swim all around you, splashing and creating waves, and listening to them whistle and click.

Or how about virtually forest bathing — lying in a bed of autumn leaves in the woods, with rays of sun shining down through the trees, birds chirping in the background. These are among the experiences offered by more than 100 different 360-degree videos available to project through the BroomX.

With no need for headsets, users of the BroomX have less chance of experiencing eye strain or “cybersickness,” a form of motion sickness in response to virtual environments. Many people also find headsets uncomfortable to wear. People with dementia or ASD might resist wearing them.

Improved cognitive function, memory stimulation rewards

VR technology like the BroomX offers many rewards for users such as older adults and people with ASD, ranging from feelings of calm and relaxation to improved cognitive function, memory stimulation and a reduction in acute and chronic pain.

Recent research using the BroomX studied the impact of immersive technologies on people with Alzheimer’s disease and moderate to severe dementia living in long-term-care facilities.

In this study, 325 participants from three long-term-care homes enjoyed VR experiences such as being transported to a lush green park to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, being taken to the heart of a bustling city, or finding themselves surrounded by dairy cows in a farmer’s field.

These experiences were not only entertaining but engaging cognitively, emotionally and socially. The research found that residents who used the BroomX were relatively calmer, happier, and more relaxed afterwards. Time with the BroomX projections also lifted moods,stimulated memory, improved appetites and eating among underweight residents, and led to increased conversations and better sleep among all participants.

Study participants reduce psychotropic medications

One of the most notable findings of the study, known as The Albert Project and conducted by Primacare Living Solutions with partners including the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), was a 30-per-cent reduction in the use of psychotropic medications to treat participants’ responsive behaviours.
To learn more about the results found in the Albert Project study, please watch this video. VR tools help make those with ASD more comfortable

VR technology has also proven helpful in dealing with the sensory, attention, behaviour, and communication challenges faced by people with ASD, to help them better connect with the people and world around them.

For instance, therapists have used virtual reality exposure therapy to help people become more comfortable in some situations, such as being outdoors. Immersing them first in a virtual park makes it less stressful for them to make the transition to a real park. Similarly, VR technology has been used to help combat phobias.

The BroomX can be used to project 360-degree videos other than the ones provided with the device, for instance, home videos or ones taken at a particular event that might have special meaning to those watching.

The BroomX is sold exclusively in North America by Sensory One, a division of Xlent Care Products Inc.

Sensory One distributes innovative, award-winning and inspiring sensory products and multi-sensory environments customized to the individual needs of users.

Please contact us to learn more.

As published in Canadian Health Technology, Sept 2020.

(Photo does not depict residents of Lanark Heights Long Term Care but seniors at another unidentified facility)

KITCHENER, ONT. – A grey-haired woman slowly shuffles her walker toward a huddle of giggling residents. Her face is blank when she notices that her peers are sweeping their arms across a large black and white projection of spring flowers on a tabletop.

Magically, the flowers are turning vibrant colours with each pass of an elderly hand.

Within a minute of observation the woman joins in and begins moving her arms to “paint” flowers too. She smiles as she reaches and waves her arms across the tabletop. Her normally stiff limbs relax and her body flows as she enjoys the group activity.

A scene like this no longer surprises Hildy Nickel, administrator of the Lanark Heights Long Term Care facility in Kitchener, Ont. In fact, she has seen it enacted multiple times since her facility introduced the Mobii Magic Surface to its 160 residents two years ago.

“The Mobii is fun for our residents, and it involves more movement than most of our other activity offerings,” says Nickel, who likes to stay current with the latest technology. “We offer exercise programs, colouring, puzzles and many other activities. But the Mobii is something different that always creates spontaneous smiles and laughter.”

The Mobii is a small, self-contained portable projector that houses a wealth of rich and stimulating activities for older adults, including those with dementia. The motion-activated, interactive tool uses images, games, quizzes, colour and music to evoke memories, stimulate conversation and encourage physical activity.

The technology makes it enjoyable and easy for people to move their bodies and to interact with the world around them. It also allows them to have some control over their environment.

Designed by sensory technology company OM Interactive, and winner in the Outstanding Dementia Product category in the U.K.’s Dementia Care Awards, the Mobii can be easily wheeled directly to groups of residents in communal areas or to individual bed-bound residents. Images can be projected onto a tabletop or onto the floor for larger groups and games.

The floor projection is ideal for those who are able to ambulate. For example, they can walk or wheel across a virtual nature trail, scattering leaves along the way. Non-ambulatory residents can enjoy the same experience using their feet from a seated position.

Its versatility is appreciated by staff members. They can adjust the volume, control the object speed, and easily create custom content with photos of family members or special events.

Residents can push tiny seashells, resting in shallow tropical water, into a pile. They can watch the water ripple and listen to the sounds of the sea.

Or toss a beanbag into a puddle. Watch and hear the splashes.

They might wipe away the image of an old-fashioned candy shop with a hand or baton to reveal childhood sweets, or use a feather duster to wipe away steam and reveal a train with actual family members peering out the windows.

They can tap on moving eggs and crack them open, using hands, feet, a cane or a walker.

Care homes report that while the physical activity and powerful visuals help improve their residents’ physical fitness, they also reduce apathy, stress and anxiety.

With the Mobii, these visuals can include greenery, birds, trees and gardens. Research shows that nature experiences – even virtual versions – can boost emotional well-being and awaken feelings of happiness and peace.

For family members, interacting with the Mobii helps remove the pressure of struggling to make conversation with an elderly loved one. Family visits are more exciting for everyone when they know that they can play together with the Mobii.

A 2018 research study of 89 care homes in the U.K. found that 96 percent of respondents would recommend the Mobii. Additional findings showed that:

• 90 percent of respondents felt the Mobii had a positive impact on their residents’ physical ability, participation and movements; and
• 75 percent felt the Mobii had helped their most withdrawn residents

General survey comments were equally enthusiastic: “Our residents love it!” “Their lives are more fulfilled.” “They don’t notice they’re being physically active.” “It brings residents out of themselves.” “It’s great to see them interacting with each other.”

There is a current move away from the idea that long-term care homes are solely medical treatment centres.

“Stimulating and engaging all older adults, especially those living with dementia, with meaningful person-centered activities is so important in care homes, centres and hospital settings,” said Gwen Rose, vice-president of Toronto-based Sensory One, and North American distributor of the Mobii Magic Surface and other innovative and unique sensory products.

“There’s a strong move toward an emotion- based model of care, which focuses on the idea that a long-term care home is a resident’s home,” said Rose, who practised as a physiotherapist in long-term care for over 14 years. “With this model, there’s an added focus, beyond providing basic care, of helping people to live well by giving them a sense of belonging and opportunities for vibrancy. The Mobii stimulates physical, cognitive and social engagement and contributes to emotional well-being.”

At Lanark, staff members particularly appreciate the Mobii’s portability and versatility.

“If a resident is having a tough day, they can easily take the Mobii directly to that person and then have dozens of activity options to choose from,” says Nickel.

It helps staff members more easily make a connection with residents by stimulating conversation, activity and fond memories. For withdrawn residents, it encourages them to interact and communicate with others.

And at Lanark, it is not just the residents who are benefiting from the technology.

“We’ve included the Mobii in family council meetings, a staff holiday luncheon, and several other staff events,” Nickel says.

The OM Interactive team enjoyed a fabulous three days demonstrating our Mobii sensory table at the National Dementia Congress Event at Doncaster Race Course, culminating in the National Dementia Care Awards on the eve of 7th November.

As winners of the Outstanding Product Award 2018 we felt honoured to sponsor the Dementia Arts & Creativity Award as well as being part of the judging panel for the Best Dementia Team award.

The evening was hosted with heartfelt enthusiasm by ex-England Rugby 7’s captain Ollie Phillips, a charity ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society following the loss of his beloved grandmother to the disease.

Our Senior Customer Liaison Officer, Russell Harwood, was proud to present the Arts & Creativity Award to a brilliant collaboration between the Central School of Speech & Drama & Imperial College NHS Trust. A project bringing immersive inter-generational drama experiences to older people with dementia on hospital wards.

One of our Care Specialists, Caron Sprake,  (of CaronCares), joined a top judging panel of April Dobson of Hallmark Care & Aderio Rocha of TLC Care to select St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham, as the best Dementia Team.

The Awards were a true celebration of the very best in Dementia Care including an award to Wendy Mitchell for her Exceptional Contribution as a person living with dementia, author of a best-selling book and two honorary doctorates. It was also good to see the Dementia Training prize go to ‘DementiaTrainers’ an organisation that has put people with dementia in the driving seat with their EDucate training programme, the true experts of the lived experience.

The final award of the evening went to Professor Dawn Brooker for a Lifetime of Achievement in Dementia Research/Care. Her ground-breaking research into the use of technology has been so insightful for us, highlighting the potential for intuitive tech to deliver meaningful experiences in dementia care, enabling all ages and abilities to keep on participating.

We would like to congratulate all the worthy winners of the Dementia Care Awards 2019 and all those who contributed to the Congress Speeches, plenaries and sessions. We look forward to working alongside many of you in 2020.

If you ever want to see smiles cross the faces of retirement-home residents, just watch them interact with groundbreaking and award-winning technology known as the Mobii Magic Surface, or Mobii for short.

The Mobii — one of several models of pioneering interactive motion-activated projection systems made by OM Interactive  — beams images, sounds and music from a wide variety of applications onto horizontal surfaces, including floors, tables, table trays and beds. 

Users interact with the many lively games and activities, receiving a wide variety of physical, emotional, cognitive and social benefits, according to research done on-site in 10 British care homes, along with questionnaire responses from another 89 care homes.

To learn more about the research findings, please watch the video below.

Here is a summary of the OM Interactive research study:

In the fall of 2018, OM Interactive commissioned Care Research to undertake an extensive research project to identify the use and impact of the OM Interactive Mobii system in a variety of care homes across England.

As part of this research, 10 care homes using the Mobii were visited, residents of seven homes were video-recorded in 8 x 30-minute sessions, and key staff were interviewed about the responses they had witnessed.

In addition, a comprehensive user survey was sent out to all of OMI’s care customers in the United Kingdom, with 89 care homes responding. The results below highlight the key findings of the home visits and survey results, with comments from staff and family members.

Research findings
It was found that 85 per cent of respondents used their Mobii at least every week, while 39 per cent used it every day.

Encouraging movement for greater physical and emotional health

The Mobii gave residents a rewarding and purposeful approach to exercise and movement, with more than 90 per cent of respondents stating they’d seen a positive impact on residents’ physical ability, participation and movements.

Emotional well-being, encompassing emotional and psychological aspects of wellbeing.

The Mobii was found to be an uplifting resource that created a positive atmosphere. Smiles, laughter and enjoyment were consistently found, with 75 per cent of respondents saying they believed that the Mobii has helped their most withdrawn residents.

Reminiscence and nostalgia: Finding ways to feel a sense of belonging and familiarity

Many residents who began a session fairly uncommunicative became animated, talking about their memories and past experiences, prompted by the Mobii activity. Ninety-two per cent of participants reminisced during sessions.

Social interactions: Opportunities to socialize and reduce loneliness

There was consistent observation of the Mobii encouraging residents to become more social, often singing along
and laughing with peers, staff and family members. Eighty per cent of staff agreed that the device has provided more quality social time.

Sensory responses and interactions, providing enriching multisensory experiences

Residents responded positively to the high colour visuals, ‘painting’ and sweeping with tactile brushes, balls and batons. Staff commented on the effects of the calming music content on residents who were anxious or distressed. Fully 96 per cent of respondents said they would happily recommend the Mobii to other homes.

Some of the benefits reported by homes, centres and hospitals using the interactive floor/table:

• Greater socialization andwillingness to communicate
• Obvious enjoyment and shared laughter
• More flexibility and upper-body movement and coordination
• Sustained moments of lucidity and brightness
• Improved relationships with peers and staff
• Increased well-being levels and improved emotional stability
• More motivation to stand up, stretch and physically participate
• Greater opportunities to share personal stories
• Staff get to know the person behind the dementia
• Families enjoy joint activities without the pressure of finding words
• Can be a calming or stimulating activity with a wide choice of moods
• Opportunity for home members to entertain, independent of staff.
• Flexibility of floor, table and bedside use, making it fully inclusive
• More spontaneous singing

To see the full research study, click here