As sensory spaces increase in popularity, we are learning even more about the kids who enjoy and benefit from their use. In particular, children that benefit immensely from having access to a sensory centered environment are those who coping with ADHD and learning disabilities. These disorders can create an overwhelming environment for kids. The ability to retreat, refocus and expend energy can be helpful for both the children with the disorders, and educators and/or caregivers that support them.

At SensoryOne, we support health, education and caregivers create environments that provide stimulation and calming environments. Those with ADHD respond positively to interactive offerings afforded by a multi-sensory space.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurological disorder that is most often diagnosed in children. However, as more becomes understood about the disorder and its symptoms, adults are getting diagnosed with increasing frequency as well.

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, most commonly presents as an inability to sit still or pay attention. While it is normal for kids to have difficulty doing this at times, those with ADHD will not grow out of this behaviour.

The severity of this disorder can vary quite a bit from one child (or adult) to the next, and can create problems throughout their lives at school, at home and with friends.

Benefits of sensory stimulation for kids with ADHD

Sensory environments in schools, doctors’ offices and at home can have a number of positive effects on kids who have ADHD or other learning disabilities. The opportunity to remove themselves from a situation in which they are overwhelmed, or are overwhelming those around them, can help kids to learn how to manage their ADHD, which will allow them to thrive as they get older.

Some benefits of creating a sensory room or space for kids who have ADHD or learning disabilities can include:

Helps focus attention

One of the hallmarks of ADHD is the inability to focus, so sensory activities that draw in a child’s attention can help them learn ways to apply this skill in the outside world. Wall panels and interactive projectors are a great way to draw a child’s attention to a task or game and encourage their focused participation.

Helps them expend energy

Children with ADHD often have excess energy that they aren’t sure what to do with, especially in settings like a school classroom where the expectation is to calmly sit in a desk and pay attention. A sensory room with activities like a small trampoline, a swing or climbing rope, interactive floor panels and other more physical activities can teach kids to use these dedicated spaces as an energy release, in order to return to the classroom somewhat calmer.

Helps filter stimulation

For many children living with a sensory disorder, their day-to-day surroundings can be a bit of a sensory overload. The constant stimulation, especially in a school or other public space, can make it difficult to focus and find peace. A sensory room allows users to choose the level of interaction and stimulation that they can manage, and alter their environment to be one that they can thrive in. Soft & dimmable lights, quiet music, comfortable seating and relaxing games are all excellent features to include in a sensory space.

Develop learning techniques

Kids with learning disabilities often don’t naturally thrive in a typical classroom environment. For many, this traditional style of teaching makes learning objectives difficult to absorb and benefit from. A sensory room allows children to experiment with different learning techniques to help them figure out ways in which they do learn well. Some kids with ADHD or learning disabilities will do better with a hands-on approach, while others may thrive with more visual cues. A sensory environment can provide a varied and unique experience that is tailored to each individual student.

Reduce distraction for other kids in the classroom

Kids who feel overwhelmed, over stimulated or who have an abundance of energy that is hard for them to control will often react by causing distractions for the kids around them. The ability to remove them from the classroom and give them a sensory environment to immerse in can help reduce the distractions to their fellow students while still meeting the needs of the student.

Sensory stimulation an important factor for kids with ADHD

Sensory rooms and portable carts are important tools in helping kids learn how to manage their ADHD and learning challenges. Offering a safe space for them to spend time, manage stimulation and learn about their needs and interests will help kids have the best experience possible.

Creating a sensory space is becoming a fairly common practice in many public areas, especially ones that are catered to children. The ability to retreat to a space that is focused on sensory engagement can help both children and adults to manage difficult situations and work through their emotions in a safe environment.

While it’s often most common to dedicate a whole room or a piece of one to the creation of a sensory space, there are many situations where this just isn’t feasible. This is where sensory carts come in! These compact and portable units make having a sensory space possible, no matter how much room you have available.

Sensory carts, or trolleys, are transformative for institutions requiring the ability to take the therapeutic benefits of a sensory environment to patients or users. For schools, hospitals, eldercare facilities or even private homes. At SensoryOne, our sensory equipment specialists can customize a sensory cart to meet your needs.

Benefits of a Sensory Cart

Building a sensory cart isn’t a difficult task. There are many benefits to building one, even if it is being added to an already existing sensory room.

1. Portability

The most significant benefit to having a sensory cart is the fact that it is portable. A sensory space that can move around to wherever it is needed is helpful for any environment. Whether it gets moved from one school classroom to another, between exam rooms at a medical center or to different rooms at a seniors’ facility, a portable sensory cart is very convenient.

2. Adaptability

A portable sensory cart is designed to be adaptable to the needs of those using it. Whether you’re able to create a large cart packed with sensory items or are more restricted by space or budget, there are few limits when it comes to putting together an effective sensory cart.

3. Variety of sensory activities

Much like a sensory room, a sensory cart can include a wide variety of activities in order to be adaptable to anyone that will use it. From electronic features like an interactive projector or fibre optic lights to tactile experiences like kinetic sand or finger paints, a sensory cart can offer a unique experience for any user.

4. Small footprint

A sensory cart takes up considerably less room than most other sensory space options. It can be easily moved around from room to room, tucked in a corner for later use or put away for another day without taking up too much space. This means even the smallest places can benefit from a sensory cart.

Ready made or DIY?

Once you’ve decided that a sensory cart is the best option for your situation, the next question is whether you’d like to build it yourself or buy one that’s already made. The ability to create or buy a sensory cart that meets the specific needs of the people who will be using it helps maximize its value and effectiveness.

Ready made:

Buying a ready-made sensory cart that comes equipped with a variety of different sensory items takes a lot of the guesswork out of choosing the right activities. With a number of different done for you sensory cart options to choose from, you’ll be able to get one that suits your exact needs.

Create your own:

If you already have ideas of what you’d like to include on your sensory cart, putting together your own is a good choice. You can buy a cart that is already outfitted with a sound system and electronic connections and add the sensory items you’d like, or start completely from scratch. This method allows you to cater the cart to the setting in which it will be used.

Sensory carts are useful in a variety of settings

Much like a sensory room, sensory carts are very useful in a variety of different settings. Schools are the most common place to find a dedicated sensory space, however they are quickly appearing in a number of places. Sensory carts are the perfect tool for creating an immersive sensory experience in a setting that isn’t equipped for a dedicated room.

Hospitals, schools and day care centers, senior centers & programs, and doctors offices will all benefit from their use. A sensory cart can be used as a standalone sensory experience, or as an addition to a sensory room that is already in use. They are a great way to contain a number of different sensory tools in one central location, especially when you are short on space or want to move it around.

Sensory play is an important part of childhood development, especially for young kids. One of the most common ways we engage children is by sitting on the floor and playing with toys. Incorporating specific sensory activities into this floor time can help kids learn how to interact with their environment, learn from their experiences and improve both fine and gross motor skills.

At SensoryOne, we do more than sell sensory room equipment – we design whole sensory rooms for clients as part of our services. From floor to wall to ceiling, let us create your optimal multi-sensory room environment!

Top ideas for sensory engagement on the floor

Sensory play can include a wide variety of activities and toys. There really are no rules about what constitutes a good sensory experience, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few suggestions for some sensory fun on the floor.

A sensory path

A sensory path is set of markings, stickers or unique textures on the floor that guide a child through a set of movements. Popular in school hallways, sensory pathways are a fan way to keep kids moving in the direction you’d like them to move in, while releasing some energy and engaging with their surroundings. Sensory paths are also perfect for helping to develop gross motor skills in kids of all ages.

Sensory paths are a great option in schools where you are unable to created a dedicated sensory space. Once you teach kids to use the sensory path quietly, kids can be offered the opportunity to work off their feelings of anger, frustration or overwhelm by stepping out into the hall to walk the path a few times.

Sensory bins

Just like how it sounds, a sensory bin is often a large bin that has various sensory items inside of it for kids to play with. Sensory bins hold a child’s attention very well, and can be played with by kids of all ages. They are also excellent for adults experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

There are no limits to what you can include in a sensory bin, so this is your opportunity to have some fun! Things like rice, sand, dried beans or chick peas, slime, shredded paper, shaving cream, Jell-O, dried cereal, ice cubes and so much more can be put in a sensory bin!

The biggest limitation is how easy you’d like the clean up to be, so keep this in mind when looking for things to add. Also consider the age of the kids playing with this, as you don’t want to use small, inedible items if the child is likely to put them in their mouth.

Sensory floor and wall panels

Play games and get moving with sensory stimulating, motion activated floor panels. Also, while not technically on the floor, sensory wall panels can be installed low on the wall so that young kids who are on the floor can engage with them. Whether you choose a pre-made sensory wall mural or want to make one yourself, they are a great way to engage a child in a variety of settings. Wall murals and tiles can also be installed on the floor.

An interactive projector

With many built-in games and engaging experiences, interactive motion-activated projectors are a fun way to involve both kids and adults in imaginative play. Installed in the ceiling or high in the room, an interactive projector sends an image to the floor and responds to touch on the image. If getting to the ground is difficult, the image can be projected onto a tabletop as well! This adaptability is great for adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s who might benefit from sensory engagement as well.

Interactive floor and wall panels

Electronic panels that light up or make sounds when touched are a fun and unique way to experience sensory floor play. These interactive panels can be installed on the wall or floor, and include a variety of interactive games, adjustable difficulty levels and volume and light level controls to create a customized experience for your space.

Sensory fun and benefits for kids and adults alike

Although we most commonly think of sensory play as geared for children, it can also benefit adults who may benefit from cognitive activation and increased mobility. That goes for seniors with dementia, mobility issues or simply for leisure. Getting down to the floor and getting up again after is a great way to exercise muscles that aren’t often used, especially in seniors.

Sensory floor play is a great way to help calm and distract those who are feeling overwhelmed by their surroundings, provide fun, and helps kids explore the world around them.

Sensory rooms are becoming a fairly common presence in spaces like schools and health care settings, and sensory walls are another great option for reducing anxiety and encouraging interaction. These dedicated wall spaces are created with various tactile features that invite visitors to explore their senses, especially the sense of touch. Sensory walls are a beneficial addition to many public spaces including hospitals, schools, airports, and childcare centers.

A sensory wall for any space

A sensory wall is quite like how it sounds: space on a wall that uses a variety of high-touch toys and other items that encourage visitors to touch, feel and experience the effects of the sensory wall. Created on a wall that can be easily reached and experienced, a sensory wall should be accessible for everyone who visits.

Benefits of a sensory wall

Just like a sensory room, there are a number of benefits to installing a sensory wall in your space. Whether the intended users are children or adults, the benefits of a dedicated sensory space have been shown to have a positive effect on many parts of their lives.

Helps improve concentration and focus

When a child’s attention is drawn to a sensory wall, they are able to practice their concentration skills. Focused play will help them detach from high stress or anxiety-causing situations.

Can improve coordination and fine- and gross-motor development

The various activities included on a sensory wall, panel or tile can help a child improve fine motor skills like closing a button or zipper and picking up small objects, and gross motor skills involving their arms and torso.

Encourages social interaction

Playing with a sensory wall teaches kids how to interact with the world around them, including people. Interacting with adults and other children is a valuable skill that they’ll use throughout their lives.

Can help reduce anxiety and aggression

The ability to retreat from a stressful situation and instead focus on the calming effects of a sensory wall can help to reduce anxiety and aggressive behaviour. Being able to emotionally separate from a high-stress situation can help a child process their emotions before they become overwhelming and turn into aggression.

Promotes sharing

When sensory walls are located in an area that might have more than one child playing with it at once, they are able to practice their sharing skills together.

Improves creativity & problem-solving skills

Sensory walls present an excellent opportunity for kids to explore their creativity thanks to the open-ended nature of sensory play. With no set rules or guidelines, kids are able to play with the sensory wall in any way their imagination leads them to.

Stimulates senses

A sensory wall can engage not only the sense of touch, but also sight, smell and hearing. When one sense is stimulated, it’s common for others to become more sensitive as well.

Where to install a sensory wall

Sensory walls can be installed in a wide variety of settings where children and adults may benefit from a sensory experience. Since sensory walls can be as small as you’d like them to be, there are very few barriers to installing one.

Businesses and places that may benefit from a sensory wall can include:

• health centres and hospitals
• schools
• office spaces
• sports venues
• shopping malls
• airports
• daycares or day homes
• kids’ camps

Top products to include on a sensory wall

Sensory wall can be made as simple or complex as you’d like them to be. Some common things to include might be:

Pieces of carpeting or flooring – a variety of different carpet scraps including soft and coarse surfaces, or pieces of vinyl, wood, tile or plank floor samples can all provide unique tactile experiences.

Interesting fabrics – Textiles that include sequins, mesh, or fur are especially appealing.

Tactile wall tiles with a variety of touch experiences built in – These pre-made wall tiles make creating a sensory wall easy.

Wall panels that include a variety of tactile experience and UV or fibre optic lights – Larger than a wall tile, a wall panel includes a variety of different sensory experiences on one ready-made panel.

Beads, feathers and chains – Any materials that can provide an interesting or unique touch experience can be included in a sensory wall.

Velcro and zippers – Both the act of opening and closing Velcro and zippers, and just the feel of them under your fingers makes these a good addition to a sensory wall.

Wall murals – Custom designed for your space, sensory wall murals include a variety of different tactile items on a frame or mounted directly onto the wall.

Sensory walls are a great tool to incorporate into many spaces

Whether you have a full wall or just a small section to work with, incorporating a sensory wall into your home, school, office or other setting is a great way to encourage visitors of all ages and development levels to feel comfortable, relaxed, and welcome.  

Although sensory spaces are becoming quite common in places that focus on children, like schools and libraries, they aren’t yet the norm in other frequently visited public areas like airports, hospitals and shopping centers. Unfortunately, some of these settings are bound to offer quite a bit of sensory overload for someone that is already struggling. When a designer or architect is able to include some form of sensory room in their initial design process, the task is mush easier than trying to figure out how to create one after construction has been completed.

How to focus on sensory experiences in interior design

The practice of considering sensory needs when designing public spaces is a fairly new trend, however it’s one that is growing in popularity and importance. As more people are finding themselves coping with anxiety, stress and both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental processing disorders, the ability to take a pause is more needed than ever.

When designing public buildings, a great way to support these individuals is to incorporate sensory spaces as part of the initial design process, rather than as an afterthought. Creating a dedicated room or space for a sensory experience is a great way to ensure all public spaces are safe and welcoming to everyone, including those who may have troubles processing more engaging or busy places.

Even outside of a sensory room a building designer can include features and experiences that appeal to a wider audience. Incorporating wood, warm colours and plants can help turn a cool and stark space into something cozier and more welcoming, while installing carpet and sound dampeners can help muffle distracting and overwhelming sounds, for example.

Benefits of sensory spaces in public buildings

Much like in a school setting, a sensory room in a public building is meant to create a calming environment for anyone who visits. The ability to step away from a high energy space and into a calmer and more relaxing one can help both children and adults to better manage their mental health. Some top benefits of creating a sensory space in a public area may include:

• Helps reduce overstimulation
• Reduces anxiety and offers the chance to learn new coping mechanisms
• Encourages visitors to take on tasks that they may otherwise avoid, like going shopping or booking a trip
• Offers a place for people to retreat to when the outside space is becoming too overwhelming
• Engages the senses, without overwhelming or stressing them
• Offers an engaging space for education and development

Types of sensory spaces and tools to include

When adding a sensory space to a building that is already being used, we’re left at the mercy of what sort of space is available for the purpose. However, when creating new buildings designers are able to incorporate a dedicated space right from the get go during the design process. There are a number of difference sensory room styles and activities that could be included, depending on how much space we’re given to work with. Some ideas might include:

A dark room – Geared more for those who have vision impairments, a dark room might feel almost like a glow room. Tools like UV lights, florescent colours and soft, cushy set against a dark and dim background can offer a relaxing and calm oasis from the chaos outside.

An interactive room, or interactive tools within the room – Interactive projectors and virtual reality games encourage visitors to remove themselves from their current reality and instead engage with their immediate surroundings. This can help reduce the anxiety tied to their experience outside of the sensory space.

A garden space – Although not traditionally considered a sensory space, a garden is an excellent way to incorporate sensory space tools in a unique way. Being outdoors is often a relaxing experience for most, and if the space is designed with comfortable furniture and an abundance of peace and quiet, along with tactile experiences it can be the perfect option.

A traditional calming room – The most common sensory space is one that includes a variety of calming tools like dimmable lights, comfortable furniture, sensory toys, tactile rugs and wall panels and interactive technology. This combination of activities is suitable for visitors of all ages and cognitive abilities, so remains a top choice in any public space.  

Incorporating a sensory space is good for everyone

Although many people may not understand the need for a sensory space in a public building, the positive effects it can have will benefit everyone who comes in contact with someone who find value in it. The ability to step away from the anxiety-inducing needs of a public space and into an area that will allow them to breath and refocus their mind in a more manageable direction will help visitors approach the overstimulation outside in a healthier way.