Dr. Jakir Hossain Laskar, PhD
Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces at Home for ADHD, Autism
Making a sensory friendly area at home allows people with ADHD and autism to have a peaceful and safe surrounding. These areas contain the necessary items and stimulation to keep people focused or relaxed, providing respite from the overwhelming sensory input. This is a brief guide on how to create a sensory friendly area step by step.
- Recognize Sensory Requirements
Every individual that has ADHD, or autism, shares a distinct sensory profile and a range of sensory preferences.
Hypersensitivity: These individuals may find some things too overwhelming on the senses like a basic bright light, loud sounds or a rough fabric.
Hyposensitivity: They may seek deeper form of input like a lot of movement, adding pressure or vivid colors.
To build a suitable space, keep in mind the needs and dislikes of this individual as per their sensory profile.
- Identify Appropriate Area
Search for an area within the house that is low on sounds and foot traffic to ensure that the target person does not get distracted.
For Calming Spaces: Preferably use lockers, tables, or closets. They provide a sense of constriction but still are physiological safe.
For Active Sensory Needs: Select a surface that allows some roaming– even more space will suffice.
- Adjust the Intensity of Lighting
In preference sensitive areas, lighting has great importance in assisting with the goal.
Avoid shadows that reduce the brightness; Instead, Install adjustable lighting.
In regards to natural light, if too much exposure occurs, make use of blackout curtains or blinds.
Also include string lights or LED light strips and make sure that the colors are adjustable.
- Lower the Sound
Extraneous sounds can lead to feeling stressed and distracted.
Integrate sound blocking components, such as carpets, curtains, or sound panels.
White noise machines or calming music can be used to drown out other sounds.
For those who require relative quiet, supply ear muffs that cancel noise.
- Opt for Muted Coloring
Color can influence someone’s mood and how energetic they are.
Pick muted shades of blue, green or grey to create a relaxing mood in the room.
Keep away from shades that are too bright or have stark contrast as this tends to be overstimulating.
- Add Sensory Items
Use tailored sensory input systems for individuals:
Pride Based Requirements:
Lap pads or weighted blankets.
Lounge on soft cushions or bean bags.
Use fidget toys, stress relievers or sensory bottles.
Sensory Seeking Needs:
Use rocking chairs or swings.
Balance boards or mini trampolines.
Use tactile bins with sand, rice, water beads or any other materials.
- Arrange and Sort Out
A chaotic environment can be resultant in numerous difficulties.
Contain the items with bins and have shelving units.
Bins can have pictures or words for easy searching.
For frequent usage of sensory items, place them at arms length while putting the rest away to avoid overuse and saturation.
- Incorporate Textures Appropriate for Specific Individuals / Add Sensory Friendly Textures
Every person has some quite personal tactile preferences. Therefore, consider adding textures that would appeal to them.
Soft Textures: Such could include plush rugs, fuzzy blankets, or velvet cushions.
Smooth Surfaces: Those who dislike the feel of certain fabric textures may find comfort from wooden toys or plastic items.
Variety of Options: Provide a range of textures in a single place and allow them to pick out the most appealing one of the different textures on offer.
- Use Zoning as an Organizational Strategy
The space may be organized into zones designated for different activities and forms of engagement:
Calm Zone: This could be a space for relaxation and quiet moments, hence requiring dim lights and soft textures.
Activity Zone: Sensory filled toys and active play tools can be provided in this zone to encourage movement.
Focus Zone: This is ideal for homework, or any tasks, that require minimal disturbance, with an ergonomic focused chair.
- Include the Additions that are Personal to Everyone
Everything that will encourage and draw visitors to the area which is the primary purpose of this space would be perfect.
Some of the recommendations include displaying their favorite artwork, books or even sensory toys of their choosing.
Moreover, allow them to decide on colors or decorations or even themes that are soothing to them.
- Be Prepared to Change Your Approach at Any One Time
Although the needs may be consistent in nature initially, with time it becomes highly likely that they would shift, therefore it is recommended to be flexible:
To maintain engagement of the child, dissolve their boredom, every now and then change sensory tools and toys available.
Prefences always change. For this reason it is best to be flexible in regards to lighting, texture, or plain old simple structure/location.
- Let the Person be Part of the Participation
Assisting them in creating a comforting space for themselves is necessary. Therefore let the person who has ADHD or autism participate in the process.
Seek their opinion on what colors, tools, and layouts would best suit them.
Let them try out products and assess how well they suit their purpose for the space.
Sensory Friendly Room Examples
Autism Calming Corner:
Soft bean bag chair, weighted rug and blanket.
Wall LED lights and over ear canceling headphones.
Some fidget and tactile balls, spinners and other sensory toys.
ADHD Focus Area:
A quiet desk which has headphones for noise reduction.
A clock to keep track of time (such as a timer that implements Pomodoro technique).
Putty for stress and a pedal for a desk for stress while work.
Active Play Zone for Sensory Seeker:
A vertical hanging swing, or hammock.
A mini trampoline and foam mat for safety when playing.
Not too bright yet vibrant color when painting.
Conclusion
A sensory-coping room may be a great remodeling element to include in your house as it fills a purpose that people with ADHD or autism can easily rely on since it feels right and kind of empowering. Adjusting a place to fully fit their sensory input and output allows them to self regulate, focus and in general be better in a more tailored and safe space.
