I recently shared my 5 must-haves for a multi-sensory room. But today I’m talking about 5 things to avoid in a multi-sensory room. These are things that are either common mistakes or mistakes that I have witnessed in the past and been able to learn from when setting up new multi-sensory rooms.
Multi-sensory rooms can be incredibly beneficial for all students. The room provides a safe and stimulating environment for students to explore and engage with their senses.
However, it’s very important that when we design the multi-sensory rooms, we ensure that they are appropriate and won’t cause any harm or discomfort. In this post, I’m going to be discussing the 5 items to avoid having in a multi-sensory room and why.
1. Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lighting can be overwhelming and overstimulating for many of our students. These lights can cause sensory overload and even lead to anxiety and discomfort. Instead, I recommend for people to opt for softer and more natural lighting options. These can be lights such as incandescent bulbs or LED lights with warm color temperatures.
2. Anything Loud or Sudden Noises
Loud or sudden noises can be extremely distressing for students, especially if you are using the room to try and help them self-regulate. These noises can trigger anxiety and sensory overload. I would recommend avoiding items like horns, loud speakers, or other equipment that could produce sudden or loud noises.
Music or sound effects can be really beneficial in a multi-sensory room. However, I would recommend finding sources of this where the volume can be kept at a comfortable level. And also put into places things that will avoid creating sudden changes in volume or pitch.
3. Sharp or Pointed Objects
When planning a multi-sensory room, it’s best to try and think of all the ways that it’s going to be used. I personally find that the room is perfect to take students who need some time to regulate and/or calm themselves down. For this reason, I can not stress enough how dangerous sharp or pointed objects can be. This is particularly if the students you work with tend to engage in self-injurious behaviors. Avoid items such as scissors, or other sharp objects. I’d also recommend covering up any screws and going over the room to ensure nothing is broken or hanging off. Consider using soft or cushioned equipment for tactile stimulation instead.
4. Overwhelming Scents
Strong or overwhelming scents can be overpowering for many of our students. These smells can actually cause sensory overload and/or lead to discomfort or distress for our students. Avoid perfumes, air fresheners, or other scented items and instead opt for natural scents such as essential oils or fresh flowers.
5. Unfamiliar or Uncomfortable Textures
The students who will access your multi-sensory room may have sensory sensitivities that make certain textures uncomfortable or distressing. It’s for this reason that I usually recommend to avoid items such as scratchy fabrics, sticky substances, or other textures that could trigger sensory overload or discomfort. Instead, I recommend choosing soft and comfortable materials such as plush pillows, weighted blankets, or soft toys.
By avoiding these 5 items in a multi-sensory room, you can create a safe and stimulating environment that supports their sensory needs and promotes exploration and engagement. It also ensures that the space is a safe place for students to go to when they need to self-regulate.
Remember to always be mindful of the individual needs and preferences of all of your students who will be accessing this room. Then, you can ensure that you are choosing items and equipment for the room accordingly. With careful planning and consideration, a multi-sensory room can be an incredibly valuable resource for students and the school as a community.
I hope you found this blog post helpful. If so, please consider sharing it on social media with your friends and colleagues.
Nikki
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