Fast Answers
What’s the idea behind sensory habitats?
Our goal is to create an enriched environment where children can satisfy their unspoken needs, and gain self-awareness and control. For example, swinging can mimic a person’s own internal rhythm, creating calm and sharpening attention. Over time, the child self-identifies when to interact in the Sensory Habitat rather than kick, hit, withdraw or disrupt others in the home.
Each of my children has different needs. How can I accommodate everyone in one Sensory Habitat?
We can help you! We generally begin by going through a checklist to identify your goals and each person’s needs:
- Is the purpose of the room for channeling energy or calming down or a hybrid?
- What is the age of each child or teen who will use the space?
- Is the space located in a separate room or basement, or is it part of the living room or bedroom?
- How many square feet is the designated area?
- What’s your budget range?
Based on the information you provide, we develop options that are customized to you needs. (For a free consult, email [email protected] or call 1.800.231.6329.)
We live in a small apartment. Is it possible to have a Sensory Habitat?
Yes, we can help you set up a permanent or portable Sensory Corner. Some of the equipment folds up, and other pieces can be attached when needed, such as a swing that is suspended from the doorway.
My child has never shown any interest in certain kinds of play. Should I stick to the tried-and-true?
While it’s valuable to know what your child has liked in the past, it’s not always prescriptive for the future. We would begin by discussing your child’s comfort zone, behavior challenges and goals. Then we would recommend therapy tools and equipment for a custom fit.
What’s usually in a Sensory Habitat?
While each Sensory Habitat can be customized, not one size-fits-all, below are several examples of what can be included:
- For heavy work, trampolines, rock walls, and obstacle courses provide rhythmic jumping, climbing and crawling that engage the body and sharpen focus.
- For massaging and tactile input, ball pits, fidgets, sensory bins and sand tables soothe and improve concentration.
- For relaxing movement, swings and rockers help channel energy and organize thoughts.
- For cozy and safe spaces, a pop-up tent with weighted blanket or fiber optic tunnel help provide a sense of control and counter feelings of being overwhelmed.
- For visual and auditory input, projected imagery and soothing music create a calming environment.
What do you suggest for teens?
We’d like to learn more about your teens to provide specific recommendations. Below are some ideas that can work well for teens:
- Show soft images on your white walls using a projector with projection wheels. Set up an interactive bubble tube with a soft platform and fiber optics for lighting. Turn off the regular lights.
- Place soft pillows, beanbag, futon, or a crash mat to lie down, relax or hang out.
- Swing on a Hammock for gentle rocking, or use a rocking platform and LED tunnel for gentle motion.
- Soothe with soft background music or music pumped into furniture, such as the Somatron chair.
- Use a room diffuser with calming aromatherapy or scented pillows.