A custom sensory room offers a calming space for children with ASD, reducing sensory overload.
Sensory rooms are specially designed environments that provide controlled sensory stimulation and relaxation, making them perfect for children on the autism spectrum. With elements like soft lighting, soothing sounds, and tactile objects, sensory rooms support self-calming, self-regulation, and sensory-motor development.
Want to create a sensory space at home? Optism shares expert tips for building the best DIY sensory room tailored to your child’s needs. Read on to learn more!
Before you begin working on your DIY sensory room, consider key factors like your child’s age, the available space, and your primary goal—are you aiming to develop sensory skills or create a calming environment?
For inspiration, the Taksen family focused on observing the sensory elements their nine-year-old son Tyriz enjoys most and experimented to find what worked best for him.
“Our son really loves the swing when he visits the playground, so we got the idea to install one in the house for when he feels the need to relax and calm down,” says Farah Marcy.
Farah and her husband Tadaffee attached a sensory swing to a pull-up bar on one of their door frames.
“The fabric cocoons around Tyriz and makes him feel safe. He used to just enjoy sitting there, but now he loves swinging on it too.” The swing is detachable, allowing the family to bring it along when they travel.
Additionally, the Taksen family integrated a trampoline into their living room. This setup helps Tyriz release energy, reduce stress, and supports the development of his vestibular system.
Creating a calming sensory space begins with choosing a quiet area in your home, away from distractions. Enhance the room's acoustics by adding soundproofing materials like acoustic foam or hanging blankets on walls and doors to minimize noise.
For optimal lighting, avoid rooms with many windows or use blackout curtains to block out natural light. Opt for flicker-free, full-spectrum lighting and consider installing dimmer switches to easily adjust brightness levels based on your child’s needs.
Occupational therapist Gundeep Singh from the Child Development Centre suggests,
“If the apartment is small, parents can designate a small space by using easily removable texture mats on the floor. Use colored plastic sheets on light bulbs to produce colored light instead of using expensive fiber optics.”
Experts recommend using cool or neutral colors for the walls of your sensory room. Off-white walls, in particular, are ideal as they enhance light projection and reflection while avoiding overwhelming brightness.
Tigerplay, a UK-based play space design company, frequently collaborates with learning specialists to create sensory environments tailored to specific needs. According to their Research & Development Coordinator, Lou Riley, parents should "opt for calming colors and minimalistic designs to avoid overstimulation. Avoid bright whites or strong primary colors that can be seen as fluorescent.”
For eco-conscious families, Tigerplay’s sensory rooms incorporate sustainable materials, such as energy-efficient LED lighting, soft play items made with recycled foam, and eco-friendly coverings for soft furnishings.
Incorporating multiple sensory elements can help create a holistic and calming sensory experience tailored to your child’s needs.
Visual: Bubble tubes, lava lamps, and bubble mirrors provide soothing visual displays and optical illusions. For larger spaces, consider textured walls, fiber optics, music touchwalls, balance beams, and illuminated ball pools to enhance the sensory environment.
Oro-motor: Tools like chewy tubes, vibrating brushes, and bubble blow toys can support speech and feeding development.nt.
Tactile: Interactive liquid tiles, ball chairs, fidget toys, Theraputty, weighted blankets, and kinetic sand offer tactile stimulation and energy release. Budget-friendly options like sensory bins, sensory bottles, and homemade modeling clay are also great additions.
Explore budget-friendly options like sensory bins, sensory bottles, and colored sensory materials. Additionally, consider making homemade modeling clay.
Auditory: White noise machines, recordings of nature sounds, and musical instruments like drums can improve auditory processing skills.
Olfactory: Color-changing aroma diffusers or aroma dough engage the sense of smell. Always consider your child’s sensitivities before introducing scents.
"Ultimately the kind of sensory elements to include depends on your child’s specific needs,” says Jason Hsieh of LakiKid, a leading sensory product provider.
“Your child can be sensory seeking or sensory avoiding. Talk to them and ask them what they like. Design the space together and include their favorite toys, so they can take ownership and keep the space both fun and tidy.”
Safety is a top priority when creating a DIY sensory room. Start by choosing soft, padded flooring or mats to cushion potential falls. Pad the lower parts of walls, cover or round sharp furniture edges, and use childproof covers on electrical outlets. Securely anchor equipment and heavy objects, and ensure the room has adequate ventilation to maintain good air quality and prevent overheating.
Occupational therapist Gundeep Singh advises consulting with your child’s occupational therapist before introducing sensory toys or equipment. However, general safety tips include using age-appropriate toys and avoiding overcrowding the space to keep it clutter-free. Select non-toxic, child-friendly materials from reputable manufacturers to minimize risks. Always consider your child’s sensory sensitivities, allergies, or other challenges when choosing materials and equipment.
To add structure, consider incorporating a visual schedule within the sensory room. Adult supervision is essential, particularly for children requiring additional support. Jason emphasizes the importance of setting clear ground rules: “Establish expectations with your child, so they understand this is a place where they can take a break when needing sensory stimulations or feeling sensory overload. It’s not a place to watch TV or avoid homework!”
Routine inspections are crucial to maintaining safety and functionality. Check sensory equipment regularly, adhere to the manufacturer’s weight limits and usage guidelines, and keep the space clean. Vacuum carpets and the area beneath floor padding frequently, and mop hard floors with soapy water. Sensory toys and equipment should also be cleaned and sanitized regularly to maintain hygiene.
Lou highlights the importance of adapting the sensory room to your child’s changing needs: “Gradually introduce new elements or modify existing ones to match the child’s developmental stage. Keep communication open with the child and seek their input as they grow and their preferences change.”
Creating a sensory room is not just about the environment—it’s also an opportunity to strengthen the bond with your child. Occupational therapist Gundeep Singh emphasizes the importance of active participation: “Join your child’s play sessions. Involve yourself and work together. Children love to see their parents follow what they do, so be a child with them and enjoy. This also helps parents learn more about their child’s needs. Tidying up together is a perfect example of doing an activity with your child.”
Engaging with your child in their sensory room allows you to better understand their preferences and sensory needs while creating moments of joy and connection. Activities like exploring sensory toys, trying out tactile objects, or simply sitting and relaxing together can foster trust and communication.
Even routine tasks, like cleaning up after a play session, become opportunities for teamwork and learning. These shared moments not only benefit your child’s development but also create lasting memories for both of you.
