9 Tips on How to Create a Sensory Room for Autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face challenges in processing sensory information and perceiving sensations differently. A sensory room for autism provides a calming space to help children self-regulate and manage sensory overload.

While specialized sensory rooms with advanced equipment are highly therapeutic, creating a similar environment at home can be simple and cost-effective.

With a few adjustments and everyday items, you can design a sensory space tailored to your child’s needs. Small spaces can work just as well as larger ones, offering a haven for de-stressing and sensory stimulation. Read on for practical tips to create a calming sensory room that fits your home and supports your child’s unique sensory needs.

1. Incorporate movement with simple tools

Creating an autism sensory room doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. Instead of investing in expensive swings, you can provide vestibular stimulation with items you may already have at home.

For example, bouncing on an exercise ball is an excellent way for your child to engage their balance and coordination. A rocking chair can offer a soothing, rhythmic motion that helps with self-regulation, while a mini-trampoline provides an exciting way to meet sensory needs.

These budget-friendly options are perfect for incorporating movement into your sensory room and ensuring it remains an effective space for calming and stimulation.

2. Create a relaxing atmosphere with soft lighting

You don’t need high-tech sensory lighting equipment to create an effective autism home sensory room. Simple additions like holiday lights, net lights, string lights, battery-powered candles, glow sticks, or lava lamps can provide a soothing glow.

Lighting is incredibly powerful—it subtly influences how we feel and can transform the atmosphere of a space.

For example, fluorescent overhead lights with a cool tone can feel harsh and uncomfortable, while warm, soft lighting promotes relaxation. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different lighting options to create a calming and inviting ambiance in your sensory room for autism.

3. Include a variety of sensory toys to avoid overstimulation

In sensory rooms for autism, it’s important to avoid overwhelming your child with too many items at once. I recommend organizing sensory toys into small bins or individual storage containers.

If there are too many items scattered around, it can create visual overstimulation, causing your child to lose interest. Instead, keep unused bins out of sight and introduce selected toys one at a time into your child’s sensory space.

Rotating the bins periodically can keep the environment engaging without overwhelming them, helping to maintain focus and reduce sensory overload.

4. DIY a crash pad for safe sensory play

Why not create your own crash pad as part of a sensory-friendly room? A simple Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solution is to take a large zip-up duvet cover and stuff it with pillows, blankets, large stuffed animals, etc. Zip it up, and let your child jump and crash into it.

Note: Crashing into a crash pad, jumping, climbing, crawling, pushing, pulling, lifting objects, or any sort of weight-bearing activity is great for providing proprioceptive input. 

Proprioception is the sensations from our joints and muscles that underlie body awareness. When we give our body this type of sensory input, it can help improve body awareness and is very calming for the body.

5. Incorporate therapeutic scents

You don’t need a fancy machine that sprays various aromas to enhance your sensory space. Simply take some essential oils, dab them on a cotton ball, and let your child smell it for a calming effect.

Playing with scented play dough is another great way to bring aromatherapy into your sensory space. The soothing scent of lavender, in particular, is known to help with relaxation and create a peaceful atmosphere.

6. Provide deep pressure with cozy spaces

A cost-effective option for creating a sensory room for autism is building a private “snuggle space” for deep pressure. You can use a play tent or even a blow-up kiddie pool, filling it with blankets and stuffed animals to create a cozy, comforting area.

Let your child burrow into the fluff for soothing sensory input. Another simple option is to roll your child up in a blanket or let them crawl under comforters and heavy blankets. This will provide calming deep pressure that promotes relaxation and body awareness.

7. DIY a tactile wall with household items

Creating a textured wall or board at home is a simple and effective way to engage your child’s senses. Using everyday household items, you can incorporate a variety of materials like old CDs, fabric swatches, bubble wrap, and more.

Gluing these items onto a board or wall provides a tactile surface that encourages exploration and can help your child learn about different textures.

For example, CDs placed shiny side up offer an interesting visual and tactile experience, with the smooth surface reflecting light in unique ways. This DIY project allows you to personalize the sensory experience, offering both tactile and visual stimulation. 

Pinterest is a great resource for more ideas, providing endless inspiration for crafting a tactile wall that suits your child’s specific sensory needs and preferences.

8. Offer vibration sensory input with a hand-held massager

Instead of an expensive massage mat or vibrating equipment, a simple hand-held massager can provide your child with vibration sensations.

A vibration massage can be very therapeutic and calming for a child who is a “seeker” and gives them the sensory input they crave. You can give your child a vibration massage by turning it on and rolling it up and down your child’s back, arms, and legs.

If your child does not like the sensation of the vibrations, never force it. Instead, you can try keeping it powered “OFF” and just use it to give a gentle rolling massage.

9. Use calming music to set the tone

You don’t need a state-of-the-art sound system. A simple stereo or inexpensive mini sound dock to play music over is a great option.

You can also play some songs on your phone to have as background noise in your sensory space. Music can change the way we feel. Songs with a steady beat have been shown to be calming and effective in lowering anxiety.

Our bodies respond and “sync up” to the music. Native American, Celtic, Indian stringed instruments, drums, and flutes are excellent at relaxing the mind.

Nature sounds, and sounds of rain, light jazz, classical, and easy listening music are very calming as well.

Tailor a sensory room for autism to fit your child’s needs

Best of luck as you incorporate sensory activities and items into your home! As you explore different sensory tools, take note of your child’s preferences by observing which items they gravitate toward and enjoy.

Finding what helps your child self-regulate often involves trial and error, as well as a bit of exploration. Through this process, you’ll be able to create a sensory room for autism that truly meets their unique needs, providing a supportive space for comfort and calm.

This article was featured in Issue 62 – Motherhood: An Enduring Love

FAQs

Q: What does a sensory room do for autism?

A: A sensory room provides a safe, calming space where individuals with autism can regulate sensory input and manage sensory sensitivities. It helps to reduce anxiety, overstimulation, and stress, promoting relaxation and focus.

Q: How do you build a sensory room for autism?

A: To build a sensory room, choose a quiet space with minimal distractions, and include sensory equipment like soft lighting, textured materials, noise-canceling headphones, and calming music. Ensure the room allows for both stimulation and relaxation, catering to different sensory needs.

Q: What is included in a sensory room?

A: A sensory room typically includes soft lighting (like fiber optics or LED lights), calming sounds or music, tactile objects (such as textured mats or fidget toys), and items for visual or vestibular stimulation, like bubble tubes or swings. It may also feature a cozy space for retreat, such as bean bags or soft cushions.

Q: How do you create an autism-friendly environment?

A: To create an autism-friendly environment, minimize sensory overload by using soft lighting, reducing noise, and ensuring clear, organized spaces. Incorporate visual supports, structure, and routines, while providing sensory-friendly tools and areas for both relaxation and engagement.

Other articles you may be interested in:

• Sensory-Friendly Halloween for Autistic Children
• Creating a Sensory Hallway: Tips for Schools and Homes