Tag Archives: sensory strategies

Sensory strategies are techniques used to help children manage responses to sensory input, such as sounds, textures, or movement. These strategies support self-regulation, attention, and participation in learning environments. They are essential for helping children stay calm, focused, and engaged throughout the day.

Creating Sensory Spaces for Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced world, having a calming retreat is essential for individuals who may experience sensory overload, including children and adults with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or anxiety. Sensory spaces provide these much-needed areas of refuge, offering tools to regulate emotions, improve focus, and promote overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a therapist designing a clinic, an educator enhancing a classroom, or a parent creating a calming corner at home, sensory spaces can make a significant difference.

What is a Sensory Space?

A sensory space is a carefully designed environment that provides sensory input to help individuals regulate their emotions, behaviors, and sensory processing needs. These spaces are often used to support children and adults with sensory processing challenges, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory integration disorders. Sensory spaces can include calming elements like soft lighting, weighted blankets, and gentle music, as well as stimulating features such as textured surfaces, bubble tubes, and interactive activities. The goal is to create a balanced setting that promotes relaxation, focus, or engagement, depending on the individual’s needs.

The Importance of Sensory Spaces

Sensory spaces are vital for individuals with sensory processing challenges as they provide a safe, controlled environment to meet unique sensory needs. These spaces are essential for promoting emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and fostering focus and engagement. These spaces are more than just calming zones—they empower individuals by offering opportunities to explore sensory experiences in a controlled, therapeutic manner. Whether it’s the soothing glow of a bubble tube or the tactile engagement of sensory-rich objects, these elements foster relaxation, learning, and emotional balance. By offering a mix of calming and stimulating elements, sensory spaces empower individuals to better navigate their environments, enhance self-awareness, and build skills for independence. For children in therapeutic, educational, or home settings, these spaces are a critical tool for supporting holistic development and well-being.

Therapro’s Plug-and-Play Sensory Solutions

At Therapro, we understand the importance of accessible sensory solutions. Creating a sensory space doesn’t have to involve extensive renovations or large areas. Products like the Luminea Corner, SENcastle All-In-One Sensory Room, and Luminea Bubble Tube Kits offer practical, ready-to-use options for therapists, educators, and parents.

The Luminea Corner, a compact yet impactful sensory environment

Luminea Corner: This innovative solution combines sensory integration with skill development through its compatibility with the Luminea app. The app enables dynamic interaction with the bubble tube and fiber optic lights, offering a customizable light display that can be used to work on fine motor skills, visual perception, and speech goals. This dual-purpose setup not only creates a calming sensory retreat but also transforms the space into an engaging therapeutic tool tailored to individual developmental needs.

The SENcastle: Perfect for small spaces or as a cozy corner within a larger sensory room, the SENcastle All-In-One Sensory Room provides everything needed to create a calming and engaging environment for self-regulation and relaxation. Its centerpiece, a captivating light column, integrates visual and auditory elements to stimulate multiple senses. Additionally, the SENcastle includes weighted, vibrating, and tactile pillows that target the tactile, auditory, proprioceptive, and visual senses, making it a compact yet comprehensive solution for sensory integration and therapeutic support.

SENcastle all in one sensory solution
Luminea Bubble Tube Kit

Luminea Bubble Tube Kits: These versatile kits are designed to adapt to a variety of spaces, with three distinct base options that cater to different sensory and therapeutic needs. The simple protector module provides a sleek, minimalist design that safeguards the electronics while maintaining easy access. The square base offers a sturdy seating area, allowing users to sit comfortably and view the bubble tube from multiple angles, ideal for group or one-on-one sessions. The corner base is perfect for maximizing space efficiency, enabling users to interact with the bubble tube from a seated or floor-level position while enjoying a cozy, immersive experience. Each of these options ensures that the bubble tube is both functional and accessible, providing visual stimulation to support sensory integration and therapeutic goals.

Tips for Designing Your Sensory Space

  • Adapt to Your Space: With Therapro’s modular options, even small spaces can become sensory havens.
  • Prioritize Accessibility: Ensure the sensory tools are easy to access and interact with for users of all abilities.
  • Maximize Comfort: Incorporate soft seating, cushions, or mats to create a welcoming environment.
  • Incorporate Multi-Sensory Elements: Combine visual, tactile, and auditory stimuli for a holistic sensory experience.

Make the Most of Your Space with Therapro

At Therapro, we understand the challenges of designing sensory spaces. That’s why our solutions are thoughtfully designed to be effective, user-friendly, and adaptable. Whether you’re a professional or a parent, our sensory tools provide the perfect foundation for creating spaces that enhance well-being and promote regulation.

Explore the Luminea Corner, SENcastle, and Luminea Bubble Tube Kit to get started on your sensory space journey. Together, we can create environments where individuals feel calm, supported, and ready to thrive.

Recognizing Sensory Processing Challenges

Worried that your child may have sensory processing challenges? Here are some patterns of behaviors to look out for that can be indicative of sensory processing differences. 

Sensory Processing Red Flags

  1. Over-responsive to sensory input:
    • Expresses discomfort in response to loud sounds or bright lights
    • Aversive to light touch, teeth brushing, hair grooming, or clothing textures
    • Hesitant to climb and use moving playground equipment (swings, bikes)
    • Gags in response to certain smells or food textures
  2. Under-responsive to sensory input:
    • Constantly “on the move”  
    • Does not appear to register sensory stimuli, such as being touched or bumped
    • Craves frequent or intense sensory experiences (climbing, jumping, crashing)
  3. Motor Skill Challenges
    • Appears clumsy 
    • A limited repertoire of play activities
    • Difficulty letting peers “take the lead” in play
    • Avoids novel play activities or environments 
  4. Self-Regulation Challenges
    • Easily distracted by visual stimuli or background sounds 
    • Becomes overwhelmed, has meltdowns, or avoids multi-sensory environments, such as birthday parties, public events, or the classroom
    • Has difficulty transitioning between environments or activities 

My child shows some sensory processing challenges, what is next?

Just like people have individual personalities, we all have unique sensory preferences. As an adult, you have likely learned to cope with sensory and life stressors by seeking out input (either consciously or subconsciously) that is regulating for your sensory system. For example, you may take a warm shower to relax your body after a long day, go for a run to feel organized, or listen to music on headphones at a busy store. These sensory strategies help “feed” the nervous system and allow you to maintain a functional, regulated state.

Kids need support and guidance to find the inputs that help them feel “just right.” Here are some strategies that are generally calming for the nervous system. As always, these are child-led activities. Monitor your child’s response; if they have an aversive response or just do not like the activity, stop immediately. 

Proprioceptive Input (input that engages the muscles and joints):

Children's Climber and Rocker Board Combo
  • Pushing a shopping cart, carrying a backpack with heavy library books, or climbing on playground equipment 

Deep touch pressure to the whole body:

Rhythmic linear movement:

Sensory Soft Squeeze Seat by Bouncyband®

Oral input:

Chewelry Necklace/Bracelet
  • Chewing resistive foods such as gum, fruit leather, or large crunchy pretzels 

Cozy fort-like spaces:

  • Create cozy fort-like spaces with a pop-up tent or blanket and chairs. Be sure to include favorite stuffed animals, books to look at, and fidgets to squish.
Sensory Dark Den: Indoor Framed Tent

Tactile play:

Happy Senso
  • Explore different tactile bin play such as dry rice, putty, Kinetic Sand, or foam soap. Note: kids who are tactile sensitive may be aversive to this type of play so always invite into play but never force interaction. 
  • Pro tip: If a texture is new, you can put it in a plastic baggie, allowing the child to interact without sticky hands! 

Olfactory support:

  • For children who are hypersensitive to smell: Limit the use of scented sprays, soaps, cleaning products, or candles, and allow fresh air to circulate in your home.
  • For children who are not hypersensitive to smell: fresh flowers or satchels can be useful in creating a calming environment.  Lavender and chamomile are known for their calming properties. Note: Exercise caution when using aromatherapy as children tend to be more sensitive to smell than adults.

Over-responsivity supports:

  • Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out distracting or bothersome background noise
  • Wear a hood, hat, or sunglasses to help mute bright lights or visually busy environments
  • Providing a quiet space with dim lighting to take breaks from a chaotic environment

Need more help?

If you need more guidance, reach out to your local pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing and sensory integration therapy. You may benefit from additional parent support or your child may benefit from occupational therapy treatment.  

Guest Blogger: Taylor Mason, OT

Taylor Mason has 13 years of experience as an occupational therapist and is the proud owner of The Nurture Nook, a company dedicated to providing virtual support for parents of children with sensory and developmental challenges.

Sensory-Friendly Stocking Stuffers: Unwrap the Joy of Play!

Get ready to infuse sensory magic into your children’s holiday with sensory-friendly stocking stuffers! We’ve searched the Therapro shelves for products that can help your sensory seeking children; here’s a peek at some of our favorite stocking stuffer ideas to engage and delight your sensational kiddos.

Visual Vibes 🌈 

Revolving Tops: Watch Them Go
4 colorful plastic revolving tops

The vibrant colors and long spinning motion of these tops make them an excellent visual stimulator. As the tops twirl and spin, they create a mesmerizing display of colors, capturing the attention of children with sensory challenges. These tops not only engage the visual sense but also provide a delightful auditory experience as they whir and spin.

Theraputty Sparkle Exercise Putty: Visually Stimulating
Hand holding red sparkle putty

Sparkle putty adds a touch of visual magic to the sensory experience. The glittering effect inside the putty creates a visually appealing texture, making it both a visual and tactile delight. The vibrant red or yellow colors enhance the overall sensory engagement, providing a unique and festive stocking stuffer.

Wind Up Toys: Assorted Characters with Chomping, Waddling, Hopping, and Spinning Actions
wind up smiley face toy

Wind-up toys offer a playful and visually engaging experience. With a variety of characters that chomp, waddle, hop, spin, and more, these toys provide both visual and auditory stimulation. Watching the whimsical movements of these wind-up toys can be particularly captivating for children who seek sensory experiences.

DNA Ball : Filled with Mini Spheres in Neon Colors
Colorful DNA Ball

The DNA ball is a visually stimulating toy filled with mini spheres in bright neon colors. The twisting and turning motion of the ball, combined with the vibrant colors, create a visually dynamic experience. This sensory-friendly stocking stuffer not only engages the visual senses but also encourages exploration and manipulation.

Tactile Treasures 🤗

Tangles: Twistable and Textured
Tangle Jr. Totally Textured Metallic

Tangles are twistable and textured fidget toys that offers a tactile outlet for restless hands. With its interconnected pieces, children can twist, turn, and fidget to their heart’s content. The tactile feedback from the textured surface (textured, fuzzy, or textured metallic) can be calming and engaging.

Senseez: Handheld Sensory Soothables
Senseez® Handheld Sensory Soothables

Senseez® Handheld Sensory Soothables are handheld sensory tools that offer both tactile and proprioceptive input. The added benefit of washable covers makes them practical for regular use. Choose Cow, Turtle, or Jellyfish.

Koosh Ball: Shaggy, Shakable, Squeezable Fun
colorful assortment of Koosh Balls

The Koosh Ball is a classic tactile toy that provides a unique sensory experience. Its shaggy texture invites children to shake, squeeze, and even throw the ball. The varied tactile input from the soft, rubbery strands can be both entertaining and soothing.

Boinks Fidget: Marble-Filled Mesh Tube for Quiet Fidgeting

The Boinks Fidget is a discreet and quiet tactile tool that fits into the palm of the hand. The mesh plastic tube holds a marble inside, allowing for subtle manipulation. The gentle movement of the marble within the tube offers tactile stimulation without creating noise, making it an ideal fidget for various environments.

Auditory Adventures 🔊

Noise Putty: Squish and Create Funny Noises

Noise Putty adds an element of surprise and amusement to auditory play. Children can squish the putty with their hands to create funny and entertaining noises. This tactile and auditory combination makes noise putty a versatile and engaging stocking stuffer.

Rapper Snappers : Attention-Grabbing Sounds

Rapper Snappers are accordion-like plastic tubes that stretch out and push back together to produce surprising sounds. Children can create noises by talking or making sounds into the opening of the tube. The tactile feedback of stretching and compressing the tube adds an interactive element to auditory play.

Whistles and Blow Toys: Fun Auditory Exploration

Whistles and blow toys add an element of interactive auditory exploration to playtime. Level 1 whistles require minimal pressure increase over regular breathing, making them accessible and enjoyable for children with sensory challenges. Here are some recommendations:

  • Echo Microphone: A microphone that provides an echo effect, enhancing the auditory experience of spoken words or sounds.
  • Round Kazoo: This whistle requires less rounding of the lips over the mouthpiece as the mouthpiece is flatter than with most other whistles.

Olfactory Wonders 👃

Scented Dazzlin’ Dough: Fruity Scented Modeling Material

Scented Dazzlin’ Dough combines the tactile pleasure of modeling material with snazzy colors and fruity scents. Made with natural food-grade ingredients, this dough engages both the olfactory and tactile senses. Children can enjoy the sensory experience of molding and shaping while being enveloped in delightful scents.

Happy Senso Sensory Gel: Refreshing Scents in a Fun Sensory Gel

The Happy Senso Sensory Gel comes in a convenient 6.9 oz. spray can, offering a variety of delicious scents, including mint, tropical, sweetness, and neutral. This sensory gel provides a unique olfactory experience through the sense of smell. A quick spray can introduce refreshing scents into the hands, contributing to a positive sensory atmosphere.

Chew Stixx Pencil Toppers: Multi Sensory Exploration
Chew Stixx Pencil Topper in various colors

Chew Stixx Pencil Toppers come in a 2-pack with one smooth and one knobby topper. Gentle scents/flavors to choose from include: grape, mint, spearmint, and orange. Chewies with scents offer a multisensory experience by combining olfactory and gustatory senses. The pleasing scents add an extra dimension to oral exploration, providing a calming and enjoyable experience for sensational children.

Oral Bliss 😋

Chewable Jewelry : Stylish, Wearable, and Orally Satisfying Necklaces and Bracelets

Chewable jewelry makes for the perfect sensory-friendly stocking stuffer. When it comes to chews there are many options to choose from, here our some of our favorites:

various SpaceJet Chew with Break Away Clasp Necklace
  • Chewelry: Stylish necklaces and bracelets that serve as a safe alternative to chewing on clothing.
  • Space Jet Chew: A wearable chew with a space-themed design, providing a safe outlet for oral stimulation.
  • Brick Stick Textured Chew Necklace: Featuring textured surfaces, this chew necklace is designed to help calm, soothe, and self-regulate.
  • Chew Tags: Safe and wearable, these dog tag-shaped chews offer a discreet solution for children who need to chew.
  • Parachewer Bracelets: Parachewer Bracelets are cool and discrete chewable bracelets made of non-toxic nylon paracord and colorful tubing. They are durable and designed to withstand the toughest of chewers, offering a stylish and orally satisfying accessory.

Pro tip: need help deciding which chew is best, check out Therapro’s Choose Your Chew Handy Guide!

Vestibular Ventures 🕺

Move Your Body Thumball: An Interactive Movement Guide

The Move Your Body Thumball is a soft, squeezable 4″ size ball that fits perfectly into a stocking. Catch the ball and look at where the thumb is positioned to find directions for a physical activity to perform. This interactive and tactile tool encourages movement and provides a fun way to engage in physical activities.

Move Your Body Fun Deck : 60 Movement Activities

The Move Your Body Fun Deck is a collection of 60 movement activities on colorfully illustrated cards, with game ideas included. Stored in a cute tin container, these cards offer a variety of movement options to keep things interesting. These cards encourage physical activity and engagement.

Yoga Dice: Simple Movement Game for Focus and Flexibility

Yoga Dice is a simple movement game that helps increase focus and flexibility while teaching 36 yoga poses. Roll the dice to determine the pose and engage in a calming and physically beneficial activity. 

Proprioceptive Pleasures 🤲

Soft Wrist Weights : Gentle Proprioceptive Stimulation

Soft Wrist Weights encircle the wrists and provide gentle weight. They come in a pack of two and weigh 1/4 of a pound. Made of cozy blue fleece stretch fabric, these weights stimulate the proprioceptive system. The snug fit over the wrists offers a comfortable and subtle way to incorporate proprioceptive input.

B-Buddy Hand-Held Chew : Versatile Chewy for Jaw Stimulation

B-Buddy Chews provide proprioceptive input to the jaw and muscles of the mouth. This versatile chewy offers several ways to apply stimulation and is available in a smooth or bumpy texture for light to moderate chewers. The various textures allow for personalization based on individual preferences and needs.

And there you have it! A sensory wonderland awaits your sensational little ones. Mix, match, and watch the joy unfold as they unwrap these sensory-friendly stocking stuffers. Happy Holidays and a season full of sensory joy to you and your family from Therapro! 🎄🌈✨

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOTR, Retired