Sensory rooms have become valuable resources in schools, particularly for supporting students with additional needs, including those on the autism spectrum. As the popularity of sensory rooms continues to soar, there's mounting evidence toward establishing guidelines for their optimal use. Now a first-of-its-kind groundbreaking study by Cardiff University sheds light on how teachers can harness the full potential of sensory rooms to benefit their students. In this article, we will delve into the key research findings and practical suggestions for school teachers to make the most of these innovative spaces.

The Power of Sensory Rooms:

The research conducted by Cardiff University underscores the multifaceted benefits sensory rooms offer to autistic students, from a teacher’s perspective. These benefits include:

Improving Engagement, Attention, and Communication:
Sensory rooms provide a safe and stimulating environment that encourages autistic students to engage with various sensory stimuli. This increased engagement, in turn, enhances their attention span and aids in fostering better communication skills.

Reducing Anxiety and Distress:
The soothing and calming atmosphere of sensory rooms can help alleviate anxiety and distress experienced by autistic students. By offering a controlled environment to regulate sensory inputs, sensory rooms become a haven for students during times of stress.

Building Relationships between Students and Teachers:
Sensory rooms create opportunities for one-on-one interactions between teachers and students. These personal interactions can strengthen the bond between them, leading to a deeper understanding of the student's needs and preferences.

Supporting Learning and Teaching:
The positive impact of sensory rooms extends beyond emotional and behavioural aspects. Teachers reported that when integrated thoughtfully into the curriculum, sensory room activities can complement and reinforce the learning process, making it more effective for autistic students.

Active Teacher Involvement

One crucial takeaway from the study is that active teacher or carer involvement is pivotal in ensuring the success of sensory rooms. Teachers are best placed to customise the experience based on individual students' needs, preferences, and developmental levels. In doing so, they can create personalised and meaningful sensory experiences that foster growth and development.

Practical Strategies for Maximising Benefits

The research from Cardiff University offers practical suggestions for teachers and schools to optimise the benefits of sensory rooms for their autistic students. Here are some of our suggestions based on the evidence:

Student-Centric Approach: Allow students to choose their preferred sensory equipment. By observing their responses and preferences, teachers can identify which stimuli are most engaging and motivating for each student.

Sensory Needs Assessment: Conduct sensory needs assessments through questionnaires or observations to better understand each student's sensory profile. This information can guide the selection of appropriate sensory equipment tailored to the individual.

Considering Ability Levels: Adjust the complexity and cognitive demand of sensory equipment based on each student's ability level. Higher-ability students may benefit from more challenging and intellectually stimulating activities.

Empowering Student Autonomy: Grant students control over the equipment and the environment within the sensory room. This sense of autonomy empowers them, promotes positive behaviour, and fosters independent decision-making skills. Offering choices, voting systems, and encouraging active engagement with the equipment can be highly beneficial.

Transferring Learning to the Classroom: To create lasting effects, integrate similar sensory strategies or follow-up activities in the classroom setting. By doing so, teachers can reinforce the skills and knowledge acquired in the sensory room, ensuring a seamless transition between environments.

Conclusion:

Sensory rooms are powerful tools that hold immense potential in supporting the development, learning, and wellbeing particularly of autistic students. Cardiff University's research provides a solid foundation for teachers and schools to harness the benefits of sensory rooms effectively. 

However, it is essential to remember that each student is unique, and teachers' creative adaptations and ongoing evaluation are key to tailoring the sensory room experience for maximum impact. By embracing this approach, educators can create nurturing environments that empower autistic students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. 

Mike Ayres Design's expertise in designing and installing Sensory Rooms, Sensory Integration equipment and Multi Sensory Environments make them a valuable partner for schools seeking ways to truly cater to the needs of their students. Mike Ayres Design offers free design consultations which you can request here: https://www.mikeayresdesign.co.uk/pages/book-a-free-design-visit

Sensory Room Guide provided courtesy of:
Wales Autism Research Centre (2023). The Cardiff University Sensory Room Guide