FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to questions you might have about sensory rooms and how best to help autistic and special needs children.
What is sensory therapy for autistic children?
Sensory therapy for autistic children is an intervention designed to help develop an individual's sensory processing skills and regulate their sensory systems. This type of therapy often involves activities that engage multiple senses, such as swinging, rocking, bouncing, brushing, and playing with tactile toys. Sensory therapy can help children with autism better understand and interact with their environment, as well as improve their communication, social, and motor skills.
What is a mobile sensory room?
A mobile sensory room is a space designed to provide an immersive environment for people with autism and other special needs. It typically consists of sensory equipment such as lights, sounds, textures, and objects that stimulate the senses, which can help to regulate and calm the user.
What kind of equipment is typically found in a sensory room?
Sensory rooms typically include items such as bean bags, swings, bubble tubes, fiber optic lights, projectors, weighted blankets, crash mats, mirrors, tactile toys and other sensory equipment to help provide a stimulating environment for those with sensory needs.
How can a sensory room be used to promote positive behaviour in autistic children?
A sensory room can be used to promote positive behaviour in autistic children by providing a safe and calming environment where they can explore and engage in activities that stimulate their senses. Sensory rooms are designed to promote sensory integration, which has been shown to help regulate behaviour in autistic children. The calming atmosphere of the room can also help decrease anxiety and sensory overload, allowing autistic children to be better able to focus on positive behaviours.
What advice do you have for parents who want to help their autistic child?
It is important to remember that every individual is unique, so it is important to find out what works best for your child. Some general tips for parents of autistic children include: providing a structured and predictable environment, developing consistent routines and rules, using visual supports to aid communication and understanding, offering choices and allowing for independence, and encouraging participation in activities that are enjoyable and meaningful to your child. Additionally, it is important to seek advice and support from professionals, other parents, and autism organisations.
What advice do you have for schools and teachers who want to help their autistic students?
Schools and teachers should strive to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for autistic students. It's important to provide clear and consistent expectations, instructions, and routines. Providing visual supports and communication aids, such as picture charts, can be very beneficial in helping autistic students understand instructions and stay organise. Additionally, teachers should create positive reinforcement strategies, such as rewards for completing tasks or reaching goals, to help motivate and encourage autistic students. Finally, it's important to provide accommodations, such as a quiet place for completing work, or extended time for tests, to help create an optimal learning experience for autistic students.
What problems and challenges do parents and caregivers of autistic children face?
Parents and caregivers of autistic children often face a variety of challenges related to the care of their child. These challenges can range from communication and social interaction issues, to sensory processing issues, to learning and behavioural difficulties. Other challenges include understanding the needs and behaviours of the individual, finding appropriate therapeutic interventions, navigating the educational system, and managing financial concerns. Parents and caregivers may also face additional stress due to the uncertainty and lack of understanding surrounding autism.
How can a sensory room and a trained occupational therapist help parents, teachers and caregivers of autistic children?
A sensory room, equipped with specially designed tools and materials, and a trained occupational therapist can help parents, teachers and caregivers of autistic children by providing a safe, calming environment in which they can express their feelings, while at the same time helping them manage their emotions and manage their behaviour. The occupational therapist also provides support and guidance to parents, teachers and caregivers, so they can better understand their child's needs and how they can best meet them.
How do sensory rooms help autistic children?
Sensory rooms help autistic children by providing a space to regulate their senses and manage their emotions. Sensory rooms often include calming lighting, vibration equipment, soft objects, and other sensory-based items that can help autistic children to self-regulate, gain mental clarity, and relax.
Are there any safety concerns regarding the use of sensory rooms for autistic children?
Yes, there are safety concerns when it comes to using sensory rooms for autistic children. It's important to make sure that the room is properly designed and constructed with safety in mind. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the toys and materials used in the sensory room are safe for use by children with autism. Finally, it's important to ensure that the room is supervised at all times to ensure the safety of the children.
How often should autistic children use a sensory room in order to receive the maximum benefit?
The frequency of use of a sensory room for an autistic child will vary depending on the individual and the type of sensory room. Generally speaking, autistic children should use a sensory room once or twice a week. However, some may require more frequent use in order to receive the maximum benefit.
How can autistic children benefit from seeing a trained occupational therapist?
Autistic children can benefit from seeing a trained occupational therapist by learning strategies to adapt to their environment, develop skills needed for everyday living, become more independent, regulate sensory input, coordinate motor activities, and improve communication. Occupational therapists can also help with family, teacher and caregiver training to ensure the child's needs are met.

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Don't Let Your Autistic Child Wait Any Longer To Get The Care They Need
Rocking The Senses provides a mobile sensory room for autistic children that can visit the child at school or at home.
Our trained occupational therapists create a safe and calming environment that helps autistic kids develop skills needed for everyday living, become more independent, regulate sensory input, coordinate motor activities, and improve communication.
Our mobile sensory room and experienced therapists can help children on the autism spectrum reach their full potential and reach milestones that would be difficult to achieve without our help.

