The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus and Learn

[@edutopia]

Create a free account today to join the Edutopia community and subscribe to our weekly newsletter: edut.to/3wEVHUh

[@chillikid1]

As an adult with autism who couldn't concentrate in class this makes me so emotional that this actually exists in life. So humbling. THANK YOU legit crying

[@therandomoccult1159]

I know right it's So good like iwish I could have had/have this in my life

[@l.m.9042]

I feel the same way :D

[@Wc7823]

❤

[@korahholl810]

Same here, I am a 15 yr old female with Aspergers (on the autism spectrum) and I’ve had the WORST trauma at school throughout my entire life. My parents never got a real grip on my “issues” until now. They looked into autism when I was smaller, but never hooked onto it. My teachers KNEW I was autistic and KNEW what was good for me, but my parents ignored it. Like they didn’t want to except that I was different from others. Now, A DECADE LATER my parents finally got their act together and diagnosed me with autism. They understand me better and know me so much better than they ever did. All I have to say is I WISH I would’ve had this as a kid. This is perfect in every way and it makes me wanna cry. You are NOT alone my friend ♥️. Through passing out, breaking teeth, bone skinny, shaking of fear, overwhelmed, bright lights, triggering smells, colliding sounds, not understanding, melt downs, tears, dizzy walls, and a brain full of rainbows and fantasies… I AM DONE. I am ready to move on and make the best of who I am. My dream is to go to school normally and happily, and I know I can do it, I just need the right support. Sorry for the vent 💔

[@Nikita-xz6wi]

It's okay:) It's ur sensory Room 👍

[@97AshleyRose]

I wished they had a room like that in public school it probably would’ve helped me so much. I could also see a room like that benefiting people with anger issues or ADHD or anxiety

[@Erules-fi4tk]

Same I’ve got ADHD and Autism this would of helped a lot

[@ev9168]

Yes! I have ADHD and this would be a great place go when i need a break.

[@ddowner77]

Yep. I think it is sad that they do not offer it. I feel like the public school system needs an overhaul snd to actually be created to help kids learn

[@Someone-gj1tp]

@@ev9168 by seeing all those comments of people with ADHD, i can selfishly say we are not suffering alone... GOD bless you my dear.. pray for my kid too..

[@QueenD8912]

or even neurotypical students that need a break that way everyone is included 🤗 it would be better then having them stand outside like most middle school teachers have done with my teen boys they both have adhd.

[@rainbow_T]

This is wonderful so refreshing as an autistic person myself to see this encouraging how autistic people can be helped not this trending videos that pop up saying that us autistic people need to be cured cos we don't. God bless you people who made this. We should have more videos like this!!!

[@pshapiro]

Public libraries need these rooms. Museums need these rooms. Hospitals need these rooms. Airports need these rooms. Hotels need these rooms. Highway rest stops need these rooms. Thanks, Edutopia.

[@chrissame]

Amen to that! Need these everywhere.

[@swatipande8891]

Phil Shapiro आकग

[@pl4sticvamp]

Phil Shapiro ur absolutely correct

[@joJ10_]

You forgot one All school's need these rooms

[@susuilu]

Schools need these rooms

[@brendanm4179]

Our sensory room is so small, literally made for 1 child at a time which doesn't help at all. This school is doing it properly. Even the seating layout and adult ratio in class. Well done.

[@manofsteelgoodmanll7925]

I'm autistic as well but gifted and very independent I share my entire love and support to those who are as unique as me your not alone..keep being great and superior guys.Stay strong and don't give up or allow anyone to break your inner strengths.

[@MyOTMe]

I have found that movement breaks for kids are so important and it is great to see them becoming more common in schools. From a sensory point of view, I have found these books really helpful also. 1. The out of sync child. 2. Building bridges through S.I 3. Your essential guide to understanding sensory processing disorder. Jess.

[@katiefedele1813]

They should have these in every preschool, elementary, middle and high school (with limits on how long they can go for, of course.) It should be open to everyone, not just those in special ed. This is an amazing way to teach them how to get their aggression out. Every workplace should have at least a punching bag. Heck, every household should have one. So many times I see things in special ed and think "if only this was available to ALL students!"

[@navyblue9355]

exactly! Autism has been way too pathologised, we may struggle more with sensory overload, but everyone will benefit from these being implemented into regular classes! it would also be helpful for undiagnosed kids or people with other conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, etc.

[@mcdjinn6975]

Unfortunately, there has to be something separate, because the "normal" kids will monopolize the room and/or harass the special ed kids.

[@angelamadrid50]

I agree 100%

[@machisatsukitane]

@@mcdjinn6975 thats true

[@yeetirosina]

My school is lucky to have a place similar to this so the students here are lucky it seems

[@Samantha-qk4nr]

I am visualizing myself helping children with special needs. Gonna be a future SPED Teacher and I am working and pursuing it already!!!

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

Same I’m close to entering my program I’m so excited

[@mireladelcea7495]

SPED teacher? What 's the meaning if you don't mind🥰 Thanks!

[@crushingwithci]

@@mireladelcea7495 Special Education Teacher

[@MichaelAwesome1]

I recently wrote a grant to get a sensory room (Yurt) at my day camp...fingers crossed everyone!

[@hm6134]

Was it granted?

[@alt8338]

Yeah was it?

[@bulbapig441]

Sadly doesn't seem so :(

[@alet4054]

My kids are not autistic but all the kids need this! Kids seat for a very long time in classrooms! I’ll probably make a station for my kids whom I’m homeschooling.

[@mikerich8661]

ALL schools in the United States and around the world need to have a room like this, not just for students with autism but for those with sensory issues, rather or not, they have autism.

[@2exclusive4u2see]

This is great. Humans werent meant to sit in a room and stare at a teacher for 7 hours.

[@Tangledvine502]

I agree this needs to exist pronto even for non special needs kids.. how much is the cost

[@vivianpham7742]

@@Tangledvine502 probably a few thousand dollars. Sensory toys are quite expensive.

[@AmeliaEarhart537]

Sadly my father and grandfather believe that 🤦‍♀️ I'm homeschooled so I get four hours of school, but I still have to take a billion breaks in between.

[@bolivarsamirahs.1507]

This is a great idea. I just wish every school have this, to helps student focus especially for special learners.

[@therandomoccult1159]

As a teen with autism this makes me so happy I just stimmed and cried through the whole video I mean it clearly is done from a place of listening to the actual disabled kids needs rather then assuming. My whole life people have assumed wat Me and my brother want and need and in reality they get it so wrong. The fact U just let them do what they need and dont judge is amazing now someone get me on the swing and I wanna throw myself on a crash pad

[@heidithomas5455]

I'm proud to be a teacher in CT. These rooms are in many of our schools and really do work. Some of these sensory motivators can be found in mainstream classrooms. Works for many different types of students.

[@nilanjanadas4675]

Hi ru from Australia or USA? Is there a school like this in Sydney, Australia??

[@edutopia]

Hanover Elementary School is in the U.S. You can read more about their sensory room here: www.edutopia.org/article/sensory-room-101-betty-ray. This school not far from Sydney, Australia has a sensory room: fisherrd-s.schools.nsw.gov.au/programs/sensory-snoezelen.html.

[@svitlanagupta5780]

​@@edutopia no UK?

[@edutopia]

There are sensory rooms in schools in the UK. You'll need to do a search to find if they're in your community, though.

[@hiitsme6639]

This is not just for students with autism. I have students that are not on the spectrum, but have sensory processing disorder. This also helps children who have ADHD ,etc.

[@debbiewood5425]

What a wonderful blessing to be able to offer such a cool room that stimulates learning as well as knowing how to read. They get all the juggles out and opens that space in their heads and bodies so that learning can take place ! Bravo !!!!

[@toshiablake5141]

Wow, I'm a teacher and our kids would love a room like this. Love it

[@keciaaskew5166]

I’m also a teacher myself, and my 2 year old children would love a sensory room like this.

[@Gagandeepsingh-pi4qg]

Awesome therapist, my son is Autistic child 4.5 years old never have seen so much dedicated teachers and staff

[@gIitter]

being a person who is easily overwhelmed. if its noises, people or just if I have too do to much at once, I really appreciate this idea. and I sorta do the same with my bed, my bed is my favorite thing because it has all the stuff I love, my blanket it's a fluffy one and it's my favorite. I like the textures of both sides, my stuffed animals, and I have many more I can put on my bed if I wanted too. my pillows, I even got a fluffy pillow, it's just all so nice. if I were to be overwhelmed, upset. I can be on my bed and just feel better

[@gailproud25]

Fantastic thank you for sharing, I work with young people in a Special School in Kent England. We have a sensory room up and running but watching you video I know we could add more elements for the students.

[@laurieburns4004]

This might be the answer for our K-3 school. We have more out of control students than ever! This would be a great preventative!!

[@Missjune124]

Love this! I also have a sensory room and I think all schools should have one. Especially if there is lots of Special Needs kids.

[@angelamadrid50]

This is amazing to have in schools! I wish all schools would have a sensory room because all children who have disabilities of any kind deserves to be included!

[@IrmaSmegen]

Beautiful!! I hope this will inspire many teachers. Not only for students with autism.

[@sineadx100]

I love this! More places should have sensory rooms. My son does sensory exercises at home and it helps him so much. ❤

[@OneWheatMarkFanLol]

As someone who has autism and sensory processing I really LOVE sensory rooms, it is a dream for me to have my own room with stuff like plushy or more fun silly stuff :D!

[@debandkofisaeed4765]

This is Genius! I love this. I have a daughter who has autism and she would benefit from a room like this. I have another daughter who doesn't have autism but does have sensory processing disorder and she would benefit from this also. I hope that some day I can make a room like this in my house. It's so amazing.

[@katemorse2933]

I love this sensory room as a coping strategy for students with autism, such as, it has swings for those who like the back and forth sensation, pushing the lights on a wall, improving hand eye coordination, balancing improving motor, punching a bag to release stress and emotions, and bouncing on balls to release everything before having the students rotate into the different stations. From taking this 30 min break students are more likely to listen, be engaged, and be happy while learning.

[@nyct0phile]

im planning on majoring in special education and im hoping this is what i could make the classroom look like, or at least a good portion of it. this looks so beautiful and id love to offer something like this for kids to be able to express themselves

[@tiffweilbacher6206]

Every school in America needs a room like this!! This is amazing!

[@jazmynboatman7629]

Tiff Weilbacher I agree

[@pandy024]

And everywhere else, not just America

[@RA-fk8yw]

This is phenomenal! Every school should have one.

[@nancycatania7763]

I have seen this is action....it works! It should be in every Autism Spectrum class.

[@beautifulsoul8432]

I totally agree 😢

[@ashleybrock9479]

I am so happy that I came across this video. I possibly have autism, and I think a sensory room might be a good idea for me. I just have to find a way to make one in my apartment.

[@monicamaree4722]

This had me so emotional to see. My little one is only 2 years old and we are so afraid of what lies ahead for him. Seeing this was really so so amazing.

[@whitneylee8703]

All schools including university and high schools need this

[@MariaRivera-fz2uh]

That's a great idea help children with autism release all stress and all fussations out. Before class starts.

[@denisesheehan9189]

My students need varying input at the same time. I find having a calming space and a separate active sensory stimulation room work better. In fact, an outdoor sensory playground can be very appropriate.

[@Alexy914]

This is fantastic, I love it! Sensory integration room is an amazing thing, this is adorable, no doubt!

[@lolitalolita7561]

So glad I watched this. There’s a park near my house with a sensory oath in the playground. I did not know about the 10 pound ball. I think my child could really benefit from lifting something to release his tension. Thank you!

[@evmazz67]

This is wonderful and wish there were one in every school. I go to preschools where children I sitting for 1.5-2 hours without movement break going from one sitting activity to another which is completely inappropriate.

[@rhondahoward8025]

This is all excellent and I especially like the crash pads for kids who are used to crashing into walls and banging their heads. It's a safe alternative!

[@mikesart]

I wish they had one of these in my school as an autistic kid who has very bad anxiety PTSD and has really a lot of triggers especially when it comes to death and things like that and my involuntary age regression I feel like a room like that is needed in every school so that way everyone feels supported and loved and they have a safe space

[@evelynrivas5099]

I love the structure of this sensory room. I think all the programs need one.

[@xmoonwaklkerx8293]

I am autistic and my school has a sensory room and I LOVE it!!

[@Jtannn816]

This is so wonderful, I hope that they would have this on our district for when my daughter who has autism goes to school

[@kingofthomas]

That´s awesome !! I wish I had something like this as a child

[@97AshleyRose]

Thomas Waller same

[@hm6134]

Its never too late to get sensory items to help you whenever you need them

[@seanbyrne9546]

Stephany Redfield that is right

[@seanbyrne9546]

I have a sensory room in my school

[@bug3776]

This is very helpful!! I’m making a club at my school for people how need sensory breaks!!

[@Someone-gj1tp]

after watching this video, suddenly a deep desire aroused in my heart, why can't i live in such country which has these facilities (affordable) for kids with autism.. alas i am living in a place where there is no such facility nearby, the nearest autism center is cost prohibitive for me, i can't even afford two 30-min sessions per week, coz they cause 40% of my income collectively per month, tried attending sessions for 3-4 months but now we are almost broke, under debt... but i am working hard, day+ night, just to get to a point where i can afford them again, coz my child needs it... i request all of you lovely people out there to pray for me and my 5-year-old kid , who has sensory/behavior issues, he is intellegent, can even speak Z to A backwords, even knows 5-6 words of each letter, but can't say dad or mama, he does not communicate at all... God Bless you all ...

[@pesa9518]

Oh dear, thats really tough. But as an occupational therapist who successfully helps children with sensory needs, I can assure you that you can give your child all the same input with things you can find around the house. Educating yourself so that you understand your son's needs is way more important than the specific physical items in the room.

[@joeslouie489]

Almost every single school has one or two of these. It's pretty fun. And age doesn't matter with these rooms. Even high school kids can use anything here

[@KotToons]

love this, I don't have autism but i am trying to learn to work with people who have it

[@pearldomingo9178]

Wow! This is amazing! I have the same idea for what our resource room would look like and this just showed that it can be possible. Thank you!

[@nelliemusignac]

As the mom of an asd child starting preK, i wish the schools had these rooms to help the children throughout the day.

[@lastchanc3stars]

Holy macaroni, this is awesome!! I'm around the age of the kids in the video, though I won't disclose my age exactly 🤫, and there's a room similar to this in my school! It's alot smaller, with alot less things to do; but the floor is made up of those puzzle-piece foam pads, and there's a crash pad and mini-trampoline- there's also a tent in the corner with weighted blankets inside and two of those neon bubble lamps on either side of the tent so there's a calming light. I'm not "low-functioning" enough to be in there regularly, but sometimes I use my recess to just go ham in that room! Autism awareness in schools is so epic.

[@edutopia]

We love hearing that you have access to a room like that! Kudos to your school. ⭐

[@laguna888888]

Oh, you're awesome. I need a room like this even as an adult.

[@Reluctant.Idealist]

This is so incredibly amazing. I think, living in a modern world, everyone on some level has processing issues because we are so overstimulated by technology and everything that comes with it. Not only is this good for the autism community, but I think all children and adults would benefit! AMAZING JOB!

[@elliesouza717]

No, everyone doesn't have a processing disorder

[@lastchanc3stars]

​@@elliesouza717I think they meant everyone gets overwhelmed from time-to-time

[@We-will-defeat-them]

This would be excellent for students with ADHD.

[@wafflesthearttoad6916]

I wish I had this... I have a bit of sensory where I don’t like strange textures or physical contact. I also can’t sit still, I have to read upside down on the couch, this would have been super helpful when I was in elementary.

[@DanielRodriguez-pu6zi]

this is amazing God Bless those teachers

[@VannyV1221]

I love this idea! So many kiddos could benefit from these.

[@adairmooresattely98]

best educational video I have ever seen ! wonderful !

[@lydiajohnson2519]

I wish my school had this

[@hm6134]

I wish the school my daughter goes to would have these kind of rooms for all kids of special needs. This would help all kids including her (She's special needs as well .)

[@mireladelcea7495]

Bless them! 👏 Amazing video!Congrats to all involved in those children with SEN❤

[@zunairamazhar4533]

So much favourite and fabolous teacher's nice environment ..😢

[@ari3lz3pp3lin]

Such great ideas- and what an amazing space! The one at my child's school was always getting funding but somehow they didn't have money for a proper door...? :/ Also they were an autism-only class but didn't consistently utilize the room at all ("at least a few times/week")!! I LOVE that this sensory room is used daily, and seems to go along with the importance of having a regular schedule. Understanding these children are human beings too with feelings and ::special needs:: not robots!

[@allykins1767]

We had a sensory room in middle school. There were fidgets, beanbags and a thing with long strings that would colorfully glow, which I called the “Mystic Glowing Vines”.

[@Pixtxrn]

2:26 they lay on the floor and they are squished but I love your idea of a sensory room

[@Alirose813]

So beautiful to see wish these were everywhere

[@marysuzettecatipon6147]

Nice place to learn for children with Autism like my son. That is the favorite room of my son in his school the sensory or gross motor room. Where he can freely move around and learn.

[@100musicplaylists3]

Get on kickstarter and you can fund this work with crowd funding.

[@christine3941]

I love this!! I’m thinking if students who have autism that I have had in the past and yes many of them benefit from sensory objects.

[@CuriouslyCute]

I'm 24 and AuDHD (autism and ADHD). I thought, "I wanna be squished!!" Also I think it's so cute that you actually call it that. Seeing this made me have an internal monologue of me having a little tantrum because I want this sensory room!

[@teachermade766]

I can't wait to open my Sensory Place in my city one day for the community.

[@sheagoff6009]

I wish that this was available to me in school. It probably would’ve made it a lot easier for me to deal with.

[@peggyparra2440]

I’m a mother of an 18 year old son with autism who would benefit so much from a sensory room. It’s so sad to see all these changes with less services for him. Once he started attending high school, there was no more sensory room, and once he turned 18 and is now considered an adult, he no longer receives Occupational or Physical therapies.

[@theglockykuzdra1006]

I'm an adult (probably autistic although I am not totally sure). I would love that room too ❤

[@brandytoney1189]

Love this! Could anyone involved in creating the room at this school comment on where some of the main items were purchased from?

[@LadyMona85]

I think all kids need access to this.

[@insert8242]

If I was there, my ADHD would be going crazy. I wouldn’t be able to learn- I would be running around whilst my hyper levels would be 500mph

[@NoliMeTangere1163]

As a teacher (with ADHD) this is why it is so important to know the needs of all students. ASDs and ADHDs often need very different supports and we can trigger negative behavior in each other. Having that understanding when both disorders are in one room along with neurotypicals is crucial and frankly, we don't dedicate enough time to teaching our future general teachers how to work effectively in that space. Most learn as they go.

[@ilf1992]

This is great things for students at the moment. This is something great to new things. It really gives stress out when during the tough time.

[@NICKDEVILS420]

My son may have autism. Still waiting for assessment. He cant speak. Doesnt understand things, can only eat chocolate, biscuit and chips by himself, struggles with toilet, and doesnt sit. Really worried about him going to preschool. 😢. Hoping they can help, trying our best at home. Wish us and him luck.

[@edutopia]

We wish you and your son all the luck and love as you both navigate preschool. 🧡

[@RivLoveshine]

This makes me think of Boyer Children’s Clinic, for toddlers 3 years and under. I went there.

[@pattycake1234]

I wish all schools had this !!

[@SheliaKingsongwriter]

This is exactly what our multi Disabilities need . The Hamon Homes in Fife Alabama just purchased a property that will be used for 88 people with various disabilities. How can I get an estimate on this sensory room? Thank you, Shelia King

[@lolitalolita7561]

How awesome! How do we go about getting this in an LAUSD PUBLIC/ charter schools?

[@nicogs97]

This is just so awesome!!! Keep up the great work

[@carlies.crazyness]

This should be in every school as well as a destruction room

[@altega]

god i am so glad theres more resources for kids today. i wasnt diagnosed until recently. i wouldve benefit so much from this. even now, man. someone let me throw something heavy and then squish me before i go to work LMAO

[@altega]

also, i think allistics and even neurotypical kids could benefit from this too!! restless kids need vestibular stimulation, its like. why swings are so universally beloved. plus, kids have a harder time regulating their emotions than adults. so i think a child going through out of school stress (not great homelife etc) this could be a really good way to help them get emotions out when they cant put it into words. i know i wouldve

[@Bella-ub2zg]

This is wonderful and inspiring. Every school should have this.

[@cherylburns2666]

I work in an empty classroom whenever I need a break from the noise or lighting or simply a sensory break from my gen ed classes, but when I'm up there it kinda fills me with more anxiety because its just me running around or playing with slime in this old science classroom. I can only fantasize about a sensory room like the one in the video. I still bang myself into walls at home as sensory room equipment prices are insanely high. Its really sad but it feels like even special education students only get to experience these incredibly helpful sensory items if A. their parents have lots of money like youtubers or B. Attend fortunate enough schools that have the funding and resources for it or C. Attend a special school. High functioning autistics like myself may never get the opportunity to benifit from these types of things so we must figure out ways to get the sensory input elsewhere or I guess suffer.

[@edutopia]

We are fans of this sensory path that is available to all students: www.edutopia.org/article/hop-skip-and-jump/.

[@peaceoutshadia997]

This is great. I was wondering if you could talk about ways for educators to help students with autism get “unstuck” with en emotion or thoughts. This is my biggest challenge. Thank you

[@Gamersforever348Reacts]

Autism Speaks my son was a month ago diagnosed with autism, I m trying to understand how his thought process goes. Can you give me some insight please🙏🏽

[@emmaslife8248]

My school needs this room

[@leeshaahseel9428]

This would have helped me so much in school. Thank for this 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@catcat8022]

My son needs this room.

[@anandprahlad699]

This seems helpful. I need to get some of this equipment within my own house as well.

[@jenniferfendrick]

where did you get the light wall from? I cannot find it on the internet anywhere? Thank you for this video!!

[@edutopia]

The school purchased the light wall from a company called Motion Fitness. (www.motionfitness.com)

[@OT_scouser_445]

I got adhd but the one thing I don’t get is that “ adhd people fidget and hyper active” were I’m not like that but still diagnosed