Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment in the Home

In-home Pediatric Therapists provide specialized care that supports a medically fragile child’s progress toward achieving the highest ability to eat, move, and take care of personal needs. c

What is a Sensory-Friendly Environment?

Sensory-friendly environments are spaces designed to minimize overwhelming sensory input. These environments are most helpful to individuals who have hypersensitivities to senses like sound, light, or even smell. Medically fragile children who are on the Autism Spectrum, have Sensory Processing Disorder, and other sensory issues can benefit from a sensory-friendly environment.

Sensory-friendly environments offer the following benefits for children with autism and Sensory Processing Disorder:

• Reduces stress and anxiety 
• Encourages better communication between therapists, caregivers, and patients
• Boosts learning and skill development 
• Supports emotional regulation 

How Therapists Can Create Sensory-Friendly Environments 

Assess the Environment 

When you first step into the home of a patient, it’s important to take note of the current environment. During this preliminary observation, identify potential sensory factors that could trigger your patient and impact your therapy sessions. Some of these sensory triggers could include noise levels, lighting conditions, and clutter.

Design a Sensory-Friendly Space

Once you have a list of sensory triggers that could impact your patient, design a sensory-friendly space that will address these challenges. In most cases, sensory-friendly spaces are calm, organized, and structured. Neutral wall colors, shaded and gradient lighting, and vinyl flooring can provide comfort for children with autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. While you don’t have the authority to change your patient’s home environment, you can offer your suggestions, and help to your patient’s family.

Integrate Supports

In addition to sensory-friendly spaces, tools are just as important in soothing medically complex children. Sensory-friendly tools can include the following: 

• Mini trampolines and therapy balls to help keep a child’s attention
• Tent/forts and weighted blankets to calm a child 
• Hammock swings, crash pads, and rocking chairs to keep a child alert or calm

Establish a Routine

For children with autism or Sensory Processing Disorders, routine is essential for their daily life. As an In-Home Pediatric Therapist, it’s important to establish a schedule for your patients that is consistent so that they feel secure. Use visual schedules and timers so your patients can adapt to transitions throughout the day. 

Sensory-Supportive Interventions at Thrive SPC 

Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech Therapists at Thrive SPC provide sensory-supportive interventions for children who exhibit delays in motor development, activities of daily living skills, and social skills. Our therapists use standardized tests to identify certain sensory problems and multisensory techniques to engage patients in fun ways to help decrease over-and-under reactions to sensory input.  

Apply to Thrive SPC today and join a team of skilled therapists who provide creative ways to help families work toward achieving their children’s highest capability in eating, moving, speaking, and personal care.