The CEDA Sensory Room provides a safe space for neurodiverse and neurotypical children to learn and play!
Sensory rooms are a wonderful place for your child to engage with the items in the room in a safe interactive way! The information and skills learned and experiences gained in the sensory room can be used by the child to help them cope in other areas of their life, home, school and social events!
Sensory play has benefits for all children!
Tanja McIlroys’ article outlines the, “10 incredible benefits of sensory play for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.”. The 10 benefits are as follows: the development of the brain includes a vast neural network that is strengthened through play. This fosters better memory skills and the ability to tackle higher learning skills. Playing with different objects and textures can provide so much sensory information to a child. An awareness of self, adaptability to situations that arise during play and comfort can all be benefits of sensory play. Language skills are developed through play which will aid in the expression of thoughts and needs for a child. Fine and gross motor skills can be harnessed in the sensory room by using fingers to push a button or run and jump around the room. Children also need a fun space to let their imagination wander and be creative. This space can also allow time to problem solve and change their mind when interacting in the room. And lastly, McIlroy says that sensory play can benefit children with their social and emotional growth.
Corinne Eggleston, Ph.D., Manager, Early Childhood Development Research at the Fisher- Price Play Lab, describes the effect of sensory play in childhood development. She states that, “It fosters the development of essential skills in all children, supporting their growth and learning. Sensory toys that offer tactile sensations, soothing sounds, and visual features can effectively promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in children.”.
The sensory room at The Hub provides an inclusive space for neurodiverse children to explore!
All children are unique in how their brains develop, process information, how it carries out functions, behaviours and learning compared to their neurotypical peers. This is known as neurodivergence. The signs of neurodivergence in children can be very subtle or in more noticeable ways. Is your child meeting the developmental, learning and behavioral milestones of children of a similar age? Are they slower or faster to learn, having difficulties with toileting, sleeping or having tantrums? These are some signs of neurodiversity in children.
There are many types of neurodivergence, some of which you will have heard of before. Some of the most common types include Autism spectrum disorder, Attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, Tourette’s, Learning disabilities, Sensory processing disorder, Down syndrome, epilepsy and chronic mental health disorders.
“It's common for neurodivergent people to have co-occurring conditions, or more than one diagnosis. Also, Dr. Barnes says that as a child grows up and faces new challenges, it’s possible that their initial diagnosis might change, or they might receive additional diagnoses.”
Sensory processing issues can be an identified problem on its own or co-exist with a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, OCD along with other developmental issues. The 5 main senses we experience are to hear, taste, see, smell and touch. There are 3 additional senses that includes the tactile sensory system (sensing hot/cold/moisture and pain), the second is the vestibular sensory (sensing balance/movement/sight and sound), and the third is proprioceptive sensory system (sensing muscles, joints and bodily functions).
So, a child may not be able to regulate their reactions to the stimuli their brain is experiencing known as Sensory processing disorder. Children that are hyposensitive have a need to be constantly moving. They engage in activities such as running, spinning and jumping on trampolines. Some of the reactions and/or behaviours seen in children are rocking, running, spinning, hand-flapping, fighting, meltdowns, covering their eyes or ears, only wearing certain clothing and having a like or dislike of being touched to name a few.
The Hub Family Resource Centre has provided the community of Fort McMurray a private room with which a child can interact and play. The many interactive items in the room include bean bag chairs, a climbing area, squishy colorful mats on the floor, a weighted blanket, a multi-colored bubbling water tower, non-verbal communication flip charts and more!
Each neurodiverse child has their own sensory and developmental challenges and therefore a sensory room should provide a variety of items to engage with! Some children may need to decompress and just be in a calm space with dim lights, some may need to jump or press buttons! Perhaps sit on a bean chair to work on their core muscles, while others need a space where there are no distractions to learn words to communicate.
The Ceda Sensory Room is designed for children up to 6 years of age!
If your child would benefit from some time in the sensory room, please go online and book.
How to Support a Neurodivergent Child | Children's Hospital Colorado (childrenscolorado.org).
Sensory Processing Issues in Children | Child Mind Institute.
What to Know About Raising Neurodivergent Kids (verywellmind.com)
What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent? (verywellmind.com)
Benefits of Sensory Rooms & Spaces in Schools and Homes (enablingdevices.com)
The Power Of Sensory Play In Childhood Development
10 Reasons Children Need Sensory Play
Melanie Burke Longstaff R.N.
Freelance Nurse Writer| Healthcare Content Writer| Health & Wellness Writer| Medical Writer| Article Writer| B2B and B2C Writer
