A sensory environment at school is essential for many children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory challenges. Purpose-built rooms provide a safe space for children to develop cognitively, emotionally, and socially. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 31 children aged 4–8 were identified as having autism in the US in 2022. This means there is a significant number of sensory seekers in classrooms across the country who need the very best support.
With the summer break approaching, now is the perfect time to invest in sensory room equipment for schools and make learning facilities more inclusive, ready for new students arriving in the fall. In this article, we explain what sensory rooms for schools are, how they help and why they are worth installing in time for a new semester. Our experts also recommend five solutions for sensory-seeking kids at school that administers and special education coordinators can consider when investing in a space.
Sensory equipment for the classroom comes in many different forms, and each is designed to help with sensory processing. Sensory processing is how the body interprets inputs from the senses and responds to them. For some people, these processes can be distorted. This might be through too much or too little stimulation, an inability to fully process or interpret an experience, or a diagnosable sensory processing disorder (SPD). Sensory solutions are technology and products specially designed to encourage and regulate sensory processing. Sensory room equipment for schools often uses LEDs that softly change colors, interfaces and controllers that trigger sounds, and surfaces featuring various materials to facilitate tactile learning and improve dexterity. Some schools make these tools accessible in classrooms or a dedicated on-site multisensory room.
Sensory equipment helps children relax and concentrate. These are essential in a learning environment, where some children feel intense pressure, and others act out or struggle to focus. For children with ASD or SPD, the school environment can be especially challenging. They may feel overwhelmed with the number or intensity of sounds, smells, and textures all around them. This can interfere with their focus and learning or lead to sensory overload.
Sensory room equipment for schools can help by calming children, improving concentration, encouraging interaction, and creating a positive learning experience. The need for sensory items for classrooms is not limited to specialized schools; a study on sensory over-responsivity has suggested that one in six children - a large proportion - experience sensory symptoms that impact their participation in social and academic activities. Investing in sensory solutions is an effective way to ensure students with sensory challenges have the best chance of success in the classroom and a happy school experience.
Creating a sensory room at school is straightforward with the right equipment. From least to most expensive, we have listed our favorite items that students can use to practice their sensory skills, explore their environment, and recover after sensory overload.
Our Aurora LED Projector is an integral part of a sensory room. A perfect solution for sensory-seeking kids at school, the projector casts colorful moving images onto any surface on a continuous loop. The repetitive, visually rich projections can be very calming for autistic children and those who need support with their sensory perception. Price: $1,399.
The sound wall is great for elementary school or special needs students. Touching the colorful hands plays interesting sound effects, helping to teach children about cause and effect. There are over 128 sounds and instruments available, which can be accessed by changing the card in the card reader. This would be fantastic in an elementary school music class, or merely as a tool to promote relaxation and focus in any classroom. Price: $3,799.
The IRiS Soundboard and Qube Bundle is popular with younger sensory seekers in the classroom. Roll, flip, or toss the IRiS Qube for audible and visual feedback from the IRiS Soundboard. It comes loaded with 64 pre-recorded sounds, but you can also record your own! For example, place a picture of a cow in the clear sleeve of the Qube and in one of the IRiS Soundboard frames and record the word “Moo”. When you flip the Qube so the cow is face-up, the picture of the cow on the soundboard lights up and “Moo” plays. It’s an effective way to work on communication skills, hand-eye coordination, and matching. And, since the Soundboard is IRiS-compatible, it can pair with any other IRiS controller. Price: $4,299.
Bubble tubes are a school sensory room essential, offering several different modes of stimulation. The Interactive LED Bubble Tube Corner comes with added features such as an interactive padded platform for climbing, feeling vibrations, and controlling colors with the switches on the top pad. Two mirrors give the effect of multiple tubes and enhance users’ visual experience. Price: $4,495.
If you are looking to make a big impact at your school in time for the new semester, then a complete multisensory room package is the way to go. These experiences combine sensory items to suit various abilities and needs. If you are planning to create a sensory room at school for the upcoming academic year, we recommend deciding in advance whether you want to design a space that calms or energises, and installing equipment that aligns with this purpose. If you need guidance on choosing the right package, check out this useful article on creating your own sensory room.
We hope these sensory room ideas for schools have inspired you to incorporate interactive equipment into your facility. Whether the items you choose are intended to stimulate or soothe children, a dedicated sensory room is sure to provide a safe space where they can continue to develop their cognitive, emotional and social skills.
For additional guidance on choosing and installing any sensory room equipment for schools, including complete packages, please call Experia USA on 1-800-882-4045. Our experienced room design experts are always happy to help.
How much does a school sensory room cost?
It depends on how much school sensory room equipment you plan to install, starting from a single item to a complete package. Of the individual pieces we have suggested, the Aurora LED Projector Bundle is the least expensive ($1,399) while the Interactive LED Bubble Tube Corner is the most expensive ($4,495).
How long does installation take?
Installation typically takes 2–5 days, though the entire project can span 4–8 weeks from initial design to final handover. Since it depends largely on the size of your space and the equipment you wish to install, we will assess your project and provide a custom quote before work begins.
What equipment does a school sensory room need?
It depends on the intended purpose of the room: to stimulate or soothe children. Energising equipment could include items such as the Sound Wall, which produces sounds and helps users actively develop various skills. Calming equipment could include projectors and bubble tubes, which children can quietly sit and watch or touch.
Can Experia USA design the room?
Yes, we offer a free sensory room design service when you purchase any of our multisensory room packages. Call 1-800-882-4045 to arrange a consultation.
