CASE STUDY
Noah's Sensory Gym
A home sensory room-
for now and in the future
The Background
Noah is an adorable 4-year-old boy who struggles with sensory challenges. His dedicated mom, Melissa Rufus, came to Fun and Function with a generous budget of $20,000 to create a sensory room in their Ohio home.
The Vision
To transform a basement room into a bright, friendly and durable sensory space that would provide Noah with the sensory stimulation he craved as well as a place to unwind and regulate himself.
The Challenge
Building a room that would grow with Noah throughout his childhood development. This room would need to serve Noah’s needs and engage him for many years to come.
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
The Fun and Function Sensory Room Design Team’s first step was to identify products that would be both durable and versatile, so that the room would stand up to heavy use and provide continued benefit to Noah over time. The family’s budget allowed for a wide range of engaging sensory tools that appealed to Noah and gave him the sensory input he needed.
Relaxing Sensory Downtime
Noah loves downtime, so the Fiber Optic Infinity Tunnel, Bubble Wall and Sensory Steplite were chosen to create a relaxing environment. The Sensory Steplite is an interactive toy that would encourage Noah to talk or clap to activate the lights.
Relaxing Sensory Downtime
Noah loves downtime, so the Fiber Optic Infinity Tunnel, Bubble Wall and Sensory Steplite were chosen to create a relaxing environment. The Sensory Steplite is an interactive toy that would encourage Noah to talk or clap to activate the lights.
Deep Pressure Calm
Next, the SensaSoft™ Corner Vibroacoustic Ball Pit was chosen for its numerous calming components: deep pressure from the balls, the organizing effect of the vibration, and the calming music and changing colors.
Deep Pressure Calm
Next, the SensaSoft™ Corner Vibroacoustic Ball Pit was chosen for its numerous calming components: deep pressure from the balls, the organizing effect of the vibration, and the calming music and changing colors.
Slide, Roll and Regulate
Proprioceptive input and heavy work can be very powerful for self-regulation and focus. With this in mind, the team chose tools such as the Sensory Roller Slide, SensaSoft™ Rollers and Weighted Disc Blanket.
Slide, Roll and Regulate
Proprioceptive input and heavy work can be very powerful for self-regulation and focus. With this in mind, the team chose tools such as the Sensory Roller Slide, SensaSoft™ Rollers and Weighted Disc Blanket.
Movement, Balance and Exploration
Finally, the team wanted to include choices that provided vestibular input as well as playful opportunities for sensory modulation and motor planning. To that end, they chose the SensaSoft™ Play Barrel and three different swings; the Soft Taco Swing, the Textured Platform Swing and Air-Lite Junior Bolster Swing.
Movement, Balance and Exploration
Finally, the team wanted to include choices that provided vestibular input as well as playful opportunities for sensory modulation and motor planning. To that end, they chose the SensaSoft™ Play Barrel and three different swings; the Soft Taco Swing, the Textured Platform Swing and Air-Lite Junior Bolster Swing.
Step 2: The Design Process
The next step was to decide on the color scheme of the room since a sensory space should never look like a drab therapy clinic! The team decided on bright, bold colors that are inviting to kids of all ages and stages. Finally, the team discussed layout, deciding where each chosen sensory tool would be placed, making sure to maximize the setup and space.
The End Result
"We got institutional standard quality for our home, so we know it will last."
- Michelle Howlett, assistant principal of Washington Elementary School
The team’s patience and focus on Melissa’s needs resulted in the incredible and irresistible sensory space she envisioned. Most importantly, Melissa says that the Fun and Function team met the challenge:
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