CASE STUDY
Little Cave Man
Turning a bedroom into a safe sensory space
Start My Sensory SpaceStart My Sensory Space
The Background
Myles is a delicious 4-year-old bundle of energy who craves movement and touch. His mom, Sabrina Little, was determined to satisfy her son’s need for sensory stimulation. In partnership with the amazing Puzzle Pieces Squared, she approached Fun and Function with a budget of $5,000 to create a sensory space in Myles’s bedroom.
The Vision
To turn a bedroom into a safe sensory space where Myles could calm down and de-escalate.
The Challenge
Equipping the relatively small room with durable sensory tools that could withstand intense sensory-seeking behavior.
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
The Fun and Function Sensory Room Design Team had a great head start since Sabrina knew exactly which types of sensory stimulation helped to calm Myles. The team was able to focus on products that they knew would calm Myles and fit into the allotted space. The team also took into consideration Myles’s high activity level, choosing to outfit the room with sensory tools that would be durable and wipe clean.
Cozy Compression and Companionship
Myles benefits from calming proprioceptive input. The team chose the SensaSoft™ Compression Canoe, a cozy nook where Myles can settle in and experience calming pressure along his entire body. They also added a SensaSoft™ Squeezie Seat as another soothing seating option. Myles can also enjoy the gentleweight and friendly companionship of Leo the Weighted Lion, a wipe clean weighted animal. The soft glow of the LimeLite™ LED Cube adds a soothing touch.
Cozy Compression and Companionship
Myles benefits from calming proprioceptive input. The team chose the SensaSoft™ Compression Canoe, a cozy nook where Myles can settle in and experience calming pressure along his entire body. They also added a SensaSoft™ Squeezie Seat as another soothing seating option. Myles can also enjoy the gentleweight and friendly companionship of Leo the Weighted Lion, a wipe clean weighted animal. The soft glow of the LimeLite™ LED Cube adds a soothing touch.
Safe, Sensory-Friendly Movement
Vestibular input and motor activities help Myles de-escalate. The team added the Peanut Ball for its versatility and the Air-Lite™ Junior Bolster Swing for its uniquely therapeutic functionality. To keep Myles safe as he jumps, swings and moves, the team covered the floor with gym mats and a crash mat, and added custom padding to the walls.
Safe, Sensory-Friendly Movement
Vestibular input and motor activities help Myles de-escalate. The team added the Peanut Ball for its versatility and the Air-Lite™ Junior Bolster Swing for its uniquely therapeutic functionality. To keep Myles safe as he jumps, swings and moves, the team covered the floor with gym mats and a crash mat, and added custom padding to the walls.
These sensory tools create a nurturing environment where kids can relax, explore and unwind in the way that works best for them.
Step 2: Design & Layout
The team chose calming blues and turquoise for the main color scheme, with yellow highlights. The available space was maximized for total functionality, resulting in a multi purpose room where Myles can calm and play and still call his bedroom.
The End Result
"This feels like a dream!”
- Michelle Howlett, assistant principal of Washington Elementary School
Sabrina was incredibly invested in creating an enjoyable space that would safely meet Myles’s needs, making her the ideal partner in this project. The feeling was mutual. As she worked with the Fun and Function Sensory Room Design Team, she commented:
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