Sensory Rooms Glossary

A brain-based condition that affects focus, attention, and self-control. People with ADHD may be very active, struggle to sit still, act on impulse, or find it hard to concentrate for long periods.

Activities or inputs that help “wake up” the brain and body. Bright lights, fast movement, or upbeat music can help people feel more alert and ready to learn or take part.

This refers to sounds that affect how we feel. Soft music, nature sounds, or white noise can calm, while rhythmic beats or musical panels can energise or engage.

A lifelong developmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and experience the world. Everyone with autism is different, and sensory rooms can help create supportive, calming environments.

This is the idea that one action leads to another. Like pressing a button to make lights change. Sensory activities that show cause and effect help build understanding and confidence.

Refers to people who need extra support with learning, mobility, communication, or health. This may include physical disabilities, medical needs, or behaviours that challenge. A sensory room can support their wellbeing and learning in different ways.

This is the ability to manage and respond to emotions in a helpful way. Sensory spaces can support emotional regulation by offering a safe place to reset and feel more in control.

These are small movements using the hands and fingers, like turning knobs, picking things up, or pressing buttons. Many sensory resources help build fine motor skills through play.

These are larger movements involving the arms, legs, and body. Like crawling, jumping, or stretching. Sensory spaces often include soft play areas or floor tiles to encourage movement.

A way to help people feel calm, safe, and connected to the present moment. Grounding tools might include deep pressure, soft textures, or slow, steady breathing in a sensory space.

An environment full of sound, light, movement, or busy activity. For some people, high stimulation is exciting and engaging. For others, it can lead to stress or sensory overload.

When someone is very sensitive to certain sensory input, like loud sounds, strong smells, or touch. A person who is hypersensitive might avoid those things or feel overwhelmed by them.

When someone needs more sensory input to feel things clearly. They may not notice pain, bump into things, or seek out strong movement, sound, or touch to feel “just right.”

Acting or speaking quickly without thinking things through. Impulse control is a common and challenging symptom for people living with ADHD. It can manifest in verbal and emotional outbursts, trouble waiting turns, and difficulty considering consequences. Sensory rooms can help provide safer ways to release energy or pause before acting.

Finding it hard to concentrate, follow instructions, or finish tasks. This might look like daydreaming, forgetting things, or switching between activities quickly. Calming sensory tools can help improve focus.

A calm, quiet environment with soft lighting, gentle sounds, and limited distractions. Low stimulation spaces help people who feel overwhelmed or need time to reset.

A multi-sensory environment is a space filled with calming and engaging features like lights, sounds, textures, and movement. These spaces help people of all ages and abilities to relax, focus, connect with others, and feel more comfortable in their surroundings.

An approach that respects and values neurodivergent people for who they are, rather than trying to “fix” them. It supports each person’s way of thinking, feeling, and learning without judgment.

A condition that slowly affects how the brain works over time, like dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Sensory rooms can support people with neurodegenerative conditions by reducing anxiety and boosting quality of life.

This describes people whose brains work in ways that are different from the expected “norm”. Including autism, ADHD, and more. Sensory rooms can help neurodivergent people feel more at ease and supported.

Information the brain gets through the sense of smell. Scented items, calming aromas, or essential oils can be used in sensory rooms to support relaxation or alertness.

This is the body’s sense of where it is in space. Activities like jumping, pushing, or using a weighted blanket can help people feel more grounded and in control of their body movements.

Self-regulation means managing energy, behaviour, and emotions without help. Sensory rooms give people tools to practise this in a safe and supportive way.

When a person tries to stay away from certain sounds, textures, lights, or smells that feel too strong or uncomfortable. Sensory rooms can be designed to reduce these triggers and offer gentle options.

The brain’s ability to organise and respond to different sensory input, like sight, sound, touch, and movement, all at once. Sensory integration activities help the brain process this input more smoothly.

This happens when too much sensory input becomes overwhelming. A calming sensory space can help prevent or reduce overload by offering quiet, controlled stimulation.

Sensory processing is how the brain takes in and responds to sensory information. Some people may need more or less input to feel comfortable. Sensory rooms help balance this by offering different types of input.

This means helping the body and brain feel calm, alert, and in control. Sensory regulation lets people respond to the world around them in a way that feels right – whether that’s winding down, staying focused, or managing big feelings.

When a person looks for extra sensory input like spinning, jumping, touching different textures, or making loud sounds, to feel balanced and in control. A sensory room gives them safe ways to do this.

A condition where the brain has trouble handling sensory input properly. This can lead to over- or under-reactions to sights, sounds, touch, movement, or smells. A sensory room can help support regulation and comfort.

Tactile input is information the brain gets from touch. This includes textures, temperature, and pressure. Tactile activities like using sensory mats or textured panels, can help with calming or alerting the nervous system.

Learning that’s adapted to suit each person’s needs, abilities, and style. In sensory rooms, this might include visual aids, hands-on tools, or movement-based activities that support individual learning goals.

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This system controls balance and movement. It helps us stay upright, move smoothly, and feel stable. Swinging or rocking in a sensory room supports vestibular development.

Visual stimulation includes things we see, like colours, lights, or patterns. LED lights, bubble tubes, and sky tiles are common ways to create visual interest and support mood regulation.