A church should be a place where everyone feels welcome. A safe space where one can find peace amidst the chaos of life. But for some, a church may not feel restful. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges, church can be a tricky place–both for them and for their families. Bright lights, scratchy material on benches, loud music, singing, sermons, praise, and crowds of people can overstimulate children and adults alike, making church an uncomfortable experience.
Some churches have found the addition of a sensory-friendly room to be extremely beneficial. By creating a sensory-friendly area, churches can better accommodate the needs of diverse congregants, allowing them to engage more fully in worship and community activities. Sensory-friendly rooms not only foster inclusion but also reflect the church’s commitment to embracing and supporting all members of the congregation.
What is a Sensory Room?
A sensory room is a place set aside for those with special needs to regulate their nervous systems. They are calm, quiet, and soothing. Some of the fundamental aspects of a sensory room include:
- Soft seating like bean bags, rocking chairs, or recliners is necessary. Blankets are a good option, too. These blankets should have smooth, soothing fabrics and weight added for comfort.
- Tactile surfaces like textured wall padding and floor mats are perfect for people with special needs and sensory seekers. Pillows with soft, bumpy fabrics also help calm a nervous system in overdrive.
- The room’s lighting should be dimmable to help create a calm environment. Bright lights are often too much for people with sensory sensitivities. A darker space can be more soothing.
- Sound can also be overwhelming, and noise-canceling headphones can soften its impact. Consider having a few pairs of headphones for those who could benefit from them. Adding Class A wall padding to the walls of your sensory room is also a perfect way to absorb sound and provide an additional layer of noise protection.
- It is vital to choose the right color scheme for the room. A calmer palette of beige, cream, tan, grey, or other light pastel colors works best. These colors are soothing rather than stimulating.
- If the space will double as a play area, choosing toys without loud sounds or flashing lights is best, which may add to overstimulation. It is also best to separate play and quiet areas so that adults with special sensory needs can worship in a space without children running around.
Choosing the Right Padding
The type of padding in a sensory room makes all the difference. Not all padding is the same, and choosing high-quality padding is critical because it directly impacts the room’s comfort, safety, and effectiveness. Here are some key reasons why padding selection matters:
- Safety: Sensory rooms are used by children and individuals with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders. These individuals may exhibit falling, bumping into walls, or self-stimulatory movements. Commercial wall padding for special needs minimizes the risk of injuries by providing a soft, shock-absorbent surface.
- Durability and Stability: High-quality, securely installed padding reduces the risk of wear, tears. Loose materials could become hazards over time. The proper padding will hold up well and minimize the need for repairs and replacements.
- Fire Protection: Class A fire-rated wall padding helps protect the building and its occupants in the event of a fire. It minimizes the spread of fire and smoke and is an invaluable investment.
Benefits of Church Sensory Rooms
- Congregants feel welcome: To a person with sensory sensitivity, the world can be overwhelming. Everything feels exaggerated, and focusing is difficult. This is especially true in settings like church, where others in the audience are trying to maintain a level of reverence, and you or your child is feeling uncomfortable and having a hard time sitting still due to overstimulation. Knowing there is a place for you to go to escape all the sounds and sights brings comfort and understanding. A family is more likely to attend a church service when they feel welcomed by their community rather than feeling judged for a period of dysregulation.
- Congregants feel supported: Everyone has personal struggles, and during those challenging periods of life, many find solace through church worship. Sensory sensitivities make it difficult for a person to attend church meetings, but knowing that their church has made space for them to feel peace and worship in a way that caters to their needs can help them feel included and supported.
A padded sensory room could be the perfect addition to your church. It offers a sanctuary of peace and comfort for individuals of all ages and abilities. This meaningful space supports a commitment to inclusivity. It offers a haven for those with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or special needs to decompress and still engage with the church community.
By creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported, your church can provide deeper connections and practice the love and acceptance at the heart of its mission. A sensory room isn’t just an investment in a unique space—it’s a genuine expression of care and hospitality that can make your church a more welcoming place for all.