Creating and Testing a Sensory Well-Being Hub for Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities

Giyoung Park, Ph.D., Upali Nanda, Ph.D., Lisa Adams, Jonathan Essary, M.Arch., and Melissa Hoelting

(Laura Seitz/The Deseret News via AP)

This case study was done in a school setting where those with developmental delays were sent away when they were in distress until they reached an equilibrium again. The solution was to implement a sensory hub so when in distress, these students were able to go to the hub and receive comfort.

The designers created an active zone, a respite zone, and a sensory cocoon within the hub. This hub had may different options to choose from and students choices were kept track of. The students were able to go here when they needed sensory stimulation or just when they wanted. The study found which were the most preferred sensory choices.

For individuals on the spectrum needing a calm space, the sensory cocoon was used often. The bean bag and the weighted blanket were the most used outlets within the hub. The fidget wall had many different options to use your hands and this was used quite often along with the media wall. There were also colour changing lights in the sensory cocoon which have been found to have a calming effect on those with autism spectrum disorder.