What is a sensory calming space?

A sensory calming space is a designated area created to help a person feel calm, safe, and regulated by reducing overwhelming sensory input and offering soothing sensory experiences.

It can be used by children, teens and adults to support emotional regulation, focus, and stress relief, especially for people who are sensitive to noise, light, movement, or touch.

Key features may include, depending on event:

• Soft or dim lighting

• Quiet or sound-dampened environment

• Comfortable seating (bean bags, rocking chairs, swing)

• Calming textures or objects (soft fabrics, stress balls)

• Simple visuals

• Tools for self-regulation (breathing cards, fidget items)

The goal is not isolation or punishment, but to provide a supportive space where someone can take a break, calm their body and mind, and return to an activity feeling rejuvenated and balanced

Why a My Autism Ally Sensory Calming Space?

When you ask My Autism Ally to provide a sensory calming space you get more than just a room in a corner. Our trained, knowledgeable staff brings to your event an understanding of multiple kinds of sensory needs, acceptance of neurodiversity and a predictable yet flexible space for your attendees to utilize during your event.

Our staffed space will:

• Trained to provide ideas to regulate.

• Look and listen to the unique needs of the individual.

• Assist individuals based on either request or level of need.

• Answer questions about how to access resources in the community.

We can help you make this a successful part within your northeast Indiana event. Let us help you be more inclusive. Neurodiverse families feel empowered to attend events they wouldn’t normally try because there is a reliable, trustworthy resource available to assist them if/when their loved one needs a break. This reset allows them to continue their day. This security for individuals and families translates into higher attendance and potentially more sales for event vendors.

We can address your concerns and challenges of providing this type of space within your event. Together we can help neurodiverse individuals calm and regroup so that they can continue to enjoy large community events throughout northeast Indiana.

The key to any successful event is planning. We appreciate a minimum of 6-8 weeks notice before your event. This allows us to customize our sensory offerings to your potential space.

Concerns about the cost? Check out the AWS Foundation Mighty Money Grants.