Sensory Space Design

When should I choose this area of focus for my Gabadoo?

If you are looking for some guidance around choosing an appropriate space at home or at school for sensory based activities for your child or a group of children, useful equipment and tools that can be purchased and beneficial ways to use equipment, getting expert advice through Gabadoo from our team is essential. 

So, what are the different areas & skills that I can get support and guidance around? 

Choosing an appropriate space either at home, in a child-minders or in your child's creche, preschool or school. 

Selecting beneficial equipment or tools to use while in this space to either alert or calm yourself, your child or a group of children. 

Different ways to use the equipment and what skills or sensory input they provide. 

Advice on adapting a space within a house or school with things like swings, blackout blinds, mats, specific lighting etc. to support a child's sensory preferences. 

Our team will guide you around equipment, products and activities in your individualised plan. We do not provide reports for government grants. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

If your completing a Gabadoo because you are looking for support around your child's sensory needs not relating to designing a space, it would be more appropriate to select Sensory Processing as your area of focus. Check out this blog post to learn more. 

What information do I need to include in my Gabadoo?

As our Gabadoo Team have never met your family before and know nothing about your child, they can only provide information based on the information you provide so be very detailed!

After you have filled in the relevant information in your Gabadoo, go through this checklist to make sure you have included the following:

Family & Home Life:

Description of your family structure including pets, extended family that live within the home and siblings.

A detailed description of the rooms within your home with specific focus around the area that is purposed as a sensory space. Include type of flooring, lighting, heating system and roofing in this space. 

Also include if your house is rented, provided through the council or if you own the property. 

Strengths and Interests:

What does your child like to do?

What games, toys, T.V. programs, characters do they like?

What are your child's sensory preferences? Consider textures they like to touch, foods they like to eat, sounds they make, if they like lights, music, movement, what toys they are drawn too etc. 

What motivates them?

Do they respond to praise from adults? 

Additional Information:

What class is your child in at school?

What type of schooling do they receive? i.e. homeschooling, mainstream N.S., gaelscoil, preschool, ASD class, Special School. 

Has your child seen any professionals in the past in relation to their sensory processing? Or has your child ever had a medical review where specific sensory input was not recommended? e.g. spinning/swinging not recommended, strobe lights etc. 

Make sure to include:

What would you like to gain from this Gabadoo?

What is your child's level in terms of motor skills? e.g. can they walk, jump, climb etc. Is there anything impacting on your child's motor skills?

What do you know about your child's sensory processing? Are they things they seek out doing? Are there things they avoid or dislike? (e.g. certain touch, bright lights, music etc).

What have you already bought to support your child's sensory needs? Inc. toys they liked and disliked, equipment they already use. 

Does your child ever appear over-stimulated by certain sensory input? i.e. movement, music etc. 

Next include videos and images of the space in your home or school, equipment already purchased and videos of your child engaging with these toys/equipment.

Remember: The more information you give our team, the more individualised and relevant your plan will be. It is vital to attach videos and images for sensory space design. 

What support will I receive for my child?

Your information will be reviewed by one of our Gabadoo Experts who is experienced in the area of sensory processing and designing sensory spaces. They will detail appropriate equipment, a suitable space and fun activities you can do with your child.  

So, I'm ready to do my Gabadoo, what's my 'Area of Focus'

Sensory Space Design - CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

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