Sensory Chairs

Sensory chairs are unique in that they can accommodate the needs of an individual with sensory difficulties, as well as those who simply want to enhance the sensory experiences of a playroom/sensory room. These chairs are designed to be used in both home and professional settings, enabling users to achieve soothing sensory input nearly anywhere.

Sensory chairs provide a place for users to securely and comfortably receive vestibular input. Vestibular input can be best described as the body’s ability to find itself in space. Actions such as closing your eyes and touching your nose, standing on one foot, and seeing a space and determining if you’ll be able to fit are all examples of everyday vestibular input.

Children who fidget constantly, rock back and forth, slump in their seat, or move erratically in their seats are known as “sensory seekers”. This means that they’re most often looking for a sense of balance and movement. 

These children, and adults, need this extra input to maintain focus. They are commonly diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder or Autism, and Occupational Therapists may suggest they utilize a sensory rocking chair as a therapeutic aid. They can be used during lessons, while working, at a dining room table, or any time where focus, attention, or calming is necessary. 

Benefits

Children who have difficulty sitting still in class can often be labeled as disruptive or not attentive when this may not be the case at all. For those needing sensory input, a sensory chair can help decrease distractions and movements while still giving the child the sensory input they require. 

Types 

Sensory chairs can be used at home, in school, or in therapeutic settings. Those used at home are often sensory rocking chairs or more casual bean-bag-type designs. In therapeutic and school settings, sensory rocking chairs and sensory chairs for Autism are designed to meet the needs without being a distraction themselves. 

The LED Fiber Optic Softie Sensory Beanbag Chair is commonly used at home for children with hyperactivity. This beanbag is interactive while still being safe, comfortable, and therapeutic. This sensory chair provides stimulation to the user, which helps calm their senses and relaxes their minds. The lights and beanbag nature of the chair are both meant to provide sensory stimulation. The fiber optic strands are made to be active and safe to touch as a secondary means of stimulation. 

The Sensory Rocking Chair by TFH provides stimulation and gentle rocking to create a calming experience for the user. This sensory rocking chair provides exceptional support and comes in both junior and standard sizes. This chair fits nicely into any space, whether it be your home, a child care center, or therapeutic setting. Another benefit is that the outer covering of this sensory chair is removable and can be easily cleaned. 

The Rock’er Chill-Out Sensory Therapy Positioning Chair by Freedom Concepts is unique in that it offers input and support in sensory, vestibular, and proprioceptive means. The user of this sensory chair will experience relaxation and calm by sitting in the deep, soft, padded seat. It also comes in a variety of upholstery options to suit any user’s personal texture preferences; this feature is especially ideal for users who are sensitive to touch and texture input.