Sensory Rooms and Occupational Therapy: A Safe Space for Regulation in Phnom Penh

Children with sensory processing difficulties often struggle to stay calm, focused, or comfortable in stimulating environments. Bright lights, loud sounds, or unexpected touch can trigger distress and dysregulation. A sensory room—used as part of occupational therapy—provides a safe, calming space where children can explore and regulate their senses.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists use sensory rooms to support emotional regulation, improve attention, and enhance developmental outcomes for children with diverse needs.

What Is a Sensory Room?

A sensory room is a specially designed space filled with sensory-rich tools and materials. These environments help children:

• Calm their nervous system

• Improve focus and attention

• Explore sensory experiences in a controlled way

• Increase body awareness and movement control

Sensory rooms are not just playrooms—they are therapeutic tools used by trained professionals to support individual goals.

Learn more about our sensory-focused occupational therapy.

Who Benefits from Sensory Rooms?

Sensory rooms are especially helpful for children with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• ADHD

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

• Anxiety or trauma history

• Developmental delays

These children may be sensory-seeking (constantly moving, crashing, or touching) or sensory-avoidant (sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures). A sensory room helps meet both types of needs.

Discover how autism therapies at OrbRom support sensory needs.

What’s Inside a Sensory Room?

At OrbRom, our sensory rooms include:

• Weighted items (blankets, vests) for deep pressure input

• Bubble tubes, fiber optics, and dimmable lights for visual stimulation

• Tactile walls and texture bins for touch exploration

• Swings, trampolines, and crash mats for movement and proprioception

• Sound machines and headphones for auditory control

Each child’s time in the room is guided by therapeutic goals, not unstructured play.

See how vibrating pillows support regulation.

How Occupational Therapists Use Sensory Rooms

Our OTs tailor each session to the child’s sensory profile. Some children need alerting input (like swinging or jumping), while others need calming tools (like deep pressure or soft lights).

Sessions may include:

• A sensory “diet” of activities to regulate the nervous system

• Structured play with specific tools

• Transitions between calming and alerting stations

• Practice with self-regulation strategies (deep breathing, body scanning)

Check out how checklists help build daily sensory routines.

Why Sensory Regulation Matters

Without the ability to regulate their senses, children may:

• Melt down in public places

• Refuse to participate in class

• Avoid daily tasks like dressing or brushing teeth

• Struggle with transitions or changes in environment

Sensory rooms provide the structure and safety needed to build coping skills and emotional control.

Parent Involvement and Home Strategies

Our team doesn’t stop in the therapy room—we support families in:

• Creating calming spaces at home

• Using low-cost sensory tools (pillows, stretchy bands, timers)

• Establishing calming routines before school, meals, or bedtime

• Understanding what triggers overwhelm and how to reduce it

These practical tools help bring regulation into daily life.

Explore our preschool program that integrates sensory routines.

Give Your Child a Calmer, More Regulated Life

Sensory rooms are more than therapy spaces—they are bridges to better self-awareness, focus, and emotional stability. If your child struggles with sensory overload, occupational therapy at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh can make a life-changing difference.

Click here to learn more about our occupational therapy services and sensory rooms.