Each campus has a sensory studio.
A sensory studio is a specially designed room or space that provides a variety of sensory experiences to individuals, often those with sensory processing challenges, developmental disabilities, or autism. These spaces are equipped with tools and activities to engage the senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and sometimes taste) in a controlled and therapeutic way. They aim to help individuals regulate their sensory input, reduce anxiety, improve focus, and promote overall well-being.
Purpose:
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Sensory Regulation:
Sensory studios help individuals manage and regulate their responses to sensory input, whether it's overstimulation or a lack of sensory engagement.
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Therapeutic Benefits:
They offer a calming and soothing environment, which can be beneficial for reducing anxiety, stress, and promoting relaxation.
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Developmental Support:
Sensory studios can support cognitive and physical development by providing opportunities for exploration, movement, and learning through sensory experiences.
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Communication and Social Interaction:
They can be used to encourage communication, social interaction, and cooperation among individuals with special needs.
Typical Features:
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Visual Stimuli:
Color-changing lights, fiber optic strands, bubble tubes, projectors, and light panels.
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Auditory Input:
Sound systems, music, nature sounds, and calming audio tracks.
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Tactile Experiences:
Textured walls, soft play equipment, weighted blankets, fidget toys, and tactile panels.
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Other Sensations:
Smell diffusers, aromatherapy, and even temperature-controlled waterbeds can be incorporated.
Hydrotherapy, also known as aqua therapy, is a form of physiotherapy that uses the properties of warm water to help individuals exercise and rehabilitate It involves moving and exercising in a heated pool which provides buoyancy, warmth, and resistance, aiding in pain relief, muscle strengthening, and improved mobility. At Silverwood we are lucky enough to have three Hydrotherapy pools which are used by our pupils who have a specific set of needs, throughout the day.
The benefits of Hydrotherapy are listed below.
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Warm water:
Hydrotherapy pools are heated to a higher temperature than regular swimming pools, which helps relax muscles and reduce pain.
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Buoyancy:
The water's buoyancy supports body weight, reducing stress on joints and allowing for more comfortable movement, especially beneficial for those with limited mobility or pain.
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Resistance:
The water provides resistance to movement, which can help build muscle strength and endurance.
Benefits:
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Pain relief:
Warm water can help soothe aching muscles and joints, providing relief from pain associated with various conditions like arthritis or injuries.
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Improved mobility and flexibility:
The buoyancy and reduced weight-bearing allow for a greater range of motion and flexibility.
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Muscle strengthening:
The resistance of water can help build muscle strength and endurance.
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Reduced swelling and inflammation:
The hydrostatic pressure of the water can help reduce swelling and inflammation, especially in limbs.
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Improved circulation:
Warm water can improve blood flow, which can be beneficial for overall health and healing.
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Relaxation and stress reduction:
The warm water and therapeutic exercises can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
