Pensacola sensory room helps children feel calm

For a child in the hospital, the hardest part of receiving care may not always be the treatment itself.

Bright lights, loud sounds, unexpected sensations and changes in routine can feel overwhelming, especially for children with sensory sensitivities, autism or developmental differences. When children cannot explain what is bothering them, their behavior may communicate that they need a break, less stimulation or a greater sense of control.

Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart opened a sensory room on its fourth floor, giving children a quieter environment where they can relax, regulate and regain a sense of comfort during hospital care.

Made possible by a grant from International Paper to Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation, the sensory room provides compassionate, individualized support for children who feel overwhelmed during care.

A place where children can feel safe

The room includes light panels, bubble columns, calming sounds and other sensory features. These elements can be adjusted to create an environment responsive to each child's individual needs.

Created with sensory, developmental and behavioral needs in mind, the room may benefit any child who feels overwhelmed during hospital care.

"This room is not just a nice-to-have feature," said Amanda Soldani, CCLS, clinical program supervisor at Studer Family Children's Hospital. "It is a therapeutic resource that can help transform the hospital experience. It promotes regulation, reduces fear and helps children feel safe at a time when very little may feel predictable."

The room's impact can look different for every child. A toddler who arrives overstimulated and unable to calm down may begin to settle while watching bubbles rise through softly illuminated water. A child with autism may find comfort in the soothing environment before distress intensifies.

For one mother, the sensory room gave her son an opportunity to enjoy being a child during a difficult medical experience.

"Thank you for letting him have an experience that wasn't about being sick," she said.

The quieter environment may also offer parents and caregivers a moment of relief as they watch their child begin to relax.

Within the room, children can rest, explore and breathe while regaining a sense of safety and control.

Sensory-friendly care beyond the room

The sensory room expands the support available throughout Studer Family Children's Hospital through the Starfish Adaptive Care Program.

Certified child life specialists help children and families understand, prepare for and cope with hospital experiences through developmentally appropriate education, therapeutic play and personalized support. They work with parents, caregivers and the child's care team to identify strategies that may make care more comfortable and manageable.

Parents and caregivers can complete a profile describing their child's needs, challenges and helpful calming strategies. This information helps child life specialists and care teams personalize the child's support.

A discreet starfish symbol outside a patient's room lets care team members know that the child may benefit from additional support. Mobile sensory carts also bring resources directly to the bedside, including noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, visual timers, fidget tools and other items selected according to the child's needs.

"The addition of the sensory room to the Starfish Adaptive Care Program helps us deliver care that honors the whole child: body, mind and spirit," said Amanda Soldani, CCLS, clinical program supervisor. "At Studer Family Children's Hospital, we believe every child deserves dignity, comfort and emotional support throughout their health care journey."

Families who believe their child may benefit from the sensory room or other sensory-friendly resources can speak with their child's care team or ask to connect with a certified child life specialist.

The sensory room gives children something especially meaningful during an unfamiliar medical experience: a place where they can feel safe, understood and free to be children.

Learn more about Child Life services at Studer Family Children's Hospital

To support pediatric programs and services, visit the Studer Family Children's Hospital giving page.