Creating Spaces For Child Neuroregulation in Behavioural Healthcare Spaces and Beyond

Synopsis

A child’s ability to regulate their nervous & vestibular systems can help them stay focused, control emotions and improve attention spans and sleep. Some children process sensory input different than others—some are constantly seeking out movement while others prefer to stay still or move in a more rhythmic manner. Some kids are ‘sensory seekers’ and will be constantly jumping, bumping into things on purpose, have lack of personal space, seek out loud noises and more. Instead of admonishing these behaviors, it is important to understand the physiology and psychology behind these actions and how the built environment can help regulate these seemingly out of control behaviors that can be disruptive.

It is vital for children to have the opportunity to regulate their nervous system and emotions, whether they’re in a behavioral healthcare space or in the classroom. This presentation will share design strategies that can be easily incorporated to allow for neuroregulation (gross motor rooms, incorporating technology that promotes movement, safe access to indoor and outdoor spaces where movement is encouraged) as well as in progress or completed projects that have such strategies or spaces.

There will be a focus on neuroregulation strategies and spaces in child and adolescent behavioral health facilities and education settings, where children may have more difficulty with regulating and need more assistance and opportunities to do so. Considering everything from how a child will move through the space to furniture selection to different textures and finishes in a room can be simple ways to help therapies and outcomes.