The sensory room at the National Center Supporting Inclusive Education for CWDs has made a world of difference to 4-year-old Sophie and Julietta. Sophie, who has psycho-speech development delay and autism spectrum disorder, and Julietta, who has a language development delay, both thrive in this innovative space.
They both like to play with the odd balls, soft tubes, and other sensory toys, each of which has therapeutic value for children with special needs like Sophie and Julietta. Twice a week, under the guidance of the Center occupational therapist Seda Miroyan, the sensory room becomes a haven where these children can work on sensory integration, manage overstimulation, and learn to self-regulate their behavior, all while enhancing their overall well-being.
Each session in the sensory room lasts about 30-40 minutes. Seda meticulously prepares the room in advance, setting the lighting to a color that soothes the child and arranging the sensory toys and materials they will use.
The newly established sensory room was made possible by FAR as part of its mission to support inclusive education for children with special needs in Armenia.
Seda Miroyan confirms that the sensory room was essential for the Center. While working on various cases, she helps kids manage daily tasks such as dressing, brushing their teeth, and holding a pencil. This therapy is foundational for developing both physical and sensory skills.
While Sophie will need a bit more time to balance her behavioral and sensory issues, Julietta has already achieved some success. "Before coming to the Center, she didn't respond to our voices, nor did she recognize any colors or have any cognitive perception in general. But now, Julietta knows the colors, she recognizes everything, and she brings what we ask. She also collects everything behind her, like her balls or toys—something she would never do before," says her mother, Nelly Mkrtchyan, 26, who has been bringing Julietta to the Center for four months. Initially, Julietta worked with a psychologist and then attended dance and pottery therapy classes. The sensory room sessions were added to Julietta’s schedule just recently.
The occupational therapist is confident that both girls will continue to make strides also thanks to sensory integration therapy. "Proper sensory integration is crucial for developing essential skills. Without it, children will later on struggle with attention, behavior, and overall development,” she concludes.
The National Center Supporting Inclusive Education for CWDs is generously sponsored by the Fund for Armenian Relief through generosity of our Friends "Hovsep Foundation," "The John Mirak Foundation" and "Myron and Mary Shahinian Stapanian Fund and “Hovsep, Siranoush and Mary Bahadourian Fund.”
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