The Sanctuary
Stimulate your touch, sight and other senses, in our sensory room.
The Sanctuary is a safe space for all Discovery Space visitors, including children on the Autism Spectrum, to engage in sensory play. Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates the senses (touch, taste, movement, balance, sight, smell and hearing) and supports a child’s cognitive growth, language development, gross motor skills, social interactions and problem solving.
Learn through play
Items in The Sanctuary include lights, mirrors, tactile objects, cushions, a sling swing, bubble tubes, weaving wall, optic curtain, sensory den and a memory foam mat.
Backed by research
Children use their senses to explore and make sense of the world around them. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change neural pathways or synapses to rewire the brain. Providing children with opportunity to actively use their senses is crucial to brain development as it helps build nerve connections in the brain pathways, which helps with the greater development of the child.
Sensory play leads to a child’s ability to complete more complex tasks, supporting cognitive growth, language development, gross motor skills, social interactions and problem solving skills. Sensory play encourages one to use scientific processes while they play, create, investigate and explore. The sensory activities allow children to refine their thresholds for different sensory information, strengthening sensory-related synapses and functions.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to explore more than 15 experiences? Plan your visit now to get the most out of your trip to Early Start Discovery Space.
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Become a sponsor by donating to fund new research and experiences
We love collaborating with groups who share our passion for play. You can become a sponsor today or work with us to create a whole new experience.
