‘Explore My Senses’ Boxes for Children & Young People

We’re pleased to share that, thanks to the generous support of donors, the Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Team are rolling out ‘Explore My Senses’ across NHS Borders following a successful pilot.

Through ‘Explore My Senses’ children have access to a variety of sensory toys/experiences which help them engage in activities of daily living such as going to school, eating and dressing. From weighted balls, a balance board, smelling oils, a star projector, and play dough, every item was chosen for its impact on the different senses. They can learn about how they feel, understand what that means within coloured Zones of Regulation, and identify what helps them to regulate or, in other words, feel “just right.”  Having the opportunity to try different experiences allows children to create their own unique sensory toolkit.  All children and young people will have access to this resource as it is not diagnosis-specific to those with sensory differences.

Caregivers and teachers also have resources to help children in this process and feedback to the service to help make improvements.

 “These have proven, in my house, to be a real game changer in helping the kids try to regulate their own behaviour.” – Parent

 “These sessions with my pupil have provided me with the information I need to support her self-regulation in class/school. This has given me specific sensory strategies that are proven to work and which can be implemented within the classroom to minimise disruption and allows her to stay within the classroom.” -- Educator

 Thank you for helping us make this happen. Together, we’re building a more inclusive, supportive future.