Homeostatic Sensory Reset Hypothesis Worksheet

Sensory Modulation Brisbane has developed a worksheet (including a fillable option) to support structured application of the Homeostatic Sensory Reset Hypothesis. The worksheet includes practical considerations to guide the safe selection and use of gustatory input within everyday contexts. The worksheet includes prompts addressing practical considerations, FODMAP requirements, oral care, and intended use of the strategy.

What would I like to trial this strategy for?
Options may include flashbacks, functional seizures, feeling disconnected, dissociated, “spacy”, anger, anxiety, or panic symptoms.

Choosing a pungent taste on a FODMAP diet

People following a FODMAP diet may need to select a pungent taste that aligns with their dietary requirements. Consult a doctor or dietitian for individualised advice.

• Plain pickles (check label for no garlic/onion)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Other plain vinegars (white, rice, malt)
• Lemon/lime/chilli (fresh or dried; small amounts)
• Wasabi (real wasabi powder; check for added garlic)
• Mustard (plain varieties without garlic)
• Mint, ginger
• Tonic water (small serves; check for high fructose corn syrup if from outside Australia)
• Not swallowing is an option

Choosing & considering your teeth
Oral health should be considered, particularly if this strategy is likely to be used regularly. Options selected for frequent use should differ from occasional use.

• Rinse your mouth afterwards
• Consult your dentist for individualised advice
• Consider mouthwash or toothpaste
Generally lower in sugar and less acidic:
• Mint (fresh leaves)
• Ginger (fresh, not candied)
• Mustard (small amounts; non-sugary varieties)
• Wasabi (small amounts)
• Plain pickles occasionally (rinse after)

Choosing & considering flavour intensity
• Disliking a particular flavour is acceptable
• Flavour should be noticeable but not overwhelming, distressing, or associated with negative experiences
• Trial a less intense option if needed
• May be used if sensory sensitive

Practical considerations
Use of any strategy requires consideration of practical factors.
• Where will I need to use it?
• Does it require refrigeration?
• What do I already have available?
• How will I carry it?
Cost

For more information refer to:
O’Sullivan, J., Fitzgibbon, C., Carrive, P., & Kozlowska, K. (2026). Pickle juice – and other pungent foods – as a grounding strategy for managing episodes of dissociative shutdown. Human Systems: Therapy, Culture and Attachments, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/26344041251411521

The Role of Bubble Columns in Sensory Rooms for Adults: Are They Childlike or Therapeutic?

The Role of Bubble Columns in Sensory Rooms for Adults: Are They Childlike or Therapeutic?

Sensory rooms are used  as spaced for calming and reducing distress in mental health units, schools, nursing homes,  shopping centres, sports venues and other community spaces. These rooms are designed to support sensory modulation through calming sensory input such as  lighting, textures, sounds, and visual input. One common feature of these rooms, however, raises an important question: the use of bubble columns. These visually appealing, colourful, water-filled tubes are often seen in sensory rooms, but are they still serving their intended purpose, or are they unintentionally reinforcing a sense of infantilisation for adults?

A recent study on the design of sensory spaces for autistic adults shed light on the discomfort some feel when faced with “childlike” décor in spaces that are supposed to offer respite. One participant’s comment stood out: “Make it feel relevant to us autistic adults and not belittling with childlike decorations and décor.” This sentiment points to an issue that has been largely underexplored: Do bubble columns and similar elements unintentionally undermine the autonomy and dignity of adults?

The use of sensory rooms also varies between genders. Studies on psychiatric units have found that females used the sensory room more frequently than males. This pattern has been observed in both adolescent and adult psychiatric populations, where females consistently report higher engagement with sensory interventions compared to males (Novak et al., 2012;  McCabe, et al., 2025). While both genders report similar levels of distress reduction following sensory room use, males are often less inclined to engage with these spaces. Novak et al (2012)  advised that “Further work is required to ensure that the resources in the sensory room are appropriate for males and that staff are educated about the usefulness of the room for both males and females.” The sensory room features such as bubble columns may be an important resource to research further to identify if it is a factor in some people preferring not to use the sensory rooms. 

 The Bubble Column: Therapeutic Tool or Overly Infantilising?

Bubble columns have long been used in sensory rooms, primarily due to their calming effect. The slow, mesmerizing rise of bubbles, combined with gentle light displays, can help regulate sensory input, providing a soothing experience for many individuals. These columns are often praised for their ability to offer sensory stimulation in a controlled and predictable manner. However, their design—vibrant, brightly coloured, and somewhat whimsical—tends to evoke a sense of playfulness or even childishness.

For children, this may be fitting. Sensory rooms designed for young individuals frequently incorporate playful, engaging elements meant to spark curiosity and excitement. But when we apply these same designs to environments intended for adults—particularly autistic adults who may already feel marginalized or misunderstood—the question arises: Are we perpetuating a sense of infantilization?

Adults have specific needs and challenges that differ from those of children. They may seek sensory regulation or relief, but the environmental cues that work for them could be vastly different from those that appeal to children. In this context, bubble columns might feel out of place, especially if they evoke memories of childhood experiences or suggest that the space was not truly designed for adult needs.

The Desire for Relevant Design

When the participants in the aforementioned research called for spaces that felt relevant to them as autistic adults, they were asking for an environment that respects their maturity and individuality. We have heard similar comments from other adults that appreciate the sensory rooms for reducing distress and inducing calm but express that some design features do not reflect their adult experiences or needs.

For many individuals, sensory modulation is about finding comfort and relief, not necessarily about engaging with childish décor. Instead of bubble columns, perhaps sensory rooms for adults could be consulted regarding design considerations such as more neutral tones, dimmer lights, minimalistic elements, or even nature-inspired designs that encourage calm without feeling infantilising.

A Call for More Research

Is it time to reconsider the use of bubble columns in sensory rooms for adults? Absolutely. While these columns may offer therapeutic benefits, they should not be the default solution for all sensory spaces. More research is needed to understand the specific preferences of adults when it comes to sensory modulation and room design. This includes exploring whether certain designs, like bubble columns, are seen as infantilising or, conversely, if they truly enhance the sensory experience for adults.

There is also a need for more inclusive design practices that involve autistic adults, sensory room users and adults with mental illness in the conversation about what works for them.

Conclusion

The use of bubble columns in sensory rooms for adults is a topic that warrants deeper consideration. While they are effective for sensory modulation, they need to be designed carefully to meet the needs of adult user. As we continue to develop sensory spaces that are truly inclusive, it's crucial to involve adults in the conversation and ensure that these spaces are designed to meet their unique needs and preferences, free from assumptions or outdated notions of what feels therapeutic.

Ultimately, the goal should be to create sensory rooms that empower and support individuals in a way that feels dignified and relevant to their experiences—not just for children, but for adults too.

References

 McCabe, C,   Newbutt, N,  Hutchinson, A,  and Loetscher T. (2025) Insights into Sensory and Relaxation Preferences to Inform the Design of Calming Spaces and Sensory Rooms for Autistic Adults Autism in Adulthood 0 0:0

West, M., Melvin, G., McNamara, F. and Gordon, M. (2017), An evaluation of the use and efficacy of a sensory room within an adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit. Aust Occup Ther J, 64: 253-263. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12358

Novak, T., Scanlan, J., McCaul, N., MacDonald, N. & Clarke, T.(2012). Pilot study of a sensory room in an acute psychiatric unit.Australasian Psychiatry, 20, 401–406, doi:10.1177/1039856212459585

Sutton, D., Wilson, M., Van Kessel, K. & Vanderpyl, J. (2013).Optomizing arousal to manage aggression: A pilot study of sen-sory modulation. International Journal of Health Nursing, 22, 500–511, doi:10.1111/inm.12010

Therapy rooms and waiting rooms: designing for sensory needs

Therapy room with grey lounge, green cushions, a white blanket and a plant on a small table. We would remove the aromatherapy sticks though!

At Sensory Modulation Brisbane, we have been advocating for Universal Design in Mental Health Units for Sensory Sensitivities and we also recommend this for therapy rooms, waiting rooms and all health care spaces.

Many people who attend Therapy practices have sensory processing patterns that are more sensitive, more avoiding, or more seeking or more missing of sensations than others and this can vary between different senses. This includes:

·         Autistics have sensory processing differences recognised as a diagnostic criteria. (DSM5)

·         People with PTSD often have reactivity and hypervigilance to certain sensations

·         People with schizophrenia often have auditory processing  and visual perception challenges.

·         ADHDers frequently have sensory processing differences (Schulze 2020)

·         A high percentage of people with mental illness have interoceptive difficulties

It can be useful to design for people with sensory sensitivities as it is easier to add sensory input if needed rather than take it away.

Lighting

·         Ideally a dimmable light that is set at the preference level of an individual client

·         Curtains or Blinds to block out light

·         If there is a florescent light, turn it off and use lamps instead.

Sound

·         Improving office acoustics can be very beneficial for everyone in terms of privacy and also reducing distractions and sensory sensitivities and overload.

·         It is preferable to not use music in a waiting room environment as people who want music can usually access this on their phone.

Scent

·         Scents can be a trauma trigger, allergy trigger or lead to sensory sensitivity and overload. So having a low scent therapy room and waiting room can be very important. For this reason, we do not recommend diffusers in public spaces.

·         Sometimes it may be necessary to neutralise odours. Try nil odour drops.

Interoception needs

Sometimes therapy is the place where people relax a little and notice that they need to go to the toilet, drink some water or have some snacks. They may not have noticed these interoceptive needs earlier.  Close proximity to toilets, water and food can be useful.

Comfortable Seating

There are many people in pain or who have hypermobility and are attending therapy offices. Comfortable seating can make a big difference.

Calming tools

At Sensory Modulation Brisbane, our favourite sensory tools for offices including a weighted cushion, a box of fidgets,  icy water or ice packs and invitations to reduce the lighting or turn on or off the pink/brown/white noise machine.

Visual Movement

Ideally design waiting rooms so that there is not a lot of visual movement eg people walking past, traffic etc.  Or provide options to be able to not face this visual movement.

Clear Pathways

It is useful for pathways to be clear and obvious and for signage to be clear. It can also be useful to take pictures of landmarks  and have this available on website or new starter information .

Personal preferences

It can be useful to invite individuals to use their preferred fidgets, earplugs, sunglasses, back cushion etc so that they are comfortable

 Nature

Access to nature can be calming. A plant or a picture of nature can be good additions to an office

Previous blog posts have discussed changing sensory input within a psychiatric hospital:

http://sensory-modulation-brisbane.com/sensory-modulation-blog/replace-the-torch-light-mental-health-unit-design

http://sensory-modulation-brisbane.com/sensory-modulation-blog/auditory-sensitivities-mental-health-unit

Training:

https://sensorymodulationbrisbane.ticketspice.com/sensory-modulation-using-a-sensory-lens-with-clients

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Marcel Schulze, Silke Lux, Alexandra Philipsen et al. Sensory Processing in Adult ADHD – A Systematic Review, 10 September 2020, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-71514/v1]
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Sugiyama, S., et al(2021). The Auditory Steady-State Response: Electrophysiological Index for Sensory Processing Dysfunction in Psychiatric Disorders. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 644541.

Sensory Modulation Resource Manual

How do you do Sensory Modulation on an Impatient Mental Health Unit without a Sensory Room?

A Sensory Room is a dedicated room with an array of sensory items and strategies for people to trial and use to support their development of self-management skills and to change their moods through Sensory Modulation*. Sensory rooms have been found to be useful in many mental health units by those who use them. (Champagne, 2011).  

Often people express that they would like to use Sensory Modulation, but that their organisation is unable to fund a Sensory Room or find the space to put one. The good news is that is possible to use Sensory Modulation on an inpatient ward or emergency department without a Sensory Room through the use of low cost or existing sensory items or considering the environment.

Low Cost Sensory Items

Low cost items can be purchased at Discount Department Stores (eg K-Mart) . This can include:

·         hand strengtheners

·         cushions

·         weights

·         books

·         mints

·         herbal teas

·         instant ice packs

·         stress balls

·         earplugs

·         scents

·         hand creams

The Sensory Modulation Resource Manual has a list of budget sensory items.

Existing Sensory Items

Many inpatient mental health units have items that they could use for Sensory Modulation. This may include:

·         Blankets, cushions

·         Art or craft equipment

·         Music

·         Ear plugs

·         Lighting – low light, lamps or dimming switches.

·         Ice Packs

·         Games

A Personal Safety Plan can be useful to introduce to an impatient unit, to identify possible sensory triggers or sensory modulation strategies.

Considering the Environment

Within every environment, whether indoors or outdoors, opportunities exist for sensory modulation or possibly sensory overload. One design solution is to develop a distinct sensory space or zone within the mental health unit. Even within the one room, there can be smaller zones. Spaces can be designed so that people are able to move to the area that suits their unique sensory preferences and needs at the time. Zones may include the following:

·         Exercise zone

·         Calm garden zone

·         Low stimulation zone

·         Socialising zone

·         Soothing or comfort zone.

Other sensory zone ideas are available in the The Sensory Modulation Resource Manual

In a 2017 study, Yakov et al found that the lowering of lights and sounds on a mental health unit in the late afternoon reduced the rate of seclusion and restraint. Assault rates fell 83 per cent and the need for seclusions fell by 72 per cent.

On August 6th  2019, Sensory Modulation Brisbane is offering a workshop to use Sensory Modulation in Inpatient Mental Health Units. Other workshops are being held on the use of Sensory Modulation for community settings, for people working in the Non Government Agencies, and for Teacher Self Care.

*Sensory Modulation can be defined as ‘changing how you feel through using your senses’. (O’ Sullivan & Fitzgibbon, 2018).

Citations and Resources:

Adams-Leask,K., Varonal, Lisa, Dua., Charu (2018). The benefits of sensory modulation on levels of distress for consumers in a mental health emergency setting.  Volume: 26 issue: 5, page(s): 514-519 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1039856217751988

 Champagne, T., (2011) Sensory Modulation & Environment: Essential Elements of  Occupation – 3rd edition

 https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-12-noise-psychiatric-icu-calmer-safer.html

S. Forsyth, Angus & Trevarrow, Rebecca. (2018). Sensory strategies in adult mental health: A qualitative exploration of staff perspectives following the introduction of a sensory room on a male adult acute ward. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 27. 10.1111/inm.12466.

Hedlund Lindberg, Mathilde & Samuelsson, Mats & Perseius, Kent-Inge & Björkdahl, Anna. (2019). The experiences of patients in using sensory rooms in psychiatric inpatient care. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 10.1111/inm.12593.

O’ Sullivan, J., & Fitzgibbon, C (2018) Sensory Modulation Resource Manual.

Svetlana Yakov et al. Sensory Reduction on the General Milieu of a High-Acuity Inpatient Psychiatric Unit to Prevent Use of Physical Restraints: A Successful Open Quality Improvement Trial, Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (2017). DOI: 10.1177/1078390317736136

Te Pou Mental Health Initiatives: Sensory Modulation: https://www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/sensory-modulation/103