What is sensory wellbeing?
Sensory wellbeing refers to the state of feeling comfortable, balanced, and positively engaged through our senses. It’s the idea that how we experience our sensory environment affects our mental, emotional, and physical health.
What is smart, personalised sensory wellbeing?
What is smart, personalised sensory wellbeing?
The four sensory types
Our brains filter sensory input, too much stimulation can lead to stress and overwhelm, and too little can lead to boredom and disengagement. Optimal sensory input keeps us in a regulated and focused state.
Occupational therapist (OT) Winne Dunn’s research into sensory processing identified four different sensory types that make up the spectrum:
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Bystander: The brain needs a lot of input to register things, and the person doesn't actively look for more input.
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Seeker: The brain needs a lot of input, and the person actively goes out and gets it, often leading to overstimulation.
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Sensor: The brain triggers on very little input, but the person doesn't do much to avoid it, they just experience it, often negatively.
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Avoider: The brain triggers on very little input, and the person actively works to limit or escape stimulation before it overwhelms them.
The four sensory types
Our brains filter sensory input, too much stimulation can lead to stress and overwhelm, and too little can lead to boredom and disengagement. Optimal sensory input keeps us in a regulated and focused state.
Occupational therapist (OT) Winne Dunn’s research into sensory processing identified four different sensory types that make up the spectrum:
-
Bystander: The brain needs a lot of input to register things, and the person doesn't actively look for more input.
-
Seeker: The brain needs a lot of input, and the person actively goes out and gets it, often leading to overstimulation.
-
Sensor: The brain triggers on very little input, but the person doesn't do much to avoid it, they just experience it, often negatively.
-
Avoider: The brain triggers on very little input, and the person actively works to limit or escape stimulation before it overwhelms them.
Sensory regulation and wellbeing: Why personalisation matters
Personalisation and individualisation are critical when it comes to sensory wellbeing.
Each sensory type on the spectrum needs a different environment to bring them back to a state of regulation.
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An Avoider needs environmental reduction strategies
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A Seeker needs environmental enrichment
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A Sensor needs awareness and pacing strategies
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A Bystander needs alerting strategies
Sensory regulation and wellbeing: Why personalisation matters
Personalisation and individualisation are critical when it comes to sensory wellbeing.
Each sensory type on the spectrum needs a different environment to bring them back to a state of regulation.
-
An Avoider needs environmental reduction strategies
-
A Seeker needs environmental enrichment
-
A Sensor needs awareness and pacing strategies
-
A Bystander needs alerting strategies
The science behind Cubbie
Cubbie is an early intervention sensory wellbeing and regulation solution that uses sensory portraits to create the right experience for each individual. Cubbie is designed to be a blank canvas that individuals can personalise to create the environment they need to regulate. It works for all sensory types as well as people with autism, ADHD, and anxiety.
By using sensory portraits and OT-designed programmes, we can match the sensory experience to different sensory types to effectively regulate individuals. Because of this, Cubbie is adaptive in the moment, tailoring and individualising the experience to the needs.
The science behind Cubbie
Cubbie is an early intervention sensory wellbeing and regulation solution that uses sensory portraits to create the right experience for each individual. Cubbie is designed to be a blank canvas that individuals can personalise to create the environment they need to regulate. It works for all sensory types as well as people with autism, ADHD, and anxiety.
By using sensory portraits and OT-designed programmes, we can match the sensory experience to different sensory types to effectively regulate individuals. Because of this, Cubbie is adaptive in the moment, tailoring and individualising the experience to the needs.
The benefits of Cubbie for individuals, staff, and services
Reduction in disruption and behavioural issues
Increase in attendance
and participation
Increase in time regained
for staff and teams
Reduction in disruption and behavioural issues
Increase in time regained
for staff and teams
Increase in attendance
and participation
Provides a standardised and consistent solution that adapts to the environment
Delivers targeted, individualised, and effective sensory experiences for everyone
Delivers targeted, individualised, and effective sensory experiences for everyone
Provides a standardised and consistent solution that adapts to the environment
Resources and insights
Sensory rooms: Integration for inclusion
Sensory rooms have become a staple in many schools. They are designed as calming spaces where children can take a break from sensory overload. The intention is always to support. However, as we enhance our understanding of inclusion, it’s essential to ask: is there a way to support regulation without creating separation?
Understanding sensory processing disorder: A silent struggle
Imagine living in a world where every sound feels like a roar, where the touch of clothing feels like sandpaper on your skin, or where bright lights seem like a constant, unbearable glare. This is the reality for individuals with SPD, a condition that remains largely misunderstood and
under-recognised.
The lifelong impact of sensory
processing disorder: From childhood to adulthood
Explore the deeper impacts of SPD on individuals as they transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Understanding the statistics and long-term effects can help in creating more effective support systems and raising awareness about this often-overlooked condition.
Sensory rooms: Integration for inclusion
Sensory rooms have become a staple in many schools. They are designed as calming spaces where children can take a break from sensory overload. The intention is always to support. However, as we enhance our understanding of inclusion, it’s essential to ask: is there a way to support regulation without creating separation?
Understanding sensory processing disorder: A silent struggle
Imagine living in a world where every sound feels like a roar, where the touch of clothing feels like sandpaper on your skin, or where bright lights seem like a constant, unbearable glare. This is the reality for individuals with SPD, a condition that remains largely misunderstood and
under-recognised.
The lifelong impact of sensory
processing disorder: From childhood to adulthood
Explore the deeper impacts of SPD on individuals as they transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Understanding the statistics and long-term effects can help in creating more effective support systems and raising awareness about this often-overlooked condition.
The lifelong impact of sensory
processing disorder: From childhood to adulthood
Explore the deeper impacts of SPD on individuals as they transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Understanding the statistics and long-term effects can help in creating more effective support systems and raising awareness about this often-overlooked condition.
Understanding sensory processing disorder: A silent struggle
Imagine living in a world where every sound feels like a roar, where the touch of clothing feels like sandpaper on your skin, or where bright lights seem like a constant, unbearable glare. This is the reality for individuals with SPD, a condition that remains largely misunderstood and
under-recognised.
Sensory rooms: Integration for inclusion
Sensory rooms have become a staple in many schools. They are designed as calming spaces where children can take a break from sensory overload. The intention is always to support. However, as we enhance our understanding of inclusion, it’s essential to ask: is there a way to support regulation without creating separation?
Want to solve your SEND and inclusion needs?
Get in touch with our Cubbie team
Whether you’re improving inclusion and accessibility in schools, fostering workplace wellbeing, or supporting a community that embraces everyone, Cubbie is here to help you create inclusive spaces where everyone can regulate, participate, and thrive.
