Building a Brain Break Space

What Is a Brain Break Space?

A Brain Break Space is a sensory-friendly environment available for children and families during community events, school functions, or public gatherings. It offers a calm, welcoming area where anyone can pause, regulate, and reset.

This dedicated room or corner is intentionally designed with soothing activities and gentle stimuli to help individuals decompress when sensory overload or fatigue sets in.

Why Everyone Benefits

Brain breaks are short mental pauses that help people reset attention, reduce stress, and improve focus.

They can:

• Lower frustration and anxiety

• Increase sustained attention and productivity

• Provide either calming or energizing input, depending on need

• Support children in building self-esteem and self-regulation skills

Why Create a Brain Break Space

Introducing a Brain Break Space demonstrates a commitment to inclusion and accessibility for families of all abilities.

Welcoming Families with Diverse Needs: Supports children who experience sensory sensitivities or neurodevelopmental differences, while normalizing breaks for all participants.

Modeling Person-First Language (PFL): PFL places the individual before any diagnosis e.g., “a child with an autism diagnosis,” not “an autistic child.” Consistent PFL communicates respect and empathy.

Opportunities for Youth or Volunteer Leadership: Older children or trained volunteers can help supervise the space, gaining experience in inclusion and peer support.

How to Create a Space?

Physical Elements

• Comfy Seating: Pillows, beanbags, and soft blankets

• Soothing Activities: Bubbles, soft balls, water tables, Play-Doh

• Creative Outlets: Crayons, paper, and event-themed crafts

• Sound Control: Low-volume background music or noise-canceling headphones

• Lighting: Natural light when possible; dim or switch off harsh overhead lights

Sensory-Friendly Environment Checklist

Use these action steps to plan, track, and improve your space for children and families with diverse sensory needs.

• Volume Control: Adjust microphone, speaker, and background-music levels to balance the needs of individuals with hearing sensitivities and those with hearing impairments.

• Promote Acceptance & Understanding: Provide staff and volunteer training on sensory awareness, inclusion practices, and person-first language.

• Preferred Seating & Response Time: Offer accessible seating options, flexible placement, and allow extra time for responses or transitions.

• Organizational Supports: Post written schedules, visual cues, and clear verbal directions to increase predictability and ease transitions.

• Lighting Adjustments: Use natural light whenever possible; dim or avoid harsh overhead lighting.

• Quiet Zone: Designate a low-stimulus corner or room with soft seating and noise-reducing materials.

• Adaptive Materials: Provide sensory tools such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget items, or weighted lap pads.

A Brain Break Space is more than a quiet corner it is a visible commitment to care. By offering a sensory-friendly environment, using person-first language, and empowering volunteers, you create a setting where every family feels welcomed, respected, and supported.