For Occupational Therapists and facility managers, integrating modern assistive technology into a Montessori environment requires careful consideration. The goal is to enhance sensory learning without disrupting the prepared environment that is central to the pedagogy.
Our partners at SENcastle have published an insightful analysis on this exact subject. Written by Mateja Vukasinec, the article, “SENcastle and Montessori Pedagogy: Innovative Support for Child Development,” explores how the SENcastle unit bridges the gap between traditional didactic materials and modern sensory integration therapy.
Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals
Before you read the full piece, we have highlighted the key clinical applications discussed in the article relevant to facility planning and therapy:
Complementary Sensory Input: Unlike traditional Montessori toys that isolate single senses, the SENcastle offers multimodal stimulation (visual, auditory, tactile) to support complex sensory processing disorders (SPD).
Facilitating Autonomy: The unit aligns with the Montessori principle of help me do it myself. It allows users to self-regulate by independently controlling the intensity of the stimuli.
Inclusive Design: The article details how the SENcastle serves as a bridge in inclusive classrooms, allowing neurodivergent children to participate in group regulation and cause-and-effect learning alongside their peers.
Read the Full Article
We highly recommend this article for clinicians looking to justify the inclusion of sensory technology in educational or therapeutic specs.
Read the full article by Mateja Vukasinec on the SENcastle Blog
About the SENcastleIf you are considering specifying the SENcastle for a facility, here are the technical specifications and features discussed in the analysis.
Key Features
Multimodal Input: Delivers light, vibration, and sound to support diverse sensory processing needs.
Interactive Control: Features buttons and pillows allowing independent control of the sensory environment.
Modular Design: Fits into a prepared environment without disrupting the classroom’s calm dynamic.
Next Steps
To add the SENcastle to a quote or to discuss specifications for your facility, please view the product page below.