In an effort to make supporting your neurodivergent child accessible to all, we have decided a monthly series in creating supports in your home on a budget. Today we are creating a Sensory Den.

All items were purchased at either a dollar store or Walmart with the knowledge that in many places in the United States these are the only stores accessible.

Supplies needed:

1 hula hoop
1 ball of twine
1 bungee cord (not pictured)
1 set of curtains

Total purchase price: $12 USD

1. Cut 2 lengths of twine about 6 inches longer than the diameter of the hula hoop and set aside.

2. Next, find the joint where the hula hoop connects together and disconnect them. If yours doesn’t have one, you will need to cut your hula hoop. My hula hoop had beads inside that I removed.

3. Feed the curtain onto the hula hoop. Depending on your hula hoop size, you may need more than 2 curtains. As another option, you can also use a shower curtain with curtain hooks. A curtain was chosen as they are designed to block outside light.

4. Tie a loop into your twine. Then tie your twine to your hula hoop.

5. Pull the bungee cord through the loop and mount it to your chosen corner. We choose a corner where two loft beds meet. If you are mounting to a wall, make sure you find the studs in your wall.

Other options for getting a curtain would be to look at a local thrift store, a closeout store or if you sew, purchasing fabric to make your own.

We hope this was useful to you. Look for our next low-cost home supports.