The final part of the autism treatment series: how to build a calm, low-stimulation space where an overstimulated child can finally focus and learn — and how to grow beyond it over time.
In the last article of this series, joining and repetitive actions were discussed, with ways to better interact with and communicate with your child. Joining is a major step in treating Autism, as children need to know they can trust others, especially parents. Due to overstimulation, interactions become complicated, leading to attention problems and even pain. A proper environment needs to be created to best join and interact with your child. Creating an environment that is not overstimulating may be difficult, as what we consider overstimulating will be different for someone with Autism.
Overstimulation
While overstimulation has been covered before, a brief refresher is needed. Most people with Autism have sensitivities, some to sounds, smells, and even clothing. Often, the senses are overpowered, causing sensory overload.
The best analogy would be of nails on a chalkboard. Most of us would find this noise highly annoying, possibly even painful. Imagine sitting in a classroom with this sound repeating over and over. Over time, we would become upset and try not to focus on this noise. Imagine if we had to do a task with this noise in the background. Would we do better or worse with this sound? Most of us would do worse, as it would be difficult to block it out. This is similar to what Autistic children experience. We often ask them to do tasks while they are overstimulated, causing stress and anxiety. Add in someone who is non-verbal or has difficulty speaking, and a tantrum can occur.
Overstimulation is terrible. The problem is that everyone will have different things that are overstimulating. One autistic child may become upset over the noise of the refrigerator, while another may not care. There is no set rulebook as to what will be overstimulating. The best way to determine what is overstimulating is to watch your child and their reactions to their environment. Think of all five senses and watch your child’s interactions. Maybe it’s a sound or a smell that’s overstimulating. Maybe the carpet’s texture or the brightness of the paint on the walls. Making a list of overstimulating factors will help create an environment with low sensitivity.
The Importance of the Environment
When working with your child, using a low-stimulation area of the house is best. The less the stimulation, the better your child can focus and listen. After you have made a list of what overstimulates your child, it is time to set up this room. When creating this room, there are some considerations to keep in mind.
First, this room should be private and generally not entered. A bedroom is a good example. This room should be used only for teaching and working with your child. A guest bedroom is a good place, as it is not normally used. The child’s bedroom is not a good choice, as it will have a bed, dressers, and other things that could be overstimulating. The less the room has, the better.
You want to create a room with very little—no electronics, toys, or bright paints. Toys can be for later, but while you are trying to teach your child, the focus should be on the activities you are conducting.
Note the paint and the carpet. Is the paint bright? Bright items may be overstimulating, so make the color dull if possible. How does your child react to the carpet? If your child cries or screams while on the carpet, try tile or wood to see if the same reaction repeats. You may need to replace the carpet in this room with something else. Make sure the carpet or tile colors are dull to match the walls.
Remove Everything
Once you have picked a room and the floors and walls are ready, make sure to remove everything else from the room—no toys, beds, boxes, or anything that could distract your child. You want as empty of a room as possible. When your child is in this room, it will be with you, them, and whatever activity you are conducting. You can bring a chair or something to sit in, but remove it when not in use. All it takes to distract is one object. You could have a great idea planned and forget about the chair in the corner. Your child may fixate on this chair and ignore you, ruining your activity.
You will spend hours in this room with your child, sometimes up to 4-5 hours daily. This room is where they will learn and interact with the world. You will join in this room. For your child to learn and grow, their environment will be key.
Realistic Expectations
For some of you, creating an entire room for joining may not be possible. You may not have space or the finances. Do the best you can to try to convert a room. The child’s bedroom can work as long as most things are removed from it. It will work as long as toys and other items can be kept in closets or drawers. It would be best not to have these items, but do what you can. As long as the room is out of the way and not a major room, it will work. You do not want distractions if you can help it.
In Conclusion
Spending the next months and years in this room will help your child learn and grow. At first, most of your activities will be in this room. Over time, as their sensitivities decrease, you can introduce them into other rooms and then other environments. Some of you may not wish to create this room, as you may feel you are giving in to the condition or that you will worsen it. The goal is for them to begin to learn in this room, but in time for them to leave it. As stimulation issues decrease, begin working in other environments so they can get used to other places. The goal in time is not to need this room at all, as they can manage their stimulation issues and self-soothe.
If you want to learn more about treating Autism, I recommend checking out the Son-Rise Program by the Autism Treatment Center of America. They provided most of the information covered in this series. They have had years of success treating Autism and have helped thousands of children. You can go to their website here or their YouTube Channel here.
Article Series
Treating Autism: Part 1 – Mindset
Treating Autism: Part 2 – Attitude & Motivation
Treating Autism: Part 3 – Joining & Repetitive Actions
Treating Autism: Part 4 – Environmental Considerations
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