Many autistic individuals experience meltdowns when overwhelmed. They suffer from sensory processing disorders, which makes them sensitive to outside stimuli. Anything can be a trigger: from bright lights to crowded places in a mall. Meltdowns are a type of tantrums that the autistic child can’t control. Since they can’t self-regulate their emotions, they cry and throw a fit because they don’t understand what’s happening around them.
For autistic people, the world is a scary place. A world they don’t understand and which makes them uncomfortable. In public places, it’s rather hard to find a space where your child can go and calm down. In these cases, you can use sensory toys and weighted vests to relax when overwhelmed.
When at home, the child has a special room called a sensory space where he can go whenever he wants to calm down. For example, it’s Christmas time, and your family comes to visit. It can be upsetting for a child with sensory issues to stay there for too long. A sensory environment is a safe place where your child can self-regulate; it provides a fun and stimulating experience. The room promotes relaxation and lowers stress and anxiety levels.
You can decorate the space however you want, as long as it fits your child’s unique needs. You can choose calming colors, an essential aspect of a sensory room. You can also select the type of flooring to suit your child’s texture sensitivities and add whatever object your kid will like. For example, he might want to display his toys in an arranged manner, so a shelf can be the perfect item to add to the room.
The benefits of a sensory room include:
- Improves focus and alertness
- Encourages socialization in a stress-free environment
- Improves motor skills
- Promote cognitive development
- Stimulates the child
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