How to Make Your Environment Autism Friendly - For Professionals

Children with autism can find noisy environments overwhelming. It can be difficult for them to wait their turn. They can also get tired more easily than other children. Sensory overloads can lead to them having meltdowns easily.

Things that will help them in appointments:

• The first or last appointment on the list might ensure that they are seen at quieter times and do not have to spend a lot of time in the waiting room.

• If possible, having a quiet play area in the waiting room, away from the main area, which is stocked with suitable toys, might help.

• Children should bring a transition object/comfort object like their favourite soft toy, or train or dinosaur with them, in order to reduce anxiety.

• They should be prepared about where they are going, whom they will see and what to expect.

• They should be allowed screen time before and during the appointment if required to decrease anxiety. This could be a game on their tablet or a favourite video on youtube.

• Sometimes putting on meditation music on youtube can help.

• Ensure that professionals are not wearing perfumes, and the rooms are plain, without a lot of visual stimuli. Do not have diffusers or other scents. Be conscious of sounds like a fan whirring, or the hum of a fridge etc, which might either help or agitate the young person. White noise apps might help if auditory processing is a problem.

• Children can be encouraged to have chew toys or chewellery as this will engage the vagus nerve and relieve anxiety. Older children can chew gum.

• Do not have toys in age categories as older children might be comforted by playing with toys meant for younger ages.