Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is often accompanied by sensory deprivation, or, conversely, difficulties with tactile sensations. Children on the spectrum may find hugs unbearable, wearing warm sweaters or even socks may frustrate them when it’s time for a walk. Thus, sensory stimulation is recommended for working with children with autism and other behavioral and emotional disorders.
Last year, thanks to Verholy Relax Park, we set up a special room for sensory stimulation and relaxation at LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB, which we named the dark room.
Neuropsychologist Halyna Masko, who conducts classes in the sensory room for the children at LEVCHYK, says: “The dark room is designed to return the child to the pre-somatic period when he is in the womb and feels calm and safe. There is no noise, light, or other external stimuli, to which children with ASD are very sensitive.”
There is no direct lighting in the dark room so the child can relax the organs of vision and focus on tactile, olfactory, and auditory sensations. The only light source that can be used is a fiber-optic product that creates the effect of a starry sky or light bushes. All elements in the room can make a healing impact. Children can touch the surface with their palms and feel the differences, listen to the sounds of nature, feel the various flavors, and reflect the light. The purpose of such a room is to create a calming and restorative effect on the child’s general condition through sensory stimuli.
Dark room therapy uses textured materials (foam, jelly toys, massage balls, etc.), scents, and sounds of nature (water, birdsong). Light sources can be fiber optic products that create the effect of a starry sky or light bushes.
New sensory sensations also trigger the process of forming new neural connections, which has a positive effect on improving communication, motor skills, and socialization. During classes in a dark room, a neuropsychologist uses special textured materials such as foam with paint, water, and jelly-like toys to stimulate children's different sensory systems.
Halyna Masko explains that sensory relaxation is crucial for non-verbal children on the autism spectrum. Being unable to explain what is bothering them, children may become aggressive and refuse corrective activities. Therefore, the specialist advises parents of children on the spectrum to conduct sensory relaxation at home.
How to engage in sensory relaxation at home?
- Make the light in the room dim or muted.
- Turn on the sounds of nature (birds singing, the sound of a waterfall) in the background.
- Use aromatherapy. Stimulating olfactory receptors helps restore the child’s neural connections. Choose natural aromas such as lavender, chamomile, and rice oil. Citrus, on the contrary, can make the child feel active.
- Give the child a small massage of the hands and feet, gently massaging each finger. You can use massage brushes, balls, and other su-jok massagers.
- Divide the space into sensory zones.
- In the tactile zone, use foam, gel animals, stones of different shapes, and pop-its.
- Sand therapy zone - you can mix sand with semolina and cereals. Let the child taste it, if age allows.
- Light zone: use multicolored lamps, and fiber optic products, study colors, and observe the child's reaction.
The class can last up to 30 minutes. Observe what interests the child the most, and offer to try something new. Remember, new sensations stimulate the acquisition of new skills and abilities that will help your child in their future independent life.
We thank our partners Verholy Relax Park for such important help in arranging a dark room in LEVCHYK! Thanks to your support, we can implement new correction methods and help children on the autism spectrum even more effectively.
