Over-stimulation?

Simply walking into a classroom can be a challenge for the child with ASD. Most classrooms, particularly at the elementary level, are full of colorful bulletin boards, posters, charts, and various other visual stimuli. For most children, such classrooms are a feast for the eyes and help to hold their interest in their surroundings. For the child with ASD, the opposite can happen. He or she may feel completely overwhelmed by all the different shapes, colors, sizes, and designs in the classroom. There may be so much to look at that the child doesn't know where to look first. This can result in the child shutting down or having a tantrum because of over-stimulation. The child may even be so intent on focusing on a decoration that has caught their attention, they are unable to participate at all in the classroom activities. It may be necessary to keep room decorations to a bare minimum or slowly introduce a few items at a time. The use of visual supports in the classroom can provide plenty of visual stimulation and be functional at the same time.

Classroom arrangement

Arrangement of the classroom is another consideration. Think about what the child with ASD needs to function successfully. Does he or she need their own "office" (example: desk with three sides surrounding it to limit distractions) or can they handle sitting with the other children? Does the child with ASD have trouble paying attention if seated near a door or window? If he or she is close to the pencil sharpener, will that be a distraction when other children are using it? Placing work supplies close to the child's desk or work area is the best solution for a child that would be easily distracted if he or she had to walk across the room for these items. Perhaps another child with ASD needs a break between activities and walking across the room to retrieve work supplies can provide that break. If you know that fluorescent lighting bothers the child with ASD, turn off the overhead lights and use table lamps. Maybe the intercom system to your room is too shrill or too loud - try covering the speaker with a few layers of material to muffle the noise a little. There are a number of elements to take into consideration when arranging a classroom to include the child with ASD; most will be specific to the child and classroom.