Lighting for Someone with Autism

People from all walks of life may experience sensitivities to sensory stimuli. They may require a certain environment in order to be able to concentrate well or to stimulate their creativity, for instance.

Some people who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though, experience these sensitivities in a much more heightened way. They could be highly sensitive to bright lights, loud noises or strong odors — and become stressed, anxious and/or easily overwhelmed when exposed to these things.

Others on the autism spectrum could be under-sensitive to these same things, and actually seek out this sensory stimulation as a way to calm themselves. For instance, they may bang on items or rub their hands over certain textures so they can receive sensory input.

If your child has autism, you should consider the lighting for your home carefully, as it could serve to calm your child or provide your child with sensory overload. Below, we’ll look at how lighting can affect children with autism, as well as what considerations you should make in regard to lighting for someone with autism.

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How Can Lighting Affect People with Autism?

Everyone is affected by lighting, although the ways in which it affects people might be subtle. Lighting can elicit excitement (such as flashing lights at a concert) or it can serve as a calming element (such as in a spa).

Many neurotypical individuals go about their day without thinking too much about how lighting affects them, but this may not be possible to people who have autism.  Those with light sensitivity are especially susceptible to potential negative effects of certain types of lighting.

Children with ASD who are hypersensitive to lighting may avoid things such as bright lights, flashing lights, neon lights or harsh lighting such as fluorescent lights. Unfortunately, there are certain situations where you simply won’t be able to control the lighting.

While much work is being done to create inclusive environments for people on the autism spectrum, workplaces and schools may not have lighting that is conducive to some people. This could cause them to become easily overwhelmed and engage in self-stimulatory behaviors — derailing their ability to work, learn and interact with others at times.

People with autism who have light sensitivities may isolate themselves from others, and remain only in environments in which they feel comfortable.

What Should You Consider with Lighting for Someone with Autism?

In environments that you can control, such as your home, it’s important to consider the lighting very carefully and how it might affect your child with autism. In addition to ensuring that your home is free from harsh lighting and lights that flicker, you should also consider setting aside a separate sensory room, if possible.

As mentioned before, you should avoid having any fluorescent lighting, as well as any bright lights. If you do need bright lighting in certain rooms — such as the kitchen and bathrooms — try installing dimmers so you can turn down the intensity at times.

Even if you can’t designate a separate sensory room for your child with ASD, there are plenty of sensory lights and toys that can help to calm your child if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Examples include mirror balls, LED light strips, reflective balls and bubble tube lamps.

Allowing your child to remove themselves and calm themselves down in a safe space for them is important, whether it’s because of a sensitivity to light or some other stimuli.

How Can Children with Autism Be Supported if They Have Light Sensitivity?

Providing inclusive environments for children with autism is key to helping them manage their sensory sensitivities and avoid feeling stressed, anxious and overwhelmed. However, you won’t be able to control every environment that they encounter.

That’s why it’s important to help support children with autism who have light sensitivity and other sensory challenges. Applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, seeks to do just that by equipping children on the autism spectrum with ways to cope and modify their behaviors.

As a science-based approach to learning and behavior, ABA therapy helps children with ASD build social and communication skills, and learn replacement behaviors so they can feel more comfortable and manage their emotions better when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

ABA therapists will work hand-in-hand with their patients, using various strategies to teach them these skills and behavior modifications. Treatment plans are customized to each individual child, as every person with autism has unique strengths and challenges.

Blue Gems ABA Helps Children with Autism Manage Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities are a major challenge for many children on the autism spectrum. Since you can’t control every environment your child will encounter, it’s important to support them by providing them with the best treatment possible.

At Blue Gems ABA, our team of experienced BCBAs has years of experience creating tailored ABA therapy treatment plans to help children with autism manage light sensitivity and other sensory challenges.

To learn more, please contact us today.