Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

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Developmental & Learning Disorders
/ Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autistic child spends too much time in room

WENDYT
WENDYT
My daughter (who is autistic) is almost three, and lately she has been spending long periods of time in her bedroom away from the rest of the family (40 min. - 2 hrs. if she can). She was doing this earlier this year, and then stopped for a long time. Now it has started again. I have a feeling that she saw something on TV that either scared her or bothered her in some way. I don't know what it could have been. It seems like she is reluctant to come out even when the TV is off, or when her favorite show is on. She does have lots of toys and books in her room, but still she should not be spending long periods of time alone in there. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could help her break this habit, and encourage her to come out? Does anyone else have Autistic children who do this?

Thanks

Wendy
sambod
sambod
sam spends a lot of time in the master bedroom where the computer is because he loves playing games on it, usually cartoon net work . There is also a tv in there and he usually draws in there.

I set limits and incorporate it into his picture schedule.
He's learned that if he is having a really bad day, I have taught him to tell me that he needs "sambo" time and usually right after school, is when he spends the most but I figure that we all need a chance to unwind after our day and that is his time.
My son loves books so once I get home from work and unwind for about a half and hour, we usually read a book together before bath and then homework and then I allow him about an hour before he goes to bed to go back there.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My Isaac does this too. I've been told by a professional (who gives his life to the research of Autism)that when there overstimulated they need a place where they can go to. May be a certian smell, noise, or light she's overwhellmed by. Try turning everything off in your living room and see if that works including foods. I did this w/Isaac in our truck, cause he would screem, and it worked! Thanks to the advice of otehrs. I'm almost sure it's one of those things, also bring out some of her items that she likes to play w/into your front room..
deleted_user
deleted_user
My son has always done this and to this day , he still does. This is a major problem for the daycare's! They try and force socializing on him, which in turn sets him into a full meltdown! I used to worry, now I just check on him , like constantly! And try and get the house work done. I t can be worrysome , but he just can't be changed, not where "his alone time" is concerned. It is sad, although so close, he can be so far away.........
deleted_user
deleted_user
My parents didn't know for a long time, but the reason I would spend so much time in the bathroom was because I was wrapping myself up in the shower curtains... I of course did not know I had Autism at the time and didn't know why I did it, but had to.

Kris
deleted_user
deleted_user
My son Sean does this too. He spends a lot of time alone in his room. Now we just follow him in his room too. Brett my little guy follows Sean all over the place so even if Sean is in his room he isn't alone Brett is 2 steps behind him making him play with him or notice him. Maybe you could get some playdates together for her with some chatty little girls and just let them play in the room with her. May help her to understand that if she isn't going to come out of her room then people are going to go to her. Just a thought. Good luck. Hugs Denise
deleted_user
deleted_user
Does your daughter object if you follow her in her room and engage her in play?
PS don't we all need a little alone time in our rooms??
deleted_user
deleted_user
hi. well, nothing new there then! yeah, that is the main 'symptom' of autism- wanting to be alone and prefering ones own company! it is normal for them to want that and i think you should allow it- more than you would normally, as long as there are also time that you can spend together , as the isolation is likely to increase and socialising is important- but remember it is not neccessarly wanted by your child! my son is now grown, but he has always spent many hours in his room, occupying himself quite happily. like previously suggested, you could set up some sort of timetable, so it is clear when this is possible and when it is time to share!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Amber also spends alot of time alone in her room. My wife and I give her time in there by herself, always with the baby monitor on, and if she get quiet for about 15 minutes or hasen't come out of her room I'll go back there just to check on her and I also give her a hug and kiss. We also watch her as she roams around the living room and keep a eye out for what she has in her hands, she loves to put things in her mouth, and if she has any little object, or a thing she could possibly break, we take it from her before we let her go on into her room. Hope this helps. Jeff
deleted_user
deleted_user
MY SON DID THE SAME THING UNTIL I GOT HIM INTO AN IBI PROGRAM- NOW HE IS EVERYWHERE. HE STILL LIKES TO PLAY IN THE CLOSET OR IN A ROOM BY HIMSELF BUT HE COMES OUT MORE OFTEN AND STAYS FOR LONGER PERIODS. I THINK ITS OKAY. AUTISIM IS A 1 STEP FORWARD 2 STEP BACK. BUT YOU KNOW YOUR KIDS IF YOU FEEL LIKE SHE IS AVOIDING CONTACT LOOK INTO OT OR IF SHE GETS IT ALREADY ASK THEM TO RECOMMEND SOMETHING. MY SON LIKES FIRM PRESSURE WHEN HE FEELS HYPED UP. AND ULIKE SOME KIDS WHEN HE IS REALLY HYPED UP HE WANTS TO BE ALONE TO CALM HIMSELF OR HUGGED REAL HARD.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My sister does this also, but its usually because she is sensitive to sound and sight so it becomes overwhelming for her at times. This might be the same for your daughter, and if it seems to be then it is best for her to go to her room to unwind, instead of insisting on her to come into something that could be making her slightly miserable.