Little Rock School District creates sensory room to help students with autism

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A new room is helping kids with autism learn while calming down at an elementary school in the Little Rock School District.

Western Hills Elementary School officials say a sensory room was created as part of its new autism program. District officials said it is the district’s first fully functioning sensory room on the elementary level.

Anngelica Carter, LRSD’s special program coordinator for autism classes, said the room will help students with autism cope with their emotions.

“I think it’s a place to reset,” Carter said. “A lot of times our students on the spectrum can get easily overwhelmed.”

Principal Pamela Freeman said the room will give students space to be themselves and relax if they’re having problems in the classroom.

“So, this gives them great safe space to come exert some of the extra energy and have some sensory input,” Freeman said.

Carter said they have everything from a trampoline and play tunnels to sensory toys and games.

“If they’re overstimulated, sometimes they can be affected by noise so we have noise-canceling headphones,” she said.

Freeman said they have under 30 students with autism and if they do get frustrated or overwhelmed in school, the room can help them.

“They have the freedom for their peer professional to walk them over and give them that time to calm down,” Freeman said.

She said she hopes the sensory room will help with the independent needs for the students while teaching at all levels.

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