I wanted to talk about something that's been weighing on my mind. I know some of my words may be wrong, but we need to come together to make positive changes so that fewer families are overwhelmed.
We often see young children with moderate to significant autism in mainstream early childhood settings, throwing their bodies on the floor in frustration, lashing out at well-meaning educators because their nervous system is so heightened that just one more sound or smell triggers a fight-or-flight response. It's heartbreaking to witness how stressful and frustrating it can be for children with autism, both diagnosed and undiagnosed.
I’m feeling increasingly helpless as the system pushes the concept of inclusion for all kindergartens but doesn’t back it with enough resources to provide care for children with this level of need.
What I'm seeing on a weekly basis is either children being excluded, whether they're neurodiverse or neurotypical, as it’s the only way to keep everyone safe, or our teams burning out and ready to quit as they try to keep blocking doorways for those who abscond, getting in amongst wrestling, putting down toilet lids for children who love water play, stopping children from scribbling on books and taking other children's belongings, and reaching for small objects to prevent choking risks.
The mainstream environment often doesn't suit all children's developmental needs, and families sometimes put pressure on educators to push expectations onto children that aren't developmentally appropriate because there is an attitude at times that children with autism are intentionally doing these behaviours to push buttons, 'be cheeky', etc.
I can assure you that children with autism aren't being difficult for the sake of it. They're responding to their overwhelming sensory desires and fight/flight responses. The challenging part for children is that mainstream kindergarten classrooms often lack the necessary funding to modify their environments to suit the needs of ALL children, so educators and children get stuck in a fight/flight response loop, for hours, without a break.
Just to give you some background on why I am so passionate about this: I did a Master's in Disability Studies, majoring in Autism. The research shows amazing resources that can support children with autism in a classroom environment. I'm passionate about supporting these kids, but what I'm witnessing is disheartening. Mainstream kindergarten classrooms often lack the necessary funding to modify their environments to suit the needs of ALL children, including those with significant sensory needs.
Through my studies, I’ve been blessed to meet hundreds of children with autism. These children enjoy touching water in the bathrooms, watching the water swirl with every toilet flush, finding joy in throwing sand because they love observing the effects of gravity, and soothing their nervous systems by spreading paint all over their bodies. We know these children are extremely sensory-seeking. Educators try their best to give them as many sensory experiences as they can within the mainstream environment and curriculum, but it’s extremely stressful without the right resources. They’re risking their own health and well-being blocking doorways, asking children to move away from scissors and toilets.
Specialised kindergartens have swings, trampolines, hammocks, and Lycra socks—things children with autism love. Specialised kindergartens sometimes get a bad rap in our community, but if we encourage all families with children with additional needs to observe the happiness, calm, and well-being that these environments provide, we can change this negative stigma. More children could be playing, exploring, and engaging in environments better suited to their needs.
However, in mainstream kindergartens, providing weighted blankets, Lycra socks, sensory swings, or trampolines isn't as easy. Mainstream settings still have tubs accessible with scissors, couches and chairs to jump and climb on, and small objects on tables that pose choking hazards. Children with additional needs shouldn't be constantly told "stop," "don't touch," or "move away." It just causes more stress and frustration.
We need to create a safe, engaging environment for their nervous systems rather than one that causes frustration.
We need to raise awareness about how we can better support these children by providing the sensory stimulation, adjustable sensory environment accommodations, and smaller group sizes they need and deserve.
Many amazing kindergarten teachers already highlight the importance of early intervention. Doctors, paediatricians, and maternal health nurses need to have these same conversations with families, explaining the benefits of both specialised and well-equipped mainstream early learning environments.
We also need government funding agencies to come to our mainstream services and help us find ways to create environments that support children with significant special needs. We need to meet children’s sensory needs, ensure safety beyond just a sound alarm on the door, and give real thought to class sizes.
Government agencies need to support early childhood services in creating safe spaces where children with autism can use their senses—vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and visual—without causing stress for other children or the educators.
If you have any ideas or are great with admin, please let me know. I'd love to compile a list of services that families can contact to get the support they deserve because I know many amazing services are out there.
Your input would be invaluable. How can we make a difference and ensure children and families get the support they need? If you have suggestions, please share. I want us to make as much of an impact as possible.
Thank you for reading and for all that you do.
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