A little room for you
Safe Space
You can take your time here.
Look, point, play a little, or just rest.
You can stop whenever you want.
Choose your space
Swipe to see all five spaces.
Your space, your pace.
You can read, listen with a grown-up, or just look.
From the screen to your corner
Your space, on paper.
The same kind words, pictures and activities, ready for your corner.
Five pages: a sign, affirmations, needs cards, your activity and a grown-up guide.
Letter or A4. Color or low ink. Print one page or the whole kit.
For grown-ups
Comfort starts with connection.
Designed with autistic children ages 3 to 8 in mind. Every child is different; follow their preferences, communication and comfort.
These are optional everyday supports, not a treatment or a test of being calm.
Help in an overwhelming moment
Reduce avoidable noise, light and demands. Use one short message, then give time. Try: “I'm here.” “You don't have to talk.” “We can stop.” Offer space or quiet company, and ask before touch. Talk about what happened later.
Pointing, gestures and AAC count as communication. Keep the child's usual communication system available. These cards supplement it; they do not replace it.
Harmless rocking, flapping or other stimming can be welcome. Calm does not have to look still. NAS guidance; AAP guidance.
Set up a safe corner together
Choose a spot with a clear exit and caregiver visibility. Offer a cushion or mat, a familiar soft toy, a favorite book, drawing materials and a small choice of sturdy fidgets. Ear defenders or softer lighting may help if the child likes them.
Invite the child to arrange and use it. Never use the corner as punishment, forced isolation, or somewhere they must become quiet before leaving. Practise familiar activities at a settled time. NHS safe-space guidance; UNC TEACCH relaxation routines.
Breathing, movement and sensory tools
If welcomed, model “Breathe in gently. Breathe out gently.” No holding, counting or finishing is required. A child can choose to stretch, draw, move safely, or do nothing instead. Stop anything that feels uncomfortable.
Choose items suitable for age and mouthing needs; avoid loose small parts and water beads. Weighted or compression products need individualized professional guidance and are not included in these kits. Individual sensory needs; CPSC water-bead guidance.
Research and how we used it
The guidance supports choice, co-regulation, accessible communication and adapting sensory surroundings. The specific affirmations, art, colors and themed activities are original design choices, not clinically validated interventions. There is no requirement to repeat a phrase, finish an activity or earn a break.
More resources for grown-ups
Further reading about autism, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
- Child Mind Institute: What Is AuDHD?
Understanding autism and ADHD together.
- Mayo Clinic: ODD — diagnosis and treatment
Assessment and support options for children and families.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: ODD in children
An overview of symptoms, evaluation, and family support.