How to Make a Calming Down Corner
Set aside a corner in the building., Make the area comfortable., Find ways to minimize sensory input., Add a few sensory tools., Place some basic activities in the corner., Try out the corner when you aren't stressed., Explain the basic purpose of...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Set aside a corner in the building.
Pick a place that will be quiet, with little activity from people passing through.
Barriers (walls, plants, furniture) that block off parts of the room are especially helpful. -
Step 2: Make the area comfortable.
Pillows, blankets, weighted blankets, stuffed animals, beanbag chairs, and soft rugs all make the place feel more relaxing. , Try a radio with a white noise CD, chairs with large backs to block the view, curtains, and other ways to isolate the corner.
Some people like to curl up underneath or behind objects.
Try creating a makeshift tent, or using furniture in unconventional ways. , This could involve...
Audio: a radio with soothing nature sounds or instrumental music Visual:
Drawings with the user's favorite color, snow globes, photo albums, blankets/pillows in calming colors Tactile:
Fidget toys with various textures, and soft stuffed animals or pillows Olfactory/Gustatory:
Lollipops, hard candies, candles, sweet-smelling lotions or soaps, chewy toys or jewelry Proprioceptive:
Weighted blankets, beanbags, deep pressure vests,brushes, lotion , This provides something to do while calming down.
Examples include books, sketchbooks, stim toys, coloring books, puzzles, logic games, et cetera.
Take special interests into account when choosing activities. , Sit in the corner for 20 minutes before bedtime, and see if you have enough activities to keep you occupied.
Try to imagine what you might need or want when you are stressed.
Remember that when you need to use the corner, you may be too stressed or overloaded to grab additional activities.
The corner should have enough to keep you occupied at any given time. , If you're autistic, explain what sensory overload is, or show them an article or two.
Emphasize the need for limited sensory stimuli during recovery. , Disruptions, however well-meaning, only worsen sensory overload and distress.
Explain that they should only interrupt you with urgent matters (e.g. an appointment in ten minutes), and save other things for later (e.g. the cool rock your sister found in the backyard).
For minor questions, such as what you want for supper, they should choose for you. , For example, if the corner is next to the master bedroom, it would be a bad time for your mother to start rearranging the bedroom furniture or watch a TV show with the volume up high. , Should you choose a code word to say that you need the corner? If you are autistic and become nonverbal, can you develop a hand signal to indicate that? , This helps them understand that it isn't personal; you're just overwhelmed at the time and are open to hearing from them later. , Explain that this corner is a place you put together just for them, and that it is there for them whenever they are feeling overwhelmed or upset.
Make it clear that they can go there whenever they want. , Depending on the individual child, it may take time for them to understand the concept.
Here are some ways to help your child understand:
Allow your child to explore the corner when they are feeling calm.
Keep it open-ended, and let them play with the toys.
Talk about meltdown management with your child.
Explain that going to the corner can help them feel better.
Use social stories to demonstrate correct use of the corner. , If the child says yes, lead them to it.
Once the child is accustomed to the corner, they will usually agree to go if they are upset, or even decide on their own that they need to use it.
Remember that the calming down corner is not a time-out or punishment, but a voluntary opportunity to take a break and calm down. , Avoid talking to them or making noise nearby.
Leave the room if the child is old enough to be alone, and read a book or magazine on the other side of the room if not.
If ambient noise cannot be helped, turn up the white noise in the corner. , Congratulate them on using the corner so calmly, and ask if they are feeling better now.
Then talk about any problems that preceded the incident, and resume the day. -
Step 3: Find ways to minimize sensory input.
-
Step 4: Add a few sensory tools.
-
Step 5: Place some basic activities in the corner.
-
Step 6: Try out the corner when you aren't stressed.
-
Step 7: Explain the basic purpose of the corner.
-
Step 8: Ask them not to interact with you when you are using the corner.
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Step 9: Ask them to avoid making noise nearby when you are in the corner.
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Step 10: Come up with a plan for when you need to use the corner.
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Step 11: Tell them you're happy to interact after you're done using the corner.
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Step 12: Take the child aside and show them the corner.
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Step 13: Accustom your child to the idea of the corner.
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Step 14: When the child appears upset or overwhelmed
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Step 15: quietly ask if they would like to use the calming down corner.
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Step 16: When the child is in the corner
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Step 17: give them quiet time.
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Step 18: Let the child leave the corner when they are ready.
Detailed Guide
Pick a place that will be quiet, with little activity from people passing through.
Barriers (walls, plants, furniture) that block off parts of the room are especially helpful.
Pillows, blankets, weighted blankets, stuffed animals, beanbag chairs, and soft rugs all make the place feel more relaxing. , Try a radio with a white noise CD, chairs with large backs to block the view, curtains, and other ways to isolate the corner.
Some people like to curl up underneath or behind objects.
Try creating a makeshift tent, or using furniture in unconventional ways. , This could involve...
Audio: a radio with soothing nature sounds or instrumental music Visual:
Drawings with the user's favorite color, snow globes, photo albums, blankets/pillows in calming colors Tactile:
Fidget toys with various textures, and soft stuffed animals or pillows Olfactory/Gustatory:
Lollipops, hard candies, candles, sweet-smelling lotions or soaps, chewy toys or jewelry Proprioceptive:
Weighted blankets, beanbags, deep pressure vests,brushes, lotion , This provides something to do while calming down.
Examples include books, sketchbooks, stim toys, coloring books, puzzles, logic games, et cetera.
Take special interests into account when choosing activities. , Sit in the corner for 20 minutes before bedtime, and see if you have enough activities to keep you occupied.
Try to imagine what you might need or want when you are stressed.
Remember that when you need to use the corner, you may be too stressed or overloaded to grab additional activities.
The corner should have enough to keep you occupied at any given time. , If you're autistic, explain what sensory overload is, or show them an article or two.
Emphasize the need for limited sensory stimuli during recovery. , Disruptions, however well-meaning, only worsen sensory overload and distress.
Explain that they should only interrupt you with urgent matters (e.g. an appointment in ten minutes), and save other things for later (e.g. the cool rock your sister found in the backyard).
For minor questions, such as what you want for supper, they should choose for you. , For example, if the corner is next to the master bedroom, it would be a bad time for your mother to start rearranging the bedroom furniture or watch a TV show with the volume up high. , Should you choose a code word to say that you need the corner? If you are autistic and become nonverbal, can you develop a hand signal to indicate that? , This helps them understand that it isn't personal; you're just overwhelmed at the time and are open to hearing from them later. , Explain that this corner is a place you put together just for them, and that it is there for them whenever they are feeling overwhelmed or upset.
Make it clear that they can go there whenever they want. , Depending on the individual child, it may take time for them to understand the concept.
Here are some ways to help your child understand:
Allow your child to explore the corner when they are feeling calm.
Keep it open-ended, and let them play with the toys.
Talk about meltdown management with your child.
Explain that going to the corner can help them feel better.
Use social stories to demonstrate correct use of the corner. , If the child says yes, lead them to it.
Once the child is accustomed to the corner, they will usually agree to go if they are upset, or even decide on their own that they need to use it.
Remember that the calming down corner is not a time-out or punishment, but a voluntary opportunity to take a break and calm down. , Avoid talking to them or making noise nearby.
Leave the room if the child is old enough to be alone, and read a book or magazine on the other side of the room if not.
If ambient noise cannot be helped, turn up the white noise in the corner. , Congratulate them on using the corner so calmly, and ask if they are feeling better now.
Then talk about any problems that preceded the incident, and resume the day.
About the Author
Elizabeth Morgan
Experienced content creator specializing in pet care guides and tutorials.
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