A new sensory room for children with autism is being outfitted and will soon be opened in Klaipėda Children’s Hospital
As the awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become more widespread in Lithuania, it has become apparent that many autistic children have sensory integration disorders. In order to support these children, Lithuanian Children’s Hope is funding a project started in 2024 by the contractor Slaugivita Ltd., with the goal of outfitting a new sensory room at Klaipėda Children’s Hospital. During a visit to the hospital, Rasa Šilkaitienė had the opportunity to discuss the progress of the project with the Chief Children’s Physician Virginijus Žalimas, and to better understand the needs and expectations of the hospital’s staff.
Sensory rooms are unique environments designed for children with special needs, who are overactive, autistic, visually impaired or hearing impaired. In general, a sensory room is set up in such a way that all the senses – sight, hearing, smell and touch – are stimulated and aroused simultaneously. Generally, only one child at a time is admitted to sensory rooms, occasionally in pairs when accompanied by medical professionals. The main purpose of such an environment is to help the child calm down, to relax and to communicate. It is also possible for the child to simply do nothing but enjoy the sights, sounds and lights in the sensory room.
