If you have got an autistic child that won’t leave the house you are not alone. It is quite a common behaviour.

Why won’t your autistic child leave the house?

One of the common characteristics of autism is difficulty with sensory processing. This can make it challenging for autistic children to cope with the sensory overload they experience outside the home.

The sensory experience outside the home can be overwhelming for autistic children. For example, the noise level, crowds, and unfamiliar smells can cause anxiety and distress.

As a result, autistic children may feel more comfortable and secure in familiar surroundings.

This can lead to a reluctance to leave the house, particularly if they have had negative experiences outside the home in the past.

Comfort in routine

Another reason why an autistic child may not want to leave the house is that they may have difficulty with changes in routine.

Autistic children often rely on routine and predictability to feel safe and secure. Going outside the home can disrupt their routine, and this can cause stress and anxiety.Additionally, autistic children may struggle with social interactions.

They may have difficulty reading social cues, understanding nonverbal communication, and interpreting others’ emotions. This can make social situations outside the home particularly challenging and overwhelming for autistic children.

What to do

There is no magic wand that can fix these struggles but there are a number of things you can try.

Create a predictable routine: Autistic children often feel more secure when they know what to expect.

Parents can create a predictable routine that includes time for going outside the home, such as a regular walk or outing. Consistency can help ease anxiety.

Gradually introduce new experiences: Parents can gradually expose their child to new sensory experiences outside the home.

For example, they can start with short trips to a quiet park or a familiar store, and then slowly increase the length and complexity of the outings over time.

Use visual aids: Autistic children often respond well to visual aids such as picture schedules, social stories, and visual timers.

Parents can use these tools to help their child understand what will happen during an outing and when it will end.

Provide sensory support: Parents can provide sensory support during outings by bringing items such as noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys.

These items can help their child feel more comfortable and regulate their sensory input.

Seek professional support: Working with therapists and educators who specialise in autism can provide valuable support for both the child and the family.

These professionals can help parents develop strategies and techniques to help their child feel more comfortable leaving the house.

Summary – autistic child that won’t leave the house

It is important to note that every autistic child is unique, and the reasons for their reluctance to leave the house may vary. However, with the right support and understanding, autistic children can learn to manage sensory overload, navigate changes in routine, and develop social skills.

Parents and caregivers can help by creating a calm and safe environment at home and gradually introducing new experiences outside the home in a controlled and structured way. .

Working with therapists and educators who specialise in autism can also provide valuable support for both the child and the family.