Setting up of Autism Unit: Dr Nadeem Ghayas

November 7, 2025

Autism

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs the perception and interaction of a person with the world. It can be described as not all social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns or interests that can be repetitive or extremely narrow.

Spectrum is a term that demonstrates the broadness of challenges and capabilities that autistic individuals have, some of them might require serious assistance in their everyday life, and others live on their own and are more productive in some fields, such as memory, logic, or creativity. Autism is not a disease to be treated but it is another way of thinking and perceiving the world.

Autism Unit

Autism unit suit those schools/ centers which prefer small group learning and treatment sessions in the quiet and well-arranged and child-friendly atmosphere.

Hall Overview

Total Area: 30 ft x 40 ft = 1,200 sq. ft
Purpose: To have a one-on-one approach and guided activities to autistic children.
Capacity: 8-10 children at once (2 children in each cabin x 4-5 cabins).
Cabin Dimension: 8 ft x 9 ft (72 sq. ft in a cabin).

Cabin design (8×9 ft 2 Students/1 Teacher)
The cabins will be small but enough to work concentratedly.

Inside Each Cabin:

Two children and one adult chair on one small table (3×4 ft).
Two children seats, one adult seat.
A single low shelf (3-4 ft high) of learning materials or therapy objects.
Wall visual charts (daily routine, face of emotions or behavior reminders).
Floor play or Sensory activity Mat area (2×3 ft).

Tip: The furniture should be meticulously light and portable in order to use the same space as a playing space, art space, or therapy space.

Planned Design of 30×40 ft Hall.
It can accommodate 5 cabins (8×9 ft) plus open spaces, such as:

Area Approx. Size Purpose
4-5 cabins 8×9 ft each Learning / Therapy (2 children + 1 teacher)
Sensory / Group area 12×12 ft Joint play, balance or motor skill.
Quiet / Calm corner 6×8 ft Relaxation or self-regulation.
Staff / Storage area 6×8 ft Files, equipment, materials.
Pathways 3-4 ft broad Safe and open passage.

Easy to Imagine Layout Plan (Example)

Front (Entrance Side):

1 small waiting/staff corner (6×8 ft)
Room of 3 cabins (8×9 ft) on one side.
Other side: 2 cabins and open sensory zone (12×12 ft)
Back: silent corner and store.
The walk spaces between cabins should be 3-4 ft in each row.

Lighting, Colors, and Sound

Lighting:

LED lights (soft white) – no stutter and brightness.
Whatever you can do, have as much natural light as possible, and have light curtains to regulate glare.

Colors

Light blue, cream, pastel green paint cabs.
Dark or glittering patterns on walls or floor are to be avoided.

Sound

Carpets or rubber mats on the floor help to generate down noise.
Use foam and fabric wall panels in case of strong echo.

Flooring

Suggested: Soft foam, vinyl and rubber flooring.

Non-slip and easy to clean.
Provides convenience in floor activities.
Mutes sound and shields children in case of falling.
Introduce other textures (smooth, soft, bumpy mats) in sensory zones to stimulate exploration.

Shelves and Storage

1 low shelf (3-4 ft) of toys, books and tools.
Write pictures, words (toys, books, blocks) on the labels.
Having too many things the eye can see can be too stimulating.
One staff cupboard (locked) (in storage corner).

Special Corners and Common Areas.
Sensory Area (12×12 ft)

Swings, balance boards, textured mats, soft blocks, or balls.
Play group with or without movement therapy.
Have comfortable walls and floors.
Quiet / Calm Corner (6×8 ft)

Options of bean bag, soft lighting, quiet music.
In children that are anxious or overstimulated.
Staff / Storage Area (6×8 ft)

To store reports, therapy materials and equipment.
Should contain a cupboard with lock and small desk.

Safety and Accessibility

• Concrete walkways between cabins 3-4 ft.
• Rounded corners to all furniture.
• Seal electric sockets and store wires.
• Use non-slip mats everywhere.
• First aid box in staff area.
• Doors ought to open out to facilitate exit.

Visual and Routine Support
In each cabin:

• Vision schedule (Work – Snack – Play – Home)
• Motivation board or reward chart.
• Emotional/behavior picture cards (Calm, stop, listen, good Job).

Staffing

Each cabin is supervised by one teacher or therapist (serves 2 students).
One or two aides to aid in transitions, toileting, lunch, and cleaning.
A coordinator/ special educator to oversee and organize activities.

Daily Routine

Time Activity
9:00-9:15 Arrival and settling in
9:15-10:00 Cabin session (individual work/pair work)
10:00-10:30 Snack / hygiene routine
10:30-11:00 Sensory play / group activity
11:00-11:30 Second cabin session
11:30-12:00 Quiet corner/story time/ departure.