Facilities such as calming rooms and sensory pods are now available at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, as well as Sunway Putra Mall and Sunway Velocity Mall in Kuala Lumpur. These are specifically aimed at helping autistic children feel calmer when they experience anxiety and stress owing to noise and other stimuli.
Praising these initiatives, National Autism Society of Malaysia president Mohd Nazrul Mohd Amin said such facilities are important for creating an autism-friendly environment. Parents can bring their children to these spaces for a short break before continuing with their shopping activities.
“These special rooms give autistic children, who may experience meltdowns, the chance to calm themselves in a comfortable and less sensory-stimulating environment,” he said.
The rooms are equipped with soft lighting and comfortable furniture, the quieter ambience providing a space where children with autism can settle down following the stress of an overly busy environment.
Mohd Nazrul also noted that some malls have enhanced these facilities by adding sensory pods – small spaces equipped with technology to help autistic kids interact with their surroundings in a relaxed and controlled manner.
He further emphasised the need for members of the public to display understanding and empathy when it comes to the behaviour of special-needs children in public spaces.
Mardhiah Akmar, 34, a mother of three young ones with special needs, said the provision of such facilities is helping the country move towards a more inclusive society, allowing everyone to enjoy outdoor activities with their families.
“Bringing an autistic child to public places isn’t easy; they are very sensitive to their surroundings. When they are overstimulated, they tend to feel uncomfortable and may have tantrums,” she explained.
Another parent, 36-year-old Diyana Sazali, is grateful for such facilities, saying they offer autistic children a better shopping experience.
“Previously, we had to leave early because my child would become too anxious and restless. With the presence of more autism-friendly spaces, we feel more supported and less stressed,” she concluded.