HI HCR189

Requests the Department of Education implement sensory rooms for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in all Hawaii schools.

Defines sensory rooms as therapeutic spaces with equipment providing personalized sensory input to help students with special needs calm, focus, and prepare for learning and social interaction.

Cites 2018 CDC data showing approximately one in fifty-nine children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and notes 1,600 Hawaii children ages 3-18 receiving special education services have autism spectrum disorder.

References a program evaluation finding 56 percent of students were more engaged in classroom activities following sensory room intervention.

Directs implementation in priority order: first in neighbor island elementary schools without special education classes, then all other elementary schools, followed by middle and high schools in the same sequence.