If you’re looking for tips for an autism-friendly house, look no further than this guide from Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting.
The Importance Of An Autism-Friendly Home
Children with autism often have heightened sensitivity to sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, and large crowds. They may also find it difficult to adjust to any changes in their daily routine, new foods, new people, or new environments. This can make even a simple trip to the grocery store a very challenging experience.
Creating an autism-friendly sanctuary in your child’s home doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. This can provide a safe, calming environment for people with autism who often experience sensory overload and unpleasantness in the world. With a few adjustments, you can make the home a place where your child can relax and feel comfortable.
How Can I Make My Home More Autism-Friendly For My Child?
- Soften the lighting. Having the right lighting is essential for a child’s sensory system. To avoid distorting colors and strobing at high frequencies, stay away from white lights. Whenever possible, try to find lighting that mimics natural light. Flickering lights should also be avoided, as they may be unnoticed by someone without autism but can be unbearable for an individual on the spectrum.
- Pick soothing colors. The colors of a child’s bedroom can have a strong impact on their mood and how well they function. Reds, oranges, and yellows can be too stimulating for children with autism, so warm and neutral tones, as well as blues, greens, and purples are better suited. These colors are calming and comforting. Soft gray can be a good choice as well.
- Consider natural wood or carpet. When you’re looking for flooring, natural wood is a great choice. It is soft and warm, and it absorbs sound. Laminate flooring, however, should be avoided, as it can be quite noisy. Another great option is carpeting, particularly solid colors, and tiles. These are easy to install and maintain. You should steer clear of carpets with checkerboard effects.
- Create lots of storage options. When creating a room for a child diagnosed with autism, it’s important to be organized. Plan for different types of storage to prevent clutter, which can overwhelm the senses of a child with autism. Under-bed storage drawers are a great way to keep items out of sight. Stackable drawers can be used to store toys and games. Breakables or toys that should not be played with unattended should be stored in a locked closet.
- Pick sensory-friendly bedding so your child can get a good night’s rest. When selecting bed linen, the texture should be taken into consideration. Soft, cotton sheets with a high thread count are ideal, as they will not form lumps and can be washed at high temperatures without losing their texture. Additionally, weighted sheets can be beneficial for providing comfort. For the color scheme, the same principles used for wall colors can be applied.
Choose Solstice Behavioral Health And Consulting For Your Child’s Needs
When it comes to mental health concerns in children with autism, early intervention is crucial. The earlier a child with ASD is diagnosed and receives proper treatment and support, the sooner a child has the tools to identify and communicate and cope with their emotions. With more than 20 years of providing support and training for families, Solstice Behavioral Health and Consulting in Shelton, Connecticut strives to become a bedrock for autism awareness and education. Solstice has created multiple programs and activities to help children and communities enhance their skills and develop their support networks. Contact our office at 203-900-4720 to see how we can help you and your family move forward together.
