Is my home calming or stimulating? Is it one, or the other, or both? This is the question many parents of children with autism ask themselves and must discover. In order to know how to modify your home for a child with autism, it is crucial to know your child’s specific uniqueness and requirements. If this is your challenge, keep reading.
Each Child With Autism Is Unique
Autism is experienced differently from person to person. Before you make any modifications to your home, know what your child needs. How a child processes sensory information is the key.
Is your child hypersensitive or hyposensitive? The former is over sensitive and the latter is under sensitive. Here we are talking about sights, sounds, smells, taste, touch, balance and body awareness. How do they react to these stimulants? This will provide the answers to most of your questions about how and what to modify in your home.
It is recommended that you include your child in some of the decision-making processes. You most likely already are aware of the deficiencies in certain rooms. Too bright, too loud, too busy, too cluttered, too smelly, too tactile? Consider each room or area and make some decisions, but don’t forget to consider the costs and how you can mitigate any problem areas.
Seek Help With ABA Therapy in El Paso
Seek assistance from Better Together Behavioral Health for advice, recommendations and training for parents. They will work with you and your child to find the right puzzle pieces to make your home comforting and nurturing for your child.
The goals of ABA therapy include:
- To reduce stress and anxiety
- Boost behavior and learning with less distractions
- Foster independence with organization to help manage activities
- Improve quality of life
- Support therapy and skill development
Ways to Modify Your Home for a Child With Autism
Use the following tips as a baseline to get started.
A Calming Area
Is there a calming, quiet room? If not, you can create one. Maybe you only need part of a room with pillows, window coverings, and comfortable seating. If you can have a whole room, all the better for a child who needs that space as a sanctuary. Consider adding some books, some soft music, and dim lighting when needed. This could even be their bedroom.
What About Lighting?
If you have many fluorescent lights, it doesn’t take much to make some changes. If there are lots of windows, you can pull down the shades, blinds, or cover them with curtains. Dimmer switches are inexpensive and work for everyone. Replace any lights that make buzzing sounds or flicker.
Floor Covering
Does your home have carpeting or hardwood? Maybe it’s a combination of both. Calming rugs can be a good choice. They are safe, reduce noise, and provide a cozy foundation. Be sure to use those that are hypoallergenic and easy to clean.
If you have hardwood floors, you can always add area rugs to reduce sound. Plus, they are easy to replace.
Soundproofing
You can reduce noise by soundproofing areas or rooms with special doors or acoustic tiles.
Colors and Clutter
Certain colors are more serene like blues, greens, and lavender. Reds, yellows, and greens are much more stimulating. Know which will work better for your child.
Keep clutter at a minimum. This can be stressful. Keep toys and other games in clear plastic boxes or shelving. It makes it easier for them to find them, stay organized and feel independent.
Find Support for Your Child
Let us help you create the most supportive home environment for you and your child.
Contact Better Together Behavioral Health at 915-613-5255 for a consultation at our office in El Paso with an experienced ABA therapy specialist.
Sources: 7 Ways to Create an Autism-Friendly Home for Your Child (abilities.com)
Sensory-Friendly Home Modifications for Autism | TurboTenant
9 Sensory-Friendly Home Modifications for Autism (handscenter.com)
