Autistic home decorating can be challenging, especially if you don’t know much about autism or Asperger syndrome. How do you know whether something is appropriate for someone who has these conditions?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1% of children worldwide. People with ASD experience challenges with social interactions, communication, repetitive behaviors, sensory issues, and other symptoms. The condition also impacts their ability to develop relationships, manage emotions, and function independently.
If you have a child with ASD, you might be wondering how to decorate your house without causing them distress. This article provides practical advice on how to choose autism-friendly items and decorating styles for your home.
Potential Environmental Triggers for Children with Autism
Children with ASD are often sensitive to certain environmental triggers such as:
• Sounds – loud noises, sudden changes in volume, bright lights, flashing lights, etc.
• Sensory overload – too many sights, smells, tastes, textures, etc.
• Strong odors – perfumes, cleaning products, smoke, strong scents, etc.
• Uncomfortable temperatures – hot rooms, cold rooms, extreme heat, extreme cold, etc.
The following tips will help you create an environment where your child feels comfortable and safe.
How to Create an Autism-Friendly Home
1. Avoid sensory stimuli
Sensory stimuli are things like bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, textures, tastes, and temperatures that cause discomfort in people with ASD. These stimuli can trigger anxiety, stress, and meltdowns. If you want to avoid upsetting your loved one, consider using soft lighting, low-scented products, and gentle fabrics. You may need to invest in a soundproofing system to keep out the noise from outside.
2. Consider their preferences
When choosing furniture, colors, and decorations, think about what your loved one likes. For example, they might enjoy patterns but not bright colors. They might prefer natural materials over synthetic ones. Ask yourself: What does my loved one find calming? What makes them happy?
3. Think about safety
Safety should always come first when it comes to your loved one. Make sure all surfaces are non-slip and easy to clean. Keep sharp objects away from your loved one. Also, make sure there are no electrical outlets near where they sleep.
4. Create designated spaces.
People with ASD often have trouble understanding spatial concepts. When designing rooms, create areas where your loved one can feel safe and comfortable. For example, place a bed in an area that feels private and secluded. Place a playroom in another room so your little one doesn’t get overwhelmed by too many toys.
5. Keep preferred foods in the house.
Some people with ASD crave certain foods. It’s important to provide them with the food they love. However, some foods can be dangerous to eat because they contain chemicals or allergens. Be aware of any triggers before purchasing new items.
6. Use natural materials.
Natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants can help reduce anxiety in people with ASD. Try using natural materials instead of plastic or metal whenever possible.
7. Pay attention to colors.
Colors can affect people with ASD differently than others. Some people find certain colors soothing, while others find them stressful. If you want to use color, stick to muted, calming tones.
8. Keep the home organized.
A cluttered environment is overwhelming for most people. But for those who struggle with organization, clutter can be even more difficult. A messy space can lead to frustration and anxiety. So, if you want to avoid upsetting your autistic child, keep the home tidy and uncluttered.
9. Purchase sensory products.
Many children with ASD have sensory sensitivities. If this sounds familiar, consider investing in sensory products. These include items like weighted blankets, calming scents, noise-canceling headphones, or sensory toys.
Here are some items you can try:
Sensory Overload During Christmas
If your little one gets anxious about an upcoming event, then limit the amount of time before telling them about it. In contrast, if they're overwhelmed with sudden information related to a change in their usual daily schedule, telling them about the event in advance can often help alleviate stress. Hesitations and challenges may still occur during the event itself if it presents new experiences. Using Social Storying is a great technique to familiarise your child with what they might encounter and how they can respond in such situations.
You might also consider creating a visual schedule of things you can do with them during the holidays. Perhaps you can create a list of activities that they enjoy doing, such as playing outside or visiting an amusement park. These ideas will give you something to work towards during the holidays.
Holidays can be stressful for anyone, but for people who struggle with social skills, the holidays can be especially difficult. Planning ahead can help make the holidays easier for your loved ones. Try to create an environment where your child feels comfortable and relaxed. Keep your house clean and organized, and give your child plenty of opportunities to play outdoors. Also, consider taking advantage of therapy services during the holidays. Your therapist can provide valuable insight into ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Finally, remember that no matter how hard you try, you cannot control how your child reacts to certain situations. You can only hope to prepare them for whatever comes next.
If glittering decorations, flashing lights, scented candles, or the smell of Christmas trees can trigger your child’s sensory issues, you might want to decorate in phases so they can become accustomed to the new surroundings. Even if you know your child has some specific sensitivities, such as their sensitivity to touch, sound, or sight, by decorating in phases, you can determine whether there are any additional items that may cause distress or stress and adjust accordingly. A recent study found that almost 50% of autistic teens suffer from visual impairments, including sensitivity to bright lights.
While decorating and shopping pose their own special challenge, nothing might compare to the actual holiday with additional guests in the house (or traveling to their place), reciprocal present exchange, and the large festive meal. Again, inform your kid about the upcoming guests. This can be done just by word of mouth, via Social Stories, or noted on the calendar when these people will arrive and depart. A visual book with images and names of the guest who will be arriving can assist in alleviating extra tension by limiting the unpredictable.
Decorating a home to be autism-friendly is not always easy. It requires planning, patience, and creativity. However, if you take the necessary steps to create a safe space for your child, you will reap great benefits later. Hopefully, the tips outlined in this article will help you get started on making your home more autism-friendly.
Photo credit: Unsplash.