4 Helpful Home Features for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Children with autism learn and develop in unique ways. As a parent, you can help foster your child's growth by adapting your home into one in which your child will thrive. As you work to shape your child's home environment, take advantage of resources that provide support and therapy in times of need. By understanding the perspective of your child with autism, you can more effectively implement some helpful features around your house. Here are some strategies to help, courtesy of Scates Real Estate.

1. Calming Atmosphere

Clutter, lack of lighting, and dull colors can inspire negative feelings in anyone. For children on the autism spectrum, these elements of a home can be a particular source of stress and anxiety. 

Practicing decorative organization techniques and letting in more natural light can go a long way toward creating a comfortable atmosphere in every room. Painting the walls can give each area a bright and distinct feel. Your child's bedroom should incorporate calming colors that promote restful sleep.

2. Healthy Outdoor Space

Experts explain that being outdoors comes with distinct benefits such as reduced stress, improved focus, and enhanced creativity. Your child can receive those benefits at any age when you provide them with a safe and healthy place to run around and play.

You might also consider creating a sensory garden in your yard for the family to enjoy. Growing flowers, herbs, and grasses that produce a variety of colors, smells, and sounds can lead to a sensory experience that calms and refreshes the mind. It can be a place of learning or even meditation for your child or yourself.

3. Safety Measures

Young children, and even older children on the autism spectrum, may tend to act without understanding potential dangers. That is why it's important to take certain safety measures so that your child can explore their environment risk-free.

If your house does not already have a fence, consider building one so that you can have peace of mind while your child plays outdoors. As for the interior of your home, move furniture and other objects away from shelves so that your child cannot climb to dangerous heights. It is also important to lock away dangerous items such as chemicals, choking hazards, and fire hazards.

4. Dedicated ‘Family Time’ Area

It is essential for children to know that their parent is a constant source of companionship and validation. This is true for your child with autism, but equally true for any other children you might have. To maintain a strong relationship with all your children, you might consider dedicating one spot in your home as a family time area where you will meet each day for conversation or play.

This can be as simple as meeting up at your children's bedsides each night for storytime. Not only is this a great time to read together, but you can also spend some time just talking about the day. If you have a particularly busy schedule, you can meet in the kitchen to finish chores together while talking about your day. Take the time to always make new plans so your whole family always has something to look forward to.

If finding time for your children is becoming more and more difficult, you need to consider a change of profession. Another option is to take some time off to focus on your education. These days, you can get a bachelor of education online, allowing you to study from home at your own pace and make more time for your children.

There are times when children with autism struggle to succeed as quickly as their peers. By giving your child a nurturing home environment that facilitates their unique learning process, you will ensure they always have a fair shot. Children will always have a better chance to thrive when their parents and their home work to support their growth.

Scates Real Estate is your digital resource for buying and selling homes in the Plymouth, MN area with real time updates of all properties for sale so you have direct access to everything you need to know including all current market statistics and listings. Call (612) 877-2100.