For people with autism, familiarity and routine are essential for maintaining their comfort. Making your home autism-friendly can create a more peaceful and balanced home environment.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- What is the best environment for autism?
- How can I make my home sensory friendly?
- What colors are best for decor for people with autism?
- What kind of lighting is best for people with autism at home?
- How to set up boundaries around the home for people without autism.
What Is The Best Environment For Autism?
A calm, non-cluttered environment is best for an autistic child’s behavioral and learning needs. An environment with lots of space allows the child to move freely, get comfortable with their surroundings and decreases the risk of accidental injury.
Providing sensory toys will also allow your autistic child to have any necessary calming devices accessible when needed. The less crowded the environment, the better!
A comfortable environment is more than just the objects inside- it’s also about the attitude! Using a positive tone, positive reinforcement, and eliminating stress will create a space for better behavior. A friendly home and healthy family life will help your autistic child thrive.
How Can I Make My Home Sensory Friendly?
High-quality sensory toys and modified objects are essential in the home. Having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make one prone to sensory overload and behavioral struggles.
Listed below are alternatives you can put in your home for a more sensory-friendly environment:
- Beanbags, yoga balls, or “wiggle” chairs
- Opting for natural lighting
- Creating a routine
- Using soothing colors
- Clearing a space for your child to destimulate
- Reducing clutter
- Using cleaning supplies that don’t give off a strong scent
You can also provide a wide variety of sensory toys. Included in this are:
- Slime, sand, or putty
- Rainmakers
- Fidget spinners
- Sensory mats
- Simple puzzles
- Swings and hammocks
Pay close attention to what makes your child comfortable and calm. Each autistic child is different, so use your judgment to create a space that works best for your child.
What Colors Are Best For Decor For People With Autism?
Neutral color schemes are most calming for those with autism. It prevents sensory overload, as there are not too many patterns or colors to process simultaneously. A collective color scheme and minimalistic decor/textures will keep anxiety low for any child with autism.
What Kind of Lighting Is Best For People With Autism At Home?
Natural lighting is the most autism-friendly lighting you can use in the home. It’s soft and more gentle on the eyes, and it creates a more relaxing environment for an autistic child.
Here are some tips for lighting in the home:
- Avoid fluorescent lights or overhead lighting.
- Avoid lights that flicker – such as strobes or burnt-out lightbulbs.
- Pay close attention to the sound the lighting makes- if it’s quiet or a continual background noise.
- Have dimmable lights – so you can easily control light levels.
- Be aware of glares coming from overhead lights or windows.
By paying attention to reducing bright lighting, you can make children with autism more comfortable in the home. If overhead lighting needs to be used at night, use indoor tents, soft lamps, or nightlights for an easier transition.
How To Set Up Boundaries Around The Home For People Without Autism
Altering your home life can be difficult when non-autistic people live there. Allow other children and family members without autism to set up their own space- so they can use the colors, lights, and decorations they please.
Kindly request that they maintain the environment in common room areas, as your autistic child will spend the most time there. This way, everyone can feel calm and respected. Creating autism-friendly spaces while allowing others to make spaces preferable to their own needs is a win–win!
