Children diagnosed with autism are sensitive to certain stimuli, which can cause them to experience sensory overload. Sensory overload can occur when there is too much noise, bad lighting, or cluttered space. Designing your child’s bedroom to be a place of peace and calm requires some intentional planning and guidance. Let’s review a few aspects to consider.
Choose Lighting Carefully
According to Arch Daily, there are different schools of thoughtregarding what types of light are most beneficial for children with autism. One thing is for certain: light matters. Learn whether your child is distracted and agitated with artificial fluorescent or LED lights. Alternatively, the child may be bothered by movements and changes in light coming in from the natural lighting outside. Knowing which type of lighting is most soothing will help you create a better environment in their bedroom, thus reducing sensory overload.
Quiet Space
Sensory overload can also stem from noise. There are noises all around, all the time in our daily lives. Whether it’s at school or at the store, your child is inundated with constant sound all day long. For a child with autism, certain everyday sounds can become overwhelming and distracting. While it is encouraged for your child to accustom themselves to the various sounds of life, it is also helpful for them to have a place of peace to take a break from managing the stress. So, talk to your child about the sounds of their room to help eliminate trigger sounds that you may not be aware of. It could be the sound of the fan, a buzzing of the lamp, or a rattle of the air vent. Create a quiet space, free of sensory overload triggers.
Create Organization and Prevent Clutter
A cluttered home can cause anyone stress; however, for a child with autism, it can be another trigger resulting in sensory overload. While it is ideal to keep your entire home clutter free, be sure at a minimum to focus on your child’s bedroom. Utilize simple storage systems and leave surface areas clean to encourage a calm and peaceful space. You may want to consider hiring a professional organizer to help you best design the space. Do your research to find a reputable and well-priced professional; for example, most home organizers in the Oklahoma City area cost between $255 and $675. Spending the money on a knowledgeable organizer will be beneficial, especially if design and décor are not your strength.
Most Importantly, the Bed
Autism Daddy points out that ultimately when designing your child’s bedroom, the bed needs to be the primary concern and focus. Children need lots of quality sleep, and a child with autism may need some additional considerations with their bed. First, ensure that the bed frame itself is not dangerous or distracting. You may want to consider just having a platform bed with no frame at all. Also, make sure that the bed is low to prevent injury from falling. Children with autism tend to react strongly to different textiles and textures, so let your child dictate the type of fabrics that you choose for their linens. The right mattress and bedding — such as the 5 Little Monkeys sleep system, which retails for $499 — can help your child relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Taking the time to design your child’s room with care will result in a peaceful retreat, allowing them to feel safe and secure. Hiring a professional to help you if feel overwhelmed is a great place to start. With the right lighting, sound triggers removed, clutter cleaned up, and the bed perfectly personalized, your child will sleep soundly and experience calm in their new space.
Guest Article by Jenny Wise