April is National Autism Awareness Month. The CDC currently estimates that 1 in 110 children in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder. Here are some ideas for decorating with autism in mind:
- Cool, soothing colors like greens and blues will minimize stimulation (of course, if a child expresses a strong preference then that should be taken into consideration).
- Safety is paramount; beyond standard childproofing recommendations, seek furniture without sharp corners. Upholstered frames look great and are perfect for children who are graduating to big-kid beds.
- Minimize clutter. Implementing toy storage solutions that keep play things out of sight will prevent the visual chaos that can be so disruptive for a child with autism.
- Additional insulation will diminish ambient noise and an area rug or carpeting can also help. Opt for cordless blackout window treatments.
- Children who love to collect will take great pleasure in a well-designed display system where they can arrange and observe their beloved objects.
We culled the above recommendations from Autism Learning Felt, Autism At Home Series and design + autism. Check out those resources for more suggestions, and please share your own experiences and ideas in the comments.
(Image: Ikea Stuva furniture)
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Another consideration is opportunities for sensory input - my son is on the spectrum, and his room features beanbag chairs and two twin mattresses on the floor, because he craves "crashing" and being squished between beanbags.
Having a crash/squish spot has helped keep those activities contained to his room (i.e. he's not trying to jump off the coffee table onto the sofa anymore). Being able to safely get the sensory input he craves has made a huge difference in his ability to self-regulate.
He also has a mini-trampoline in the kitchen, which I'm hoping is the Next Big Trend.
I think I have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I want to design rooms for SPD kiddos. What fun!
Love the idea for building in sensory input, LaughingSara. I'm also hoping mini trampolines are the Next Big Thing - I have one in the living room.
Could not agree more with the sensory area! I would also suggest adding visuals/pictures into toy areas. For example, if you have a bin of blocks, attach a picture (either a photo or a picture) to the bin.