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How to Create the Best Environment for Your Child on the Spectrum
As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you probably already know that there are a number of lifestyle choices and home modifications that can help ensure your child is safe, secure, and comfortable. Facing all of these choices can occasionally feel a little overwhelming, though. That’s why Imperfect Parenting shares the following advice to help guide you on your parenting journey.
Sensory Considerations
As explained by Performance Health, many kids on the autism spectrum have sensory issues to contend with, whether it’s light, sound, physical touch, or even the feel of certain textures, fabrics, or even foods. Take your child’s unique needs in mind when it comes to their surroundings.
This might include having low-level dimmable LED lighting instead of fluorescents. Muted colors and simple patterns in living spaces are helpful, as are respite retreats in different rooms, and surfaces that are conducive to safe play, such as tables with rounded edges. Noises should be limited where possible – for example, situating a child’s bedroom on the opposite side of the home from an air conditioning unit.
Be aware of what products you use to clean your home. Smells and chemicals can be triggers for children on the spectrum. And if your child tends to put things in their mouth, certain chemicals could be especially problematic. Instead, opt for natural products that are safer. You can make them at home using products you generally have in your kitchen, like baking soda, vinegar, and lemons.
Accommodating Sensory Concerns
Making specific home enhancements can significantly reduce clutter and help prevent sensory overload, a common challenge for many on the spectrum. Simplifying room layouts, using soft, calming colors for walls and furnishings, and incorporating ample storage solutions to minimize clutter can create a more serene and structured environment. These modifications not only cater to the sensory needs of a child with autism but can also potentially increase the value of your home.
Evaluate Air Conditioning and Quality
For children on the autism spectrum, maintaining optimal air conditioning and air quality is crucial as they may be more sensitive to environmental stimuli. Proper temperature regulation can help them stay comfortable and focused, minimizing sensory overload and meltdowns. Additionally, ensuring good air quality reduces potential triggers for respiratory issues, promoting overall well-being and enabling them to better engage in activities and learning. Families with outmoded systems or systems in disrepair may need to consider HVAC replacement cost among their financial priorities.
Social Skills Tips
Those on the autism spectrum often have underdeveloped social skills, whether that’s being able to read others’ emotions or facial expressions or to pick up on social cues that seem to come naturally to others. Children on the spectrum should ideally learn social skills, like how to share, talk to others, manage their emotions, and solve problems.
According to Autism Parenting, you can help them in different ways as they grow by demonstrating common social conventions and behaviors, recognizing when others are withdrawing, and providing coping techniques that will allow them to better integrate themselves into school and social and public environments with confidence.
Anxiety Reduction Practices
Some children on the autism spectrum can become easily overwhelmed, and anxiety and stress reduction practices can help ensure they are well positioned to self regulate, whether in the home or out in public. For example, sometimes weighted blankets and jackets can help an autistic child feel more safe and secure, and the use of noise-blocking headphones and even sunglasses can help reduce overstimulation when the child is feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Planning for regular outings – and the potential issues that might arise – and keeping these considerations in mind can help your child socialize and still be in control of their surroundings. Practice taking walks together in your neighborhood to help your child acclimate to the sounds of nature and normal traffic. As your child gets used to their environment, you can push your walks a little longer or even to different areas.
Learn How to Best Support Your Child
It can be challenging parenting a child along the autism spectrum. However, equipping kids with the tools and resources they need, being mindful of their unique characteristics, and creating environments in which they feel safe and included can all go a long way toward helping them live happy and fulfilling lives.
Imperfect Parenting is here to find deeper purpose, health and fulfillment through your own unique parenting style. We look forward to hearing from you!
*Thank you Laura Pearson for your lovely guest post!