Designing a bedroom for child on the autism spectrum.

/ CD Construction and Remodeling /

While not all children with sensory processing disorder have autism, sensory integration dysfunction is common. When a child with autism has sensory processing issues, they may become overwhelmed by things we consider normal such as bright lights, loud sounds, musty smells, etc. Generally, children with sensory processing issues need to work with an occupational therapist for sensory integration (SI) therapy in a controlled setting. Sensory integration therapy works to “rewire” the child’s brain to achieve their optimal level of arousal and regulation when confronted with sensory input.

 

While a trained and experienced therapist should provide sensory integration therapy, parents can also help at home. A sensory integration bedroom provides children with autism with a comfortable space that supports their physical and mental health. There’s no one way to design a sensory integration bedroom, but the process should reflect your child’s personality and the resources available to your family. However, the following ideas are wonderful sources of inspiration for the parent who wants to get started.

 

Remove Musty Odors and Indoor Allergens

 

While there is some debate over the topic, it is generally accepted that children with autism are more likely to suffer from allergies. Adding an indoor air purifier to your child’s bedroom will eliminate allergens and other indoor pollutants. Having clean air in the bedroom promotes better sleep as well as overall health. Furthermore, air purifiers create white noise when running. White noise is calming for children with autism as it helps block out external sounds that may irritate them. It also may help with any sleeping issues your child may have.

 

Cut Down on Clutter

 

Clutter can cause a fair amount of stress and discomfort for anyone, and this is especially true for children on the autism spectrum. According to the Madison House Autism Foundation, clutter can lead to “sensory overload” for children with autism, so it’s important to keep clutter to a minimum in your child’s bedroom. Unfortunately, this problem also rings true for the rest of the house; if your living room is cluttered, then your child may have difficulty relaxing in this space. So, take steps to declutter your entire house, and follow it up with a good cleaning. A professional cleaning (which runs between $117 and $182 in Port Jervis, New York) can ensure that all those hidden pollutants and irritants are completely removed.

 

Reduce Bedtime Anxiety

 

If your child struggles with bedtime anxiety, a weighted blanket may be a helpful addition to their sensory integration bedroom. Weighted blankets have become trendy in recent years, but these tools have been used for decades as therapeutic aids for children with developmental disorders such as autism. When choosing a weighted blanket for your child, it’s vital that you stay away from versions that are too heavy. The rule of thumb for picking the optimal weight is for the blanket to be 10 percent of your child’s body weight, plus a pound or two. A five or 10-pound blanket should be right for your child. Blankets that are 20 to 30 pounds are typically for adults. Currently, 10-pound weighted blankets can be purchased for $55.99.

 

Use Calming Colors

 

Bright colors can be overstimulating for children with sensory processing issues. Instead of decking out your child’s bedroom in hues of red, yellow and stark white, opt for calming colors such as blue, light pink, violet, and gray. Color therapy is a proven way we can affect a person's mood and mental health. As each color has its own frequency and vibration, using particular colors has the power to change the energy and frequencies within the body.

 

Create a Safe Space

 

A sensory bedroom should be first and foremost an area where your child can go to feel secure when they are overwhelmed by the outside world. A good way to enhance that security is by providing some sort of space within the room where they can regroup. Many parents gift their children with “pea pod” or “squeeze canoe” that provides a calming sense of pressure much like a weighted blanket. Other options include bean bag chairs, crash pads, teepees, hanging swings and playhouse cubes.

 

Sensory integration bedrooms provide children with autism with an environment that supports their physical and mental health. Clean air is important, but an air purifier has the added benefit of acting as a white noise machine. A weighted blanket soothes children at bedtime for a more restful night’s sleep. The colors we use when decorating can affect our overall mood. Use calming colors such as blue, light pink, violet, and grey. Finally, a sensory integration bedroom should have some element that provides a safe space for the child where they can go when feeling overwhelmed by sensory input.

For any questions contact Jenny WIse @ http://specialhomeeducator.com/

If your in the Orange County, NY area and are looking to have the perfect room designed for your child, give CD Construction and Remodeling a call! 845.956.3319

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