Learn how to creating a sensory-friendly home environment for autistic Children. Understand how a sensory friendly environment affects their ability and emotions.
Introduction:
Autism also known as autism spectrum disorder is not a disease or infection. It’s a difference in brain structure and function. Simply it’s a brain working differently.it is not caused by poor parenting, vaccines, or any external factor. Autistic children often experience sensory
sensitivities such as sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells which can affect their emotions and behaviors. Creating a sensory-friendly home for autistic kids involves creating such spaces that can help reduce their stress and promote comfort and focus.
This article explores strategies to create a sensory-friendly home environment for autistic kids so that they enjoy and learn without any stress.
Understand what sensory sensitivities are:
Each child with autism has sensory sensitivities. These can be hypersensitivity (overreaction) or hyposensitivity (underreaction) to sounds, smells, or light. For example, one autistic child might find flashlights too harsh while others show sensitivity to specific textures. By understanding
these sensitivities, parents can create a more comfortable environment to reduce distress in autistic kids.
To create a more sensory-friendly environment, follow these steps:
1. The setting of Lights;
Lighting can ominously affect an autistic kid. Many children with autism are sensitive to bright and harsh lights such as fluorescent and flashlights.
- Use Soft, Natural Light: When possible, make the most of natural light in the home. Use sheer curtains or blinds that absorb sunlight.
- Dimmer Switches: use dimmer switches in the home to adjust the intensity of the light according to the child’s sensitivity.
- Avoid Fluorescent Bulbs: change fluorescent and harsh lights with LED bulbs that are soothing for the eyes.
- Use colorful lights: Soft and colorful lighting in warm tones like yellow or red can have a calming effect on autistic kids.
2. Sound Control
Some autistic children are hypersensitive to sounds. Loud noises can activate anxiety or breakdowns in them.
- Soundproofing rooms: Use thick curtains and carpets to absorb loud sounds and reduce echoes. If a kid is very hypersensitive to light you can add foam panels to walls for further sound reduction.
- White Noise Machines: use a white noise machine or a fan to create a sensory-friendly home environment for autistic kids. It will reduce noises like traffic or household sounds
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: For children, who are very sensitive to noise, use noise-canceling headphones, especially during noisy events or public outings.
- Creating Quiet Spaces: Try to create quiet spaces at home to calm down autistic kids.
3-Setting of furniture in the home:
- Soft Furniture: autistic kids love comfortable bean bags, pillows, or a soft mattress where they can relax and enjoy.
- No loud toys: avoid loud toys or flashing lights. Keep the room simple, with soft colors and soft textures to create a perfect sensory-friendly environment for autistic kids.
- Reduce Visual Barriers: If you have enough space in a room, add a small tent or canopy to give the child a sense of privacy and reduce visual interruptions.
- Keep rooms Clutter free: too many things in rooms can make kids stressed.
Keep rooms organized to reduce distractions and create a calm and sensory-friendly environment.
4. Reduce Texture Sensitivity
Textural sensitivities are common among autistic kids, particularly with clothing, furniture, or household objects:
- Soft Fabrics: Choose soft and cotton fabrics for bedding, furniture covers, and curtains.
- Use simple Textures: avoid patterned materials that might trigger the child. Use Simple and smooth materials.
5. Safe and Soothing Smells
Strong smells sometimes trigger autistic kids. To avoid this sensitivity make your home a comfort zone for them by avoiding strong and artificial smells.
- Unscented Products: Use unscented or naturally-scented perfumes and air fresheners.
- Essential Oils: make use of essential oils that have a calming effect and soft smell like lavender and chamomile.
6. include kids in Sensory Play
Sensory play is needed for autistic kids as it helps them explore control and express their emotions.
- Create Sensory Bins: Create bins filled with safe objects such as rice, sand, or water beads. It promotes their fine motor skills.
- Interactive Toys: involve kids in playing with Toys that respond to touch, such as balls or toys with soft lights and sounds.
Conclusion
Creating a sensory-friendly home environment can have a good impact on autistic kids. This environment ensures well-being and quality of life for children having autism. By understanding the sensory needs of autistic kids you can minimize their stress and anxiety and enable them to improve their social interactions.
Faqs:
1 How sensory a friendly home environment is important for autistic kids?
A friendly home environment helps autistic kids to stay calm and stress-free in their homes.
2-can I purchase any sensory-friendly products
A- Yes many sensory-friendly products are available in both shops and online markets such as paints, toys, soft lights, etc
3 What colors are best for autistic kids
A- Soft colors such as green, blue, and beige help to create a soothing environment for autistic kids.
