Bedroom Spaces For Children On The Autism Spectrum: Tips And Ideas

By Daniel Sherwin January 26, 2022

Designing a bedroom space for your child on the autism spectrum can take some time; you want to ensure that you have all the elements necessary to create a safe, comfortable, fun place for your child to learn, grow, and rest, and it can be difficult to find a good balance. A good way to begin is by making a list of your child’s specific needs; since every person who is living with autism is different--and is affected in a different way by the disorder--it’s important to tailor the room to her lifestyle and abilities.

There are many things you can do to make this possible. From creating a lighting source that will help her feel comfortable to ensuring that the windows and doors are secure to prevent wandering, there are plenty of ways you can make a custom space for your child that won’t break the bank. Outside of safety, you’ll also want to make sure your little one has access to learning materials by keeping the room well-organized. This is often important for children who are on the spectrum, as it helps reduce stress.

Here are a few things to think about when you’re ready to create a safe and comfortable bedroom for your child on the autism spectrum.

Get organized

Structure is crucial for children on the autism spectrum; it helps them find order and feel safe, and it can help prevent everything from stress to meltdowns. Studies have shown that clutter can be extremely detrimental to our mental health, and it can cause anxiety in children who are on the spectrum. You can utilize clear storage bins (at retailers like the Container Store, you can find these in all sizes) to keep toys and games in, tidy the closet, and organize books by color to create a fun and whimsical aesthetic.

Use color to your advantage

Color can have a big effect on children who are living with autism, both positive and negative. Using neutral colors or calming blues can help your child stay relaxed at home, whereas red and warmer tones can incite energy and stress. Choose the colors you use in your child’s room very carefully, including for bedding and decor.

Lighting is crucial

The lighting in your child’s room needs to be just right; harsh natural light can be overwhelming to a child on the spectrum, while soft colored lights can help with sensory issues. Talk to your pediatrician about the best light for your child’s room, and don’t forget to take things like nightlights and the blue light emitted from televisions and other devices into consideration, as these can have a negative effect on sleep.

Make it safe

Safety is a priority for children on the autism spectrum, whether they’re at school or in their own bedrooms. Because there are so many things to take into consideration, it’s important to make out a list of all the things you want to take care of, such as securing the windows or adding an alarm system that will go off when one is opened; adding anti-tipping devices to heavy furniture; or covering radiators and electrical outlets. If you need to secure, repair, or replace windows, visit sites like Angi to find reliable window repair services. The cost of window repairs averages $290, but this will depend on the type of window and repair you’ll need.

Bedroom spaces are important to children who are on the spectrum, because they are a place they can go to be comfortable and to feel safe. Adding all the things your child needs to learn and grow will help reduce anxiety and stress, and will give you peace of mind as well.

HomeBaseInc. is dedicated to serving West Virginia children to help them overcome severe emotional disorders. Call 304-746-2918 to learn more.