This article is brought to you by the Maryland Department of Disabilities.
Guest Writer: Amanda Henderson
Getting an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for your child can bring up a whirlwind of emotions for you and your child. Usually, families experience a combination of relief at having answers and uncertainty about what this means for the future. One approach to this news is focusing on finding the best tools for making life easier and more accessible for your child.
The best place to start is at home. Your home should be a safe space for your child, and you can make that possible in a number of ways. Here’s a look at some of the most effective steps you can take to make your home more accessible for your child:
Preventing Sensory Overload
Many people with autism have trouble with sensory processing. This can make some sensations, such as loud or repetitive noises, extremely unpleasant. Connect with your child about which sensations cause discomfort and find ways to make them more tolerable.
For example, your little one might be bothered by the sound of a ticking clock; switching to a tick-less version can make your space far more welcoming. You might have intermittent sounds that cause a disturbance, such as sibling activities or running appliances. A good pair of sound-canceling headphones can empower your child to turn sounds on and off as needed.
Facilitating Sensory Seeking
The other side of the sensory processing coin is sensory seeking. People with autism can also feel understimulated and begin seeking sensory input to fill that gap. This can lead to some unsafe behaviors, such as headbanging. However, if you give your children tools they can use to safely receive sensory input, you can help them to manage their sensory needs on their own.
Fidget toys or sensory toys like play dough can be a great tool to have at home. You can also look into toys designed for kids with autism that provide sensory opportunities. Ultimately, just as with preventing unpleasant sensations, this is best planned for through collaboration with your child. Even non-verbal kids can express their likes and dislikes through body language, interests, and therapeutic communication tools. Which brings us too…
Simplifying Communication
Although no two people with autism are alike, communication barriers are a common symptom many share. Non-verbal and preverbal children can use tools such as communication boards to convey their wants and needs in an effective, barrier-free way. Work with your medical and therapeutic team to teach your child and other family members how to use these tools.
Even children who are able to communicate verbally may find that skill difficult or impossible to use in times of stress. Having communication tools on hand can help make those moments less stressful for your little one. Keep a couple of communication boards in dedicated locations throughout the house so your child always has access to the tool when they need it.
Creating Their Special Space
Many families wish they could make every single inch of their home completely accessible for their children with autism. However, this usually isn’t possible. After all, parents and siblings have different needs. Even if everyone in your home had autism, the odds that you’d all agree on what makes a space perfect would be slim.
That’s why it’s so important to create a dedicated space that’s just for your child. As Crate and Barrel points out, this could be their own room if you have the space to make that possible. If not, you could get a playhouse, tent, or nook that’s just for them. Establish firm boundaries about this space with siblings, and ensure that any other children in your family have a similar place to call their own to prevent envy-related conflict. When your child needs time to themselves, their special space will be the perfect place to get it.
These are just a few of the tools you can use to make your home more accessible. Reaching out to your medical team can be a great next step for coming up with personalized ideas for your family. Remember to let your child guide the way as much as possible in order to create a space that truly meets their needs.
Looking for more disability resources? The Maryland Department of Disabilities is here to help — contact us today or call us at (410) 767-3660.
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