Preparing a Home for a Child with Autism

Creating a calm, supportive space is essential for any child with autism to stay regulated. This can include both adjusting existing environments and setting up specific spaces designed to meet their needs. We know every child's needs are different, therefore, we encourage you to use these suggestions in ways that best suit your child!

A quiet and calm space

A dedicated space for a child can create a sense of safety and feelings of calm. Some parents opt for an intentional and organized sensory room where their child can explore different items, sounds, or lighting based on their sensory needs.

Sensory rooms have endless options — bubble tube lamps, soothing music, a small tent or teepee with a blanket, weighted blanket, stuffed animals, vibrating or rocking chair and fidget toys are just a few popular items. Quiet spaces help many children feel calmer. Large rugs, soft cushions, and white noise machines are great ways to block out extra noise. For more ideas on how to structure other areas of a home, The Wellness Hub is a great resource with lots of ideas!

A clean and organized space

A clean and organized space can help children with autism feel more secure and less overwhelmed by their environment. Clear, clutter-free areas also support focus and promote the development of important organizational skills, initiative and engagement. Two simple recommendations for organizing:

• use clear containers for organizing
• label containers with words or pictures of contents inside
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This not only reduces the chance of visual overload but also makes it easier for a child to find the toys or objects they want, encouraging play and initiation. Letting a child choose what to play with can help strengthen parent-child connection.

A movement-based space

For many kids, active and sensory-rich play is just as important as quiet time. Intentional movement supports balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. Scooters, spinning chairs, mini-trampolines, swings, climbing walls, and TheraBands are all great tools for encouraging physical engagement.

Light sensitivity

Although it is unclear what causes painful reactions to light in many autistic children and teens, a small study concluded more than half of teens with autism have some sort of light sensitivity. Bright light has the potential to overstimulate a child's brain, resulting in dysregulation and a potential meltdown. Every autism diagnosis is unique to a child's profile, so it is important to note that lights may impact one child differently if compared to another.

According to NeuroLaunch, signs that lighting may be causing sensory overload in an autistic child can include:

• restlessness or lack of focus
• feeling overwhelmed or agitated
• elevated heart rate and breathing, likely stemming from anxiety and/or fear
• escaping areas with harsh lighting conditions quickly
• irritability and anger
• headache/migraine

Swap out harsh fluorescent lights for warm, soft lighting with a yellow tint. Adding dimmer switches can also help your child adjust the brightness to suit their needs to play, focus, or a quiet moment to unwind.

Smell sensitivity

Many kids with autism are sensitive to certain smells, and that can impact their day-to-day life. Certain scents can be overwhelming, leaving it important to be aware of commonly used items like lotion, shampoo, soap, perfume, candles, cleaning products, detergent, etc. To better understand the actual science behind autism and smell, you can read more here.

Texture preferences

Many autistic children benefit from having access to items with a variety of textures to help regulate their sensory needs. Exploring different textures can support feelings of calm and focus through aspects of touch. Popular choices include stuffed animals, weighted toys and items with reversible sequins (stuffed animals or pillows are common).

Being mindful of a neurodiverse child’s sensitivities and preferences helps them feel seen, respected, and understood. Creating a space at home that feels peaceful and safe is key to building trust, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting their overall development.