It’s difficult for most of us to put ourselves in the shoes of people who are living with autism. Those with autism respond very differently to their surroundings and can often be negatively triggered by something which may seem insignificant to others. However, the good news is that we can make small changes which can make a massive difference to the lives of our loved ones living with autism. Below are some top tips on creating a calm and relaxing home environment for people with autism:
Avoid Loud Patterns
Avoid things like wallpaper with bold floral prints or patterned tiles in your home. These things often cause confusion or anxiety and are difficult for people with autism to process. Instead, opt for muted single colours when it comes to decorating your home.
Incorporate Visual Indications of Structure
Have clear and structured schedules up in your home. This may come in the form of calendars, timetables, charts etc. Anything that provides consistency and establishes a sense of routine which is easily seen and understood will help to put someone with autism at ease.
Give Clear Warnings of Change
Any kind of change or transition is often difficult for people with autism, even if the change is seemingly insignificant to those who don’t have autism. Whether you’re getting a new sofa, you have family coming to visit, or there’s a new baby on the way, someone living with autism will need time to adjust to this idea. Create a visual countdown, timer or schedule which will help them to accept the change.
Lighting
For people living with autism, harsh or fluorescent lighting can often affect their eyes and cause them pain. Whereas we may not notice it much, some people with autism get distracted by the flickering or hum of these kinds of lights. It’s always best to opt for softer lighting or perhaps even lights with a dimmer switch or multiple settings as these options create a calming environment for those with autism.
Sensory Rooms or Items
There are certain items which are stimulating but also calming for people with autism. It’s a good idea to add these items to their bedroom or even have them dotted throughout your home. Below are some examples:
- Fibre optics
- Bean bags
- Sensory lights
- Sound system with calming music
- A bubble tube
- Mirror ball
- An air mat
At Bespoke Lifestyles, we believe that everyone is entitled to live a happy and fulfilled life. We are committed to improving the quality of life for those living with disabilities, as well as those who are caring for people with a disability. To learn more about our services, get in touch with us today or become a subscriber to unlock a wealth of information, resources and support.