How to Create the Ultimate Playroom for a Child with Autism
As if parenting in general isn’t challenging enough, parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) must make every decision with extra care. When it comes to building a playroom, that means each design choice can enhance the many strengths of a child on the spectrum.
Whether you are moving to a new home or simply looking to renovate your home, there are plenty of simple, inexpensive ways to ensure their play area is a welcoming environment where they can learn, grow and play without worry or fear. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Playroom Placement
The first step in creating the ultimate playroom is to find the right space. Whether you live in a large home with extra bedrooms or built-in recreational areas; or a smaller home where spare space is limited – it’s worth spending some time planning.
Supervision
When choosing a location for your playroom, start by asking yourself how much supervision your child requires on an average day.
• Younger children require more time and attention; a space near your home office, kitchen or living area will allow you to work, cook or entertain while still being in close to your child.
• Older children may be able to play by themselves for longer intervals, which means hiring a local pro to refinish your basement or renovate your attic into a play area are both suitable options.
Stimulation
Because children with ASD commonly have trouble sleeping, most experts advise against a joined bedroom and play area. Getting a good sleep is important for children, and a room filled with toys, games and other stimuli may make your child restless.
Unfortunately, a separate play area is not always in the blueprints. One way to minimise the impact of a shared space on sleep is to create zones in your child’s room, allowing your child to more easily differentiate between rest and play.
Hazards
Some areas of the home present more hazards than others. Young children, as well as children who struggle with meltdowns, self-injury, or executive function, may be at more risk in certain areas of the home. For example, open floor plans, dining rooms or dens may not have doors or barriers to other areas of the home. This can be dangerous for children who don’t yet understand the dangers of hot stoves, climbing on furniture or going outdoors without an adult. Choose an area in your home and get started childproofing.
Setup
Once you’ve found the perfect space for your child it’s time to decorate, organise and equip your playroom. While all children benefit from structure, organisation and stimulation, children with ASD are particularly sensitive to these features. With the proper knowledge and planning you can create the ideal space for your child to thrive.
Decor
When it comes to autism, sensory stimulation is key.
• Use calm, cool colours that are not too bright or harsh.
• Avoid fluorescent lighting, as the flickers and humming can be hard to bear. Instead, use dimmable lighting that can be adjusted as needed.
• Cover windows with adjustable shades.
• Minimise ambient noise with carpet or a rug, acoustic ceiling tiles or even find the cost of soundproofing the room completely.
Organisation
Organisation is key for children on the autism spectrum because it helps create structure and routine, which helps them feel safe and in control. When organising a child’s space with ASD, you should focus on alleviating stress and anxiety.
• Store toys in clear bins and label them with pictures
• Always put away items in the same place to give your child consistency
• Split up the room into different play zones with mats or rugs
• Separate different activities into the sections to create play spaces
Equipment
The best environment for a child with ASD is a sensory-friendly one. Whether your child is hypersensitive, sensory seeking or a combination of the two – a room where they can touch everything and move freely is a welcome relief.
Tactile and mobile activities that will keep your child engaged:
• Rice bins
• DIY sensory boards with latches and locks
• Furnishings in a variety of textures
• Rockers
• Swings
• Ball pit
• Mini trampoline
Having play equipment such as trampolines allows your child to get enough physical activity. You should also remove any items that aren’t child-friendly such as adult exercise equipment (think weights or treadmills).
When you have a child with special needs can be overwhelming, but the reward of creating a space for them isn’t limited to the child. Remember that the ultimate playroom for a child with autism is simply one where your entire family can come together to relax and play.
Covid 19 Information
10 Indoor Activities for Autistic Children, Teenagers and Adults
Go To Link
Understandably, many are now on the hunt for ideal autism activities to pass the days and establish a new routine, which is why, this week, I have created a list of 10 ideal indoor activities for autistic children, teenagers and adults
Autism Sensory Room Ideas: Building a Safe Space for Autistic People
Go To Link
Regardless of space in your home or budget available, as well as all the additional know-how you need to turn your sensory relief green and start an indoor or outdoor sensory garden.
Care in a time of coronavirus - Using health direct payments to pay family members for care
Go To Link
This post has been written by Steve with the help of Alice Irving. Alice is a freshly qualified Barrister with a strong interest in public law.
Coronavirus - A Book for Children
Go To Link
a free information book explaining the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler
Coronavirus and SEND law - What does my child’s EHCP still provide?
Go To Link
What does your child’s hard-won EHCP mean now? What can it provide during the Coronavirus Lockdown and social distancing? Special Needs Jungle answer your questions here
View More
News
How To Be Brave
View Article
An incredible, honest, rare biography from young girl with ASD.
Enabling the Silent Voices of Autistic People to Be Heard
View Article
Ending inequality of Hidden Disabilities and Conditions - Autism is not a disease or a sickness but a difference to the way one thinks, acts and sees the world.
KIT - Keeping In Touch
View Article
Our Autism Communication Tool for iPad is now available for a 30 day free trial from the Apple app store!
“What Makes You Unique?”
View Article
How to Answer the Interview Question: “What Makes You Unique?”
Sleep Help For People With Autism Spectrum Disorder
View Article
See how autism spectrum disorder might affect one’s sleep, what are the most prominent treatment options, the “do’s” and the “don’ts” as well as tips and other useful resources to tackle sleep issues when diagnosed with ASD
View More
Facebook
Autismlinks
Go To Link
Who to talk to, where to go, lots of helpful advice all in one place
The National Autistic Society
Go To Link
We are the leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. We provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism.
A.S.P.E.C.S. (Autistic and Aspergers Persons of Every Category of (Queer) Sexuality)
Go To Link
Are you Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, or just questioning your sexuality, AND have been diagnosed as having an Autistic or related condition (Aspergers Syndrome, Tourettes Syndrome, Autism, etc.)?
ACE Adult Community Education
Go To Link
We aim to provide quality education and training opportunities to adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health needs...
Act for Autism
Go To Link
Act for Autism is a non for profit organisation who provide autism awareness training for Schools, Health care professionals, Universities and Parents. We also create projects that help to give a voice to autistic individuals
View More
Blogs
ASD Teacher Blog
Go To Link
The latest blog posts with information, resources and strategies for teaching children with autism. More articles can be found in the top menu bar under 'blog posts'.
Do Sensory Processing Issues Get Better Over Time?
Go To Link
They may not disappear, but they usually become milder as kids mature, and learn to manage them. Beth Arky
Girl on the Spectrum
Go To Link
Blog dedicated to advocacy and raising awareness
How to Explain Autism to Typical Kids (and Lots of Others While You're At It)
Go To Link
Autism awareness and acceptance are good things. The more the average person knows about autism, the better it will be for the community — especially our autistic members.
The Autism Page
Go To Link
A mum sharing information and resources related to autism. Including posts on picture exchange communication system, education, health and care plans, disability living allowance, attention autism, visual aids and social stories
Youtube
The National Autistic Society
Go To Link
We are the UK's leading charity for people affected by autism.
Act for Autism
Go To Link
Act for Autism is a non for profit organisation who provide autism awareness training for Schools, Health care professionals, Universities and Parents. We also create projects that help to give a voice to autistic individuals in order to promote self
Autistic Genius
Go To Link
Tom is an Autism Advocate who uses social media to raise Autism Understanding for anyone seeking information. He has made over 270 videos all on the subject of Autism on how it can affect my life and others lives.
Beechwood College - A Practical Approach to Autism
Go To Link
A short animation which was designed and created by Thomas Cotran - A Practical Approach to Autism
View More
BBC Radio Lincolnshire
Go To Link
Autism, matron, cycling - Listen in pop-out player Includes your calls with your experiences of living with autism
Positively Autistic Radio Shows
Go To Link
Each day of the week, we run a radio show, which is based around autism each of different topics, presented to you by different hosts from around the world.
Stepping Stones Across The Airwaves
Go To Link
Stepping Stones Radio is now broadcast live on ALLFM 96.9 in Levenshulme, Manchester, for a weekly one-hour LIVE radio show!
The A Word
Go To Link
Family drama with a boy with autism at its heart
This Morning Show - Iris & her cat Thula
Go To Link
Story of unbreakable bond between an autistic little gilre and her cat Thula.
View More