Today’s guest post is written by Lin Buckner of sensorykid.info.
If you have a child on the autism spectrum, you’re not alone. The CDC estimates that one in six children under the age of 8 is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) every year. Although the diagnosis might sound scary, having a child with autism can be deeply rewarding.
Like any parent, you undoubtedly want to raise a happy, healthy child. Your role as a parent will include advocating for what’s best for your little one. As they grow, you’ll find more and more techniques that work for them. One of the best places to start helping your child thrive is within the comfort of your own home. Here are some home features and modifications that benefit all children, especially those on the autism spectrum.
Child-Proofing Options
A child-proof home is a safe home. Whether a child is on the autism spectrum or not, all parents must carefully consider how to provide the safest and most supportive home environment for their children. To ensure your child’s safety, consider upgrading to more significant child-proofing measures throughout your home. For instance, you might install alarms on windows and doors or invest in a fire safety ladder.
The autism advocacy website, Autism Speaks, recommends using technology to help protect your child from wandering away or getting lost. In addition to securing your home, you might check with your local law enforcement about obtaining a special locating device to help prevent losing your child. Project Lifesaver and SafetyNet are two free services that can help increase your child’s safety — and your peace of mind.
If, at any point, you start to feel overwhelmed with the child-proofing process, don’t fret. You could always hire a professional child-proofing service to ensure your family’s safety. Hiring a pro could be easier and more affordable than many parents realize. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of child-proofing services in Chicago runs between $231 and $725.
Sensory Considerations
In addition to safety, it’s crucial to consider any sensory hypersensitivities your child might have. Children with autism spectrum disorders might sometimes experience “sensory overload” around certain smells, textures, sounds, tastes, and even colors. Sensory hypersensitivities are so common, they occur in up to 96 percent of children with ASD.
To help your child, try to create a soothing home environment that calms his or her senses. Each child is different, so you might work with an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist to determine an effective approach for your little one’s unique needs. Some examples might include reducing clutter and distractions in the home, dimming the lights, and sticking to neutral colors rather than bright hues.
Home Modifications
Several home modifications can help ensure your child’s health and safety without breaking the bank. Some affordable options include placing gates in front of stairwells or doorways, adding child locks (you can find a box of eight child locks at retailers such as Amazon for around $20) to all cabinets, and moving medication or sharp objects out of reach. Additionally, you should consider covering electrical outlets to prevent accidental injury.
You’ve probably noticed that many of the home modifications listed here are standard child-proofing precautions. Most parents will install safety precautions for the first few years of a child’s life. According to the Autism Society, the main difference with a child on the autism spectrum is that the timeframe can vary. For some children, you might only need these home modifications in place for a few years. For other children, safety precautions should be in place for a lifetime. It’s always better to proactively prevent a disaster than to deal with the aftermath.
Parenting is hard sometimes, regardless of whether your child is living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). All parents have one thing in common: they want the best for their children. By following the tips listed in this article, you can enjoy the biggest reward of being a parent: watching your child grow up to become a happy, healthy adult.