How I Decorate My Autistic Son’s Room

When my son, Chase, was born, I had dreams of decorating his room perfectly, like most moms do. I poured through magazines and websites, planning an awesome kid space. And while Chase’s room was nice, as his sensory needs have increased and we learned more about his autism, the landscape of his room has changed. We have tried many different things over the years, and below are some ideas that have worked well for us:

• Essential Oils: – you can use these in a diffuser or topically (check the type of oil to make sure it is safe). These can help calm a child and pave the way for a restful night’s sleep.
• Sound machines: Some children like silence, but for others who need noise, sound machines work great.
• Privacy Pop-Up Tent
• Himalayan Natural Salt Lamp
• Bean Bags or Weighted Blankets
• Eye Mask/Sleeping Blindfold: these are great for blocking light and giving some sensory pressure on the face. 

For room walls, calming colors like pastels, beige, and cream are great colors. Bright, bold colors can create more stress for a child with special needs. As your child gets older, let them be part of the room decorating team. Display their art, special notes from teachers, or awards to help boost self-esteem. Above all else, remember your child’s room needs to be functional and not picture perfect.

– Amy Wilkinson, Springible Contributor