Autistic children need a regulated environment to grow and feel secure. To determine the features of such an environment, Sunfield conducted an evidence-based study on the impact of interior design on autistic children and isolated a number of important design features that can be incorporated into a bedroom for autistic children and that can also be used in and around the home. Some features are easier to incorporate than others, for instance, purchasing a sturdy, comfortable bed, adopting a colour theme based on your child’s favourite colours and using non-fluorescent lighting, while others require more effort and a flexible budget, such as soundproofing and the introduction of curvilinear design.
The bed is a good starting point because many autistic children suffer from sleep disorders and can’t sleep through the night. Parents worry about their autistic children getting out of their bedrooms and hurting themselves on late night walks around the house. Soft, upholstered beds are a good idea, as they often come with removable covers for easy washing and the bases can be padded for added security. You can even get an upholstered bed with space saving options so you can store distracting clutter out of sight.
Noah's Bed
For a more personal solution, however, you might want to try a bed that has been specifically designed for children with autism. Matt Volk’s has an autistic son, Noah, and after a fruitless search for a bed that would cater to Noah’s special needs, Volk took matters into his own hands and, with the help of carpenter Chris Stupp, designed Noah’s bed. The cloth bed looks more like a fort than a traditional bed, which is bound to appeal to children. With a solid wooden base, soft yet supportive mattress and a protective mesh-like safety, parents of autistic kids are assured that their children will be safe at night.
Safe and Secure in Noah's Bed
Autistic children can be very colour-sensitive, so you should decorate the bedroom walls in colours that you know your child likes. In general, pinks, purples and greys work well, but if your child has a favourite coloured blanket or favours toys of a certain colour be sure to include it in the colour scheme. Find a balance between colourful and too much colour. Bombarding your child with colour is likely to result in overstimulation, which is the exact opposite of what the bedroom is trying to achieve.
It’s important that autistic children have a place of safety within their bedrooms, this is a space to which they can retreat when the world gets too much, or they need to calm down after acting out. Experts suggest creating a little nook in a corner with some pillows or a bean bag and soft toys. It is also important, however, that autistic children receive proper stimulation in their bedrooms, so it’s necessary to create a little activity corner with an exercise ball or mini trampoline or even a little swing to cater to sensory and movement needs. To install routine, you can designate a table and chairs for homework.
In terms of safety, remember to use safety plugs in all sockets, keep all sharp edges padded, ensure that all furniture is firmly secured in place and can’t be pulled over if it should be climbed and purchase a safety gate if your child is prone to wander unattended.
When it comes to curvilinear design, you don’t have to remodel the whole room, but can instead use curved paneling to create a curved effect. You also don’t have to invest in heavy duty soundproofing materials but can use double glazed window panes, sound absorbent backing in your ceiling and carpet the passage outside the bedroom to muffle footsteps.
The most important considerations to bear in mind when it comes to creating a bedroom for an autistic child are safety and comfort. Keep your child involved as much as possible and you’ll soon have a little oasis of calm that can also, if necessary, enable tantrums to be thrown without the risk of injury.
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