Organisation and Autism Again

There’s probably quite a bit that I could say about autism, but today I want to cover the thought of the kind of atmosphere in their own home somebody on the spectrum needs.  And it’s not just as quick as just putting a room together.

In our bungalow, we got the living room and Johnathan’s bedroom done as they were the two most important spaces in the house.  I didn’t bother with our bedroom because it just didn’t seem necessary.  Yes the council gave us some vouchers to help get the house decorated, but it just made sense to do only what we had to do, so that we could move into it as soon as possible.

When we first moved into a ground floor flat, there were wooden blinds at the windows.  Now when Kevin first got his two cats, they destroyed the binds he had so I went to a fabric shop and chose some curtains to be custom made for the place.  However, we discovered the cats left the blinds alone so I decided to leave the curtains in their plastic wrapping so that I could use them in a place where they could work.  And when we moved here, I finally could use them. 

I decided on an accent wall in the sitting room and the light blue suits the room and matches the curtains bought so long ago. However, I know the one wall is too busy.  But the beautiful oak coffee table and long unit break it up and bring some warmth in the room.

Now you might wonder why it’s so important to a child on the spectrum but you need the house to feel peaceful, comfortable and a place they can relax from the stress of the day outside the home.

Even though Johnathan chose his room, I always said that it was his and if I didn’t like it, I could shut the door!  Personally I can’t see myself enjoying robots on a white background, he did!  And if he is upset, that is his sanctuary that he can run to and hide in.  Instead of just having the normal bedding, Johnathan has a kind of sleeping bag, made in the shape of an animal with a very soft pillow attached to it.  He loves it and it gives him the comfort of almost being swaddled again – something he has loved through his whole life.  So I truly believe it has been a blessing in his life.  The last thing we got him, especially for his room is a light that shines on the ceiling of his bedroom right through the night.  It has a blue nebula that moves, with green spots of light in it.  This helps him calm if he wakes up at night.  His sanctuary, not mine.

So, in conclusion, I would say you can make the house more acceptable for anyone on the spectrum.  Think of what they like, create the calm and peaceful atmosphere that they need and this will ensure that you give them the refuge they need.