Guest Speaker Series:

 Designing for Special Needs:

Creating a Sensory Friendly Bedroom

Kelli Brewer with DeployCare 

Kelli Brewer is proud of her military family and is passionate in supporting military families. She is part of DeployCare, an avenue for resources and solutions for issues commonly faced by military families before, during and after deployment. Their team is composed of veterans and their spouses who have experienced many of the issues that arise when there is not adequate support when needed.

Sensory-friendly bedrooms are important for children who are on the autism spectrum, as they allow for comfort and a feeling of safety even when the rest of the world becomes overwhelming. It’s not always easy to know where to begin, however, especially if you’re on a budget. Figuring out storage solutions, a color palette, and lighting can be daunting if you’re unsure of how to make it all work together, and if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might end up overspending on the project.

Designing a bedroom for a child with special needs simply requires considering what those specific needs are ahead of time. For many children on the spectrum, all five senses are extremely sensitive, which can make navigating simple activities very difficult. If you can create a calming environment that allows for relaxation, your child may be able to focus more and even sleep better — a huge benefit since many children on the spectrum have sleep issues.

Designing a bedroom for a child with special needs can take some time, so be patient as you go through the process to ensure that you’re able to get everything you need. Involve your child in the project, if possible, as it will help her take comfort in the new space more easily.

 Clutter Can Cause Stress

Cluttered areas in the home can create stress and anxiety for anyone, says Psychology Today, but for children on the spectrum, they can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a shelf full of loose toys or a corkboard full of notes and papers, clutter in your child’s room will almost definitely have negative effects on her mental health. Go through the room — including the closet — and get rid of any old or unused toys, clothing, and books. Next, get organized by using shelving, clear bins, and furniture that doubles as storage space (such as a hollowed-out ottoman). When everything has a place, order is restored, and your child will be better able to relax.

 Give Your Home a Deep Clean

Don’t stop decluttering once you’re finished with your child’s room; instead, get organized throughout the rest of the house, then set up a deep-clean with a professional service. This can help you get everything from your carpets to your windows in great shape, which will, in turn, improve the air quality in your home and benefit your child, especially if she has allergies.

This goes for furniture upholstery as well, which can either be deep cleaned or, if there’s an aversion to the material or the design (some designs are over stimulating), you can save money by getting it reupholstered as opposed to buying new items. Sourcing a pro has never been easier; for instance, to find a contractor or company that specializes in upholstery repair simply do an online search for “chair upholstery near me” and use Angi to find and choose a qualified company.

 Color Is Important

Enduratex points out that the right colors can have a wonderful effect on a child who is on the autism spectrum. For example, calming shades of blue and neutral hues are typically best for a bedroom, as these will help your child relax and unwind more easily than others. Bright, bold colors are usually discouraged since they tend to be energetic.

Instead of painting their room, try wallpaper instead. Today’s peel-and-stick options are removable and easily applied and come in a variety of colors and textures. And if you work with a company that prints its wallpaper on demand, you’ll be able to customize your design.   

Utilize Lighting

Many children on the autism spectrum differ when it comes to their lighting preferences. Some kids are most comfortable with natural light, while others are comforted and soothed by colored bubble lights or fiber optics. Take your child’s preferences into consideration before choosing lighting, and remember that harsh illumination — such as LED lights or fluorescents — are most likely to cause sensory issues. If she loves natural light, be sure to invest in some great window blinds or curtains that will allow you to control the amount of light that filters in, and utilize this to save on your energy bill all throughout the year.

More Information on Kelli Brewer and DeployCare can be found at:

Website: DeployCare.org

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