Creating a Dream Neurodivergent-Friendly Home

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Hey there!

Imagine creating a home that feels like a warm hug, perfectly tailored to meet your unique needs as part of a neurodivergent family.

Crafting a space that addresses your sensory needs, feels comfortable, and enhances functionality is essential for your overall well-being.

A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that environments designed to minimize sensory overload can significantly improve focus and reduce anxiety.

With these insights in mind, let’s explore how to transform your home into a nurturing sanctuary that truly supports your journey.

Understanding Neurodivergence

Before diving into design tips, it’s important to understand what neurodivergence means.

The term encompasses a wide range of cognitive differences, including but not limited to:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Dyslexia

• Dyscalculia

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Each person is affected differently, but many share challenges like dealing with overstimulation, staying focused, and handling anxiety.

The Core Principles of a Neurodivergent-Friendly Home

When creating a neurodivergent-friendly space, consider these guiding principles:

• Sensory Accommodations: Every home should address sensory triggers like noise, lighting, and textures.

• Reducing Overwhelm: Minimize visual clutter and overstimulating environments to help individuals feel calm and focused.

• Promoting Comfort and Calm: Design spaces that support relaxation, whether through color choices, comfortable furniture, or dedicated calm corners.

Alright, let’s jump right in! 😊

One of the most important aspects of a neurodivergent-friendly home is ensuring that sound—both from inside and outside—is well-controlled.

Sound sensitivity is a common trait among many neurodivergent individuals, and excessive noise can easily lead to overstimulation or anxiety.

• Soundproof Wall Panels, especially in bedrooms, living rooms, and study areas, would allow occupants to enjoy peace or focus on tasks without distractions.

• Soundproof showers and quiet-flushing toilets would help minimize the noise in daily routines, creating a more serene atmosphere.

• Thick carpeting, Soundproof Door Blankets, and Heavyweight Blackout Lined Curtain Panels contribute to muffling noise.

• White Noise Machines can transform your space into a peaceful sanctuary, helping you relax and focus by masking distractions.

• Large trees and shrubbery outside can help block out urban or external sounds.

SHOP ON AMAZON:

• Soundproof Door Blankets

• Heavyweight Blackout Lined Curtain Panels

• Decorative Acoustic Wall Panels

• Thick carpeting

• White Noise Machines

1. Soundproofing for Maximum Calm

Sound sensitivity is a common trait among many neurodivergent people, and excessive noise can easily lead to overstimulation or anxiety.

Lighting is a crucial design element in a neurodivergent-friendly home.

Poor lighting can cause headaches, overstimulation, or fatigue, making it important to get it right.

Choosing the Right Lighting

Neurodivergent people often feel more at ease with natural light, which works wonders for lifting moods and keeping sleep patterns on track!

Large, unobstructed windows can make spaces feel open and airy, which is ideal for individuals sensitive to enclosed or cluttered areas.

Dimmable and Natural Lighting

Installing dimmable lights throughout the home provides flexibility, allowing the brightness level to be adjusted based on the time of day or individual preference.

In addition, using warmer light bulbs with lower color temperatures can create a more calming atmosphere compared to harsh, bright white lights.

Avoiding Overstimulating Lights

Fluorescent lighting or flickering lights can be particularly bothersome.

It’s essential to avoid overly bright, cold, or inconsistent lighting sources. Choose fixtures that emit a steady, warm glow and are easy on the eyes.

SHOP ON AMAZON:

• Dimmable Touch Lamp for Bedroom

• Dimmable Floor Lamp

• Warmer Light Bulbs

2. The Power of Lighting

It’s essential to avoid overly bright, cold, or inconsistent lighting sources.

Weighted blankets are a popular choice for providing comfort.

These blankets apply gentle pressure, creating a sense of security and reducing anxiety.

Here are some general recommendations:

1. Body Size: Choose a blanket that is approximately 10% of the individual's body weight. For example, a 15-pound blanket may be suitable for someone weighing 150 pounds.

2. Blanket Size: Consider standard bedding options like twin, full, queen, or king sizes.

3. Personal Preference: Some may prefer larger blankets for added coziness, while others may prefer a smaller size for targeted pressure.

These blankets are available at a range of prices, and you can find some comparisons here.

SHOP ON AMAZON:

1. Weighted Idea ($)

2. Topcee ($)

3. Alansma ($)

4. Samia Luxe ($$)

3. A Big Cozy Weighted Blanket

These blankets apply gentle pressure, creating a sense of security and reducing anxiety.

A neurodivergent-friendly home wouldn't be complete without a cozy, playful haven for your furry companions.

Their soft purrs and gentle nuzzles can melt away stress in an instant, bringing calm and comfort.

To keep things fun and safe, ensure the house is pet-proof with plenty of room for them to roam and play.

• Install climbing trees, tunnels, and cozy nooks for endless entertainment and relaxation.

• For your dog, set up a plush bed by the window and a quiet spot to rest.

• Sprinkle in some pet-safe plants to add a serene touch for both you and your pets.

Cats are known for knocking items off shelves, so make sure your shelving is sturdy and secure.

SHOP ON AMAZON:

• Best Climbing Trees

• Best Plush Dog Beds

4. For the cat (or dog!) lovers

5. A Sanctuary for Overstimulation

Create a peaceful nook with soft lighting, cozy seating, and calming textures

A quiet, calming space is a must in any dream home for neurodivergent individuals.

Create a peaceful nook with soft lighting, cozy seating, and calming textures, like plush pillows or weighted blankets.

Use neutral colors and minimal décor to avoid overstimulation, and consider adding noise-canceling curtains or sound machines to drown out distractions.

This little retreat can become a go-to spot for unwinding and recharging.

CMY Cubes

This magical cube appears to create an ever-changing spectrum of color, providing you with endless enjoyment.

Each face of the translucent cube is coated in electromagnetically subtractive materials which at first, appear as cyan, magenta, or yellow.

Twisting and turning the geometry creates new combinations, resulting in the appearance of new colors.

CMY Cubes are a first of its kind and have taken the world by storm.

From kids to adults, hobbyists, teachers & people with learning difficulties - it's the perfect gift for everyone.

Shopt at CMY Cubes!

Fiber Optic Lamp / Moon Lamp

Fiber optic lamps are like a cozy light show for neurodivergent kids!

The soft, changing colors create a calming atmosphere, helping ease those intense emotions.

The gentle glow offers a peaceful focus, and some lamps even allow kids to touch the fibers, adding a soothing sensory element.

It’s the perfect way to bring comfort without overstimulation!

SHOP ON AMAZON:

1. Electric Jellyfish Tank Table Lamp ($)

2. Crystal base Lamp ($)

3. Moon Lamp ($)

4. Willow Tree ($)

Gift A sensory toy subscription!

• Each month's box is carefully curated by a licensed occupational therapist and includes a description card inside

• Items are therapeutic & can be calming or help manage anxiety

• Curated for children with sensory needs in mind, but suitable for children of all abilities

• Boxes ship out the first week of each month

SENSORY THERA PLAY BOX

Check out our other posts for a treasure trove of parenting joy and SEL adventures!

Happy reading! 😊

• 5 Genius Strategies for an Enriching Home Learning Environment

• Little Hearts, Big Smiles: Joyful SEL Activities for Toddler Emotional Well-Being

• TOP 10 : Calming Gifts for Highly Sensitive Children

• TOP 10 : Sensory-Friendly Toys for toddlers

Have a wonderful day, and keep being the amazing parents that you are! 🌟💕

DdL Mom

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