Soothing bedroom ideas for your neurodivergent child

For children on the autism spectrum, sensory details like scents, sounds, and bright colors can be overwhelming. Experts recommend providing a space where they can retreat from the stimulation of everyday life. Here are some ideas to help create a calming bedroom for your child.

Lighting
Rather than harsh overhead lights, use soft lamps near work areas. You can reduce glare on the flooring by using materials like carpeting rather than wood or tiles. For sleeping, blackout curtains eliminate any light that might seep in from the outside.

Colors
For neurodivergent kids, yellow may cause eye strain and fatigue, and red can provoke strong emotions. You can promote tranquility by choosing shades of grey, violet, soft blues, or greens.

Bedding
Choose calming colors and avoid busy patterns when choosing bed sheets and blankets. Weighted blankets and heavy comforters provide a sensation like a soothing cuddle. Compression sheets also provide deep-touch sensory input.

The little extras
Include special features to make the room a pleasant place for your child to hang out. A sensory swing gives them a comfortable place to sit or move about safely. Drape a curtain like a tent to create a secluded space. A white noise machine helps offset disruptive noises from outside, and a sunrise-mimicking alarm eliminates the harsh waking noise in favor of a gradually brightening lamp.

Whether your child is neurodivergent or not, providing a bedroom that promotes peace and calm is always beneficial. Talk to a home decorator about your child’s needs and preferences for more great ideas to create a restful space.