Choosing furniture for your child's bedroom doesn't have to be difficult. Just keep in mind the individual needs of your child. Some things to consider when choosing furniture for your home:
- Organize furniture to make clear distinctions in the space
- Try to have the furniture create environmental cues of what activities and tasks are to happen in that space
- Label furniture if needed
- Keep an open space if needed due to tantrums
- Use the correct sized furniture to make a work station
- Make sure furniture is sturdy
- Be sure furniture is heavy and sturdy and cannot be pulled over
- Install childproof latches on drawers, cover outlets, lock windows, cover furniture with sharp edges with childproof corner covers, avoid a platform bed, avoid blinds with strings
- Article About Living with an Individual with Autism
Living Room
Latches are a necessary part of furniture installation in the living room.
Attaching the furniture to the wall is a great safety measure.
Dining Room
If tantrums are an issue, remove glass and china from the cabinets.
Secure cabinets to the wall.
Choose furniture that is easy to clean (ex. instead of cloth chairs, use chairs with a non-porous material.)
Bedroom
Ikea has great kids furniture that incorporates sensory input -- Personal Shopper (Sensory Furniture)
If you have a very young child who is a "runner," possibly install a gate in the doorway to keep your child in his room when you can't be there to watch him.
Latches are a necessary part of furniture installation in an autistic child's bedroom. Since many autistic children seem to be fearless and may climb on a dresser or bookcase, attaching the furniture to the wall may save your child from serious injury.
Kitchen
Kitchen Safety in the Home Article
Picture Icons for Communication Food Choices
Family Room
Utilize Large Exercise balls/therapy balls
Trampolines
Trampolines and Autism
Movement/Rocking Furniture
Workspace Furniture
It's not a bad idea to have a small table and chair in your child's room, preferably without sharp edges or with padding on the edges. The table and chair will provide a safe place for doing homework or 1:1 instruction, if you're using it.
The following furniture and room ideas may be helpful too:
- a child size desk or table
- appropriate sized chair (not too big or too small)
- a filing cabinet or bookshelf or large container
- a quiet space with no distractions
- storage
Bathroom