Why Do Autistic Individuals Need Organized Spaces?

Growing up, we all heard about the importance of being organized at least once. That makes being systematically organized a good habit, but that’s okay if sometimes we get messy. However, why does this become a problem with children with autism? Is it just because this can be overwhelming, or is there a bigger picture behind it?

If you are a parent or guardian of a child with autism, you would know that they greatly benefit from regulated spaces. This may help them find calm in transitions and predictability in their schedules. In this post, let us learn more about what unfolds with the need for organized spaces for them. 

At BehaviorSpan, we offer ABA therapy services in Denver. With our expertise, we aim to help parents and caretakers pave the way for their children’s development. We know that understanding their need for more organized spaces can help you create a truly supportive space for them. That’s why we are creating this post to let you learn more about it. 

Why is an Organized Space Important for an Autistic Child?

First, what does it mean when we call a space ‘organized’? If we put it simply, an organized space is an arranged, clutter-free, and favorable area. This can include arranging items in a way that they become easily accessible anytime needed. 

A clean or organized space is very crucial for an individual with autism. It can be a major contributor to their well-being. That’s why we have crafted every nook in our ABA therapy center thoughtfully.  In the coming section, let us learn about the possible reasons behind that:

• Provides Predictability and Structure 

Routine and structure are paramount for autistic individuals. That’s because they depict predictability, and lower the stress they may face from uncertainty in their schedule or environment. Besides, knowing where their things are or what’s happening next can help create a sense of control. 

• Calm Them with Less Sensory Clutter

Sensory overload occurs due to excess sensory information, including lights, smells, sounds, etc.  Autism can make your child experience sensory overload, even with something as common as their toys. Here, having labeled or organized spaces can stop them from getting overwhelmed.

• Contributes to their Independence 

Organized spaces can have a notable role in the independence of autistic individuals. This happens because organized space can promote predictability. This can lower sensory overload and make daily routines a breeze. Your child can present their expectations and needs, which can contribute to their daily life. 

• Adds to their Executive Function

Executive functions are some advanced cognitive abilities required for goal-oriented behavior. Individuals with autism can often exhibit problems with their executive function. Having an organized space provides an outline for such a skill set. This can help them build improved self-management.

• Helps Lower the Challenging Behavior

In the absence of an organized space, a child may not be able to find things around them. Everything around them can appear overwhelming, causing challenging behaviors and meltdowns. Similarly, an organized environment can help them move from one activity to another. 

• Prompts Security and Calm  for the Whole Family 

When an autistic child gets overwhelmed, chances are they will have tantrums. However, an organized space can contribute to consistency in them. This can keep them calm, and you don’t have to worry about their tantrums or any disruptions.

How Can You Contribute to Creating an Organized Space For Your Child?

Designing an organized space for your autistic kid can include creating a predictable and low-sensory environment. It aims to support your child’s individual needs and strengths. That’s why we are sharing a section of tips to build an organized environment for your child:

• If you are designing their room, keep their sensory sensitivities in mind. 

• Use visual cues, as your child tends to respond well to these. 

• The need to bring organization and structure should not be limited to their physical space, as you also need to consider predictability in their routine. 

• When it comes to the design of your space, you need to plan properly. For example, you can keep designated spaces for certain activities. Similarly, the pathways should be clear for the movement, too. 

• When it comes to storage spaces in their room, avoid open designs and choose closed ones. Label each of the areas clearly with visual labels and color codes. Make sure these spaces are easy for your little one to access. 

• If you are planning on crafting a space for them, you don’t have to jump-start the transition. You must start small and slow and include your child in the process. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to include any professional assistance in between. Right now, it refers to the behavior analyst, occupational therapist, or anyone involved in your child’s development journey. 

What Are the Sensory Considerations in Organized Spaces?

By now, you have learned about sensory considerations many times. Let us dedicate this section to understanding the sensory considerations for your little ones:

• Lightning 

Lightning has a notable role to play in building any space. However, when creating a space for your autistic child, you must choose soft, natural, and diffused light over bright light. You can install dimmers to manage light intensity. 

• Colors

Colors are essential for the sensory sensitivities of your child. That’s because your little one might be sensitive to some of them. Bright colors can be stressful for them. However, they may find muted and pastel shades calming.

• Sound

External noises can be stressful to your child. That is why you should use rugs, carpets, curtains, etc in their space to soak the sounds. These can help lower echoes as well.  If you want to mask external sounds, you can conceal that with white noise or provide noise-canceling headphones for your little ones. 

• Texture

Like the earlier ones, even textures are essential in your child’s organized spaces. That’s why you should keep a variety of those that your child finds soothing. For example, soft, smooth cushions. 

Conclusion

You have reached the end of the blog. Over here, we have learned about the need for organized spaces for your little ones, particularly if they have autism. By now, we can conclude that structured and organized spaces can help manage sensory overload, lower the possibility of getting overwhelmed, and make one more independent. Organized spaces can help them be more predictable and find structure in their routine. A space like this can promote security for them and calmness for the entire family. You have also walked through a list of tips to keep organized spaces for your little ones.  This can include sensory considerations in their space, such as lighting, sound, texture, and more. 

As a parent or guardian, you want the best for your child. Building a safe and organized space is one such way. As one of the centers for ABA therapy in Denver, we want to inform you about the possibility of expanding our extensive support for your little ones. We offer center-based, intensive ABA while ensuring personalized support for each of them. From our playgrounds to the indoors, we have crafted every corner to ensure your child finds a safe and secure space to grow. 

Reach us today for early intervention like ABA in Denver, today!

1. https://thehealinghaven.net/benefits-of-organized-space-for-individuals-with-autism/ 

   
   

2. https://relayresources.org/blog/creating-inclusive-spaces-for-people-with-autism 

   
   

3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8003767/