Setting up your home for a child with autism: reducing sensory stimuli

Understanding sensory challenges at home

The accumulation of stimuli

At home, sensory stimuli are everywhere: lights, sounds, smells, textures. For a neurotypical child, these stimuli go unnoticed thanks to the brain's automatic filtering. For a hypersensitive child with autism, each of these stimuli is consciously perceived and requires processing effort.

This accumulation has a cumulative effect. Each stimulus adds a load to the nervous system. At the end of the day, after school and its own sensory challenges, the child comes home to a place that should allow them to recover but if the environment is also demanding, there is no respite.

The consequences of an unsuitable environment

An overstimulating home environment can lead to:

• Chronic fatigue: The child is constantly overwhelmed

• Constant irritability: Their tolerance threshold is low

• Difficulty concentrating: Too many sensory distractions

• Sleep disorders: Difficulty relaxing to sleep

• More frequent meltdowns: The overload threshold is reached more easily

• Withdrawal: The child protects themselves by shutting out the world

The goal: reduce without eliminating

The goal is not to create a clinical environment without any stimulation that would be neither realistic nor desirable. It's about:

• Reducing unnecessary or avoidable stimuli

• Offering control options to the child

• Creating recovery zones

• Making the environment predictable and consistent

Adapting the sound environment

Noise is often the primary source of sensory overload. Sounds we no longer notice can be omnipresent for a hypersensitive child.

Identifying noise sources

Walk through your home paying attention to all sounds:

Appliance noises

• Refrigerator (constant humming)

• Freezer

• Fans and air conditioning

• Boiler or heat pump

• Washing machine, dryer, dishwasher

• Computers (fans)

• Televisions (even on standby)

• Clocks (ticking)

House noises

• Creaking floors

• Squeaking doors

• Dripping faucets

• Plumbing

• Doorbell (often shrill)

• Phones and alarms

External noises

• Traffic

• Neighbors

• Construction

• Animals

Strategies to reduce noise

Address the sources

• Maintain appliances: A poorly maintained appliance often makes more noise

• Choose quiet appliances: When replacing, prioritize low-decibel models

• Oil hinges: For squeaking doors

• Repair leaks: Dripping faucets

• Move noisy appliances away: Place the refrigerator as far as possible from living spaces

• Replace doorbells: Choose a doorbell with adjustable volume or a light alert

Reduce sound propagation

• Rugs and carpets: Absorb footstep noise and reduce reverberation

• Thick curtains: Reduce outside noise and resonance

• Acoustic panels: For the walls of main rooms

• Bookshelves filled with books: Act as acoustic barriers

• Cushions and upholstery fabrics: Absorb sound

• Door and window seals: Reduce outside noise

Protect the child

• Noise-canceling headphones available in multiple rooms

• Quiet zone with minimal sound level

• Music or white noise to cover unpredictable sounds

Sound predictability

Sudden and unpredictable noises are particularly difficult. When possible:

• Warn the child before using a noisy appliance

• Establish schedules for noisy activities (vacuum cleaner, blender)

• Give the child a signal or control of the start

Adapting the visual environment

Vision is often constantly stimulated: lights, colors, movements, clutter.

Lighting

Common problems

• Fluorescent tubes: They flicker imperceptibly for most people but very visibly for some hypersensitive individuals. They also produce a hum.

• Cold LED lights: Blue light can be aggressive

• Too bright lighting: Blinding

• Insufficient lighting: Forces the eyes to strain

• Strong contrasts: Very bright areas next to dark areas

Solutions

• Prioritize natural light: Maximize access to daylight

• Replace fluorescent lights: With incandescent bulbs or quality LEDs

• Choose warm white LEDs: Softer than cold white

• Install dimmers: The child can control the intensity

• Multiply sources: Several soft lamps rather than one powerful ceiling light

• Use lampshades: To diffuse and soften light

• Provide darkness options: Blackout curtains, blinds

Colors

General principles

• Prioritize neutral and soft colors: Off-whites, beiges, soft grays, pastels

• Avoid bright and saturated colors: Bright red, orange, neon yellow

• Maintain consistency: Harmonious color palette throughout the home

• Avoid complex patterns: Stripes, contrasting checks, busy prints

By room

• Bedroom: Particularly soothing colors (soft blues, pastel greens, lavender)

• Living areas: Neutral and warm

• Bathroom: Avoid clinical pure white, prefer cream tones

Visual decluttering

Visual clutter is an often underestimated source of stimulation.

Principles

• Put away what's not being used: The fewer visible objects, the less stimulation

• Use closed storage: Cabinets, boxes, drawers rather than open shelves

• Organize visually: Everything in its place, logically

• Reduce decorations: A few chosen items rather than overloaded walls

• Be careful with trinkets: They accumulate quickly and create visual load

By zone

• Countertops: Keep them as clear as possible

• Walls: Limit posters, frames, and decorations

• Floors: Free of toys and objects

• Shelves: Organized and not overloaded

Movements and flickering

• Turn off screens when not in use

• Avoid moving objects: Mobiles above work spaces, visible fans

• Be careful with reflections: Mirrors, shiny surfaces

Adapting the tactile environment

Touch is constantly stimulated: clothing, furniture, temperature.

Textiles

Furniture

• Sofas and armchairs: Choose textures the child tolerates (some prefer leather, others soft fabric)

• Avoid irritating textures: Rough fabrics, caning

• Offer options: Soft blankets available to create a comfort layer

Household linens

• Sheets and covers: Soft cotton, washed several times

• Blankets: Offer different textures and weights

• Towels: Very soft, not new and rough

Temperature

• Maintain a stable temperature: Variations are destabilizing

• Allow control: Blankets available, ability to open/close

• Avoid drafts: Can be very unpleasant for some children

Surfaces

• Floors: Prioritize uniform surfaces, avoid thresholds and abrupt texture changes

• Handles and knobs: Check that they're not unpleasant to touch

• Faucets: Choose easy-to-manipulate models

Adapting the olfactory environment

Smells are often overlooked but can be very invasive for a hypersensitive child.

Identifying odor sources

Cleaning products

• Scented cleaning products

• Air fresheners

• Scented candles

• Detergents and fabric softeners

• Dishwasher products

Kitchen odors

• Cooking

• Trash cans

• Refrigerator

Personal care products

• Parents' perfumes

• Deodorants

• Creams and lotions

Strategies to reduce odors

Reduce sources

• Switch to unscented products: Detergent, cleaners, soaps

• Eliminate air fresheners: They mask but add odors

• Avoid scented candles

• Reduce personal fragrances at home

Ventilate

• Regular ventilation: Open windows daily

• Range hood: Use systematically while cooking

• Avoid humidity: Source of musty odors

Neutralize

• Baking soda: Absorbs odors (in the fridge, cabinets)

• Activated charcoal: Natural neutralizer

• Air-purifying plants: Some help purify the air

Arranging room by room

The child's bedroom

The bedroom is the most important space to adapt: it's the place for rest and recovery.

Lighting

• Blackout curtains to control light

• Nightlight with warm, soft light

• Possibility of total darkness for sleep

Sound environment

• The quietest room in the house if possible

• Double glazing if outside noise

• No electronic devices on standby

Space

• Comfortable bed with soft linens

• Closed storage to reduce visual clutter

• Integrated calm corner if space allows

• Few visible toys

Colors

• Soothing palette (soft blues, pastel greens)

• Avoid stimulating patterns

The living room / living area

Zoning

If possible, create distinct zones:

• Activity zone (TV, games)

• Calm zone (reading, rest)

• Work zone if necessary

Lighting

• Dimmers to adjust ambiance

• Multiple light sources

• TV position without glare

Arrangement

• Closed storage for toys

• Organized shelves

• Accessible calm corner

The kitchen

Noise

• Quietest appliances possible

• Effective but not too noisy range hood

• Provide a signal before using noisy appliances

Odors

• Hood used systematically

• Closed trash can and emptied regularly

• Good ventilation

Lighting

• Avoid fluorescent lights if possible

• Sufficient light for safety

The bathroom

Lighting

• Avoid fluorescent lights above the mirror

• Soft but sufficient light

• Dimmed light option for relaxing baths

Acoustics

• Bath mat to absorb sound

• Be aware of tile resonance

Products

• Unscented soaps and shampoos

• Very soft towels

• Adapted toothbrush (electric or manual depending on preference)

Temperature

• Water at constant temperature

• Space heater if the room is cold

The entrance

Often neglected, the entrance is an important transition zone.

Organization

• Storage for coats, shoes, backpacks

• Everything in its predictable place

• Visual of preparation steps if useful

Lighting

• Sufficient to see clearly

• Not too harsh after being outside

Useful technological tools

Some technologies can help control the environment:

• Smart bulbs: Remote control of intensity and color

• Programmable thermostats: Stable and predictable temperature

• Noise detectors: To identify noise sources

• White noise apps: To cover unpredictable sounds

• Timers: To schedule noisy appliances

Involving the child

To the extent of their abilities, involve the child in arranging their environment:

• Ask them what bothers them

• Offer them choices (what color for your room?)

• Observe their reactions to changes

• Adjust based on their feedback

The Mon Dico app from DYNSEO can help the child express what bothers them in their environment: "it's too loud," "it smells bad," "it's too bright." This communication helps identify problems and adjust the arrangement based on the child's actual needs. Discover Mon Dico.

Movement in the living space

An adapted environment must also allow movement, essential for the regulation of many children with autism.

The COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES program from DYNSEO integrates active breaks that allow the child to move regularly. Plan a space in your home where these movement activities can take place: a cleared corner, a small trampoline, a space for jumping. The program is adapted for children aged 5 to 10, with levels designed for children with cognitive disorders. Discover COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES.

Budget and priorities

Not all arrangements require large budgets. Here's how to prioritize:

Free or low-cost actions

• Declutter and organize

• Rearrange furniture

• Turn off unused appliances

• Change habits (unscented products, schedules)

• Oil hinges

• Add existing rugs and textiles

Moderate investments

• Dimmer switches

• Warm LED bulbs

• Blackout curtains

• Closed storage (boxes, baskets)

• Noise-canceling headphones

Larger investments

• Replacing noisy appliances

• Double glazing

• Acoustic panels

• Lighting renovation

• Wall painting

Start with free actions and the most impactful investments for your child specifically.

Training to better understand

Adapting the environment is an essential part of supporting a child with autism. Understanding their sensory needs allows you to make the right arrangement choices.

The DYNSEO training "Supporting a child with autism: keys and solutions for everyday life" helps you understand your child's sensory profile and adapt their environment accordingly. Register for this training.

Our training "Autism: Managing difficult situations in daily life" explains the link between sensory environment and meltdowns, and gives you tools to create an environment that prevents overload. Discover this training.

Conclusion: home as a refuge

Adapting your home to reduce sensory stimuli is an investment in the daily well-being of the whole family. An adapted environment allows your child to:

• Recover after outside demands

• Have energy for learning and interactions

• Live with less stress and anxiety

• Reduce meltdowns and difficult behaviors

Every family, every child is different. The arrangements that work for one may not suit another. Observe your child, test changes, and adjust based on their reactions.

At DYNSEO, we support you with tools that complement these arrangements: Mon Dico so the child can express their sensory discomforts, COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES to integrate regulating movement into daily life, and our training programs to deeply understand your child's needs.

Your home can become the refuge your child needs.