Posted by By: Lisa Walker
Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum Face Additional Challenges When Relocating
Relocating a family can be stressful at the best of times. Those with children on the autism spectrum face additional challenges when purchasing a new residence. Families should be clear on their specifications for their new home, keeping in mind their child’s special needs. It’s also important to prepare their child for the move well in advance to keep the experience from being too disruptive.
Look for a sensory-friendly home.
Every child on the autism spectrum is unique, so parents need to think about what’s most important for their family to ensure their child’s comfort and safety. Nevertheless, there are some standard features to look for and across-the-board considerations.
Most parents of autistic children are aware that avoiding sensory overload is a top priority. In a home, that means ensuring that their child will have a quiet and soothing space for themselves. Make sure that there are ways to limit noise in the house. Lighting can also be important since some types of bulbs, especially fluorescent, have a flickering effect that can be disruptive to children on the spectrum.
Keep safety considerations in mind.
Parents also need to consider safety issues for smaller children or those with a tendency to wander. Windows should be sufficiently high from the floor and able to be securely latched. Staircases should be able to be barred off. Look out for walls or railings on high landings that could be easily climbed.
The location of the home is also important. Steer clear of houses with easy access to busy streets with a lot of traffic, areas where children could explore and get lost, or any dangerous bodies of water. Choose a home with a lawn that can be used as a safe and peaceful play area.
Get a good realtor.
Be sure everyone you are working with is trustworthy and has your best interests in mind, especially your real estate agent. Before contacting a realtor, always read their reviews. Alternatively, see if you can get a recommendation from a friend.
Don’t be afraid to be upfront with a prospective realtor. They should be able to give you clear answers regarding their history of sales in your area, what kind of fee to expect, and whether you will be working with anyone else from their company.
A good realtor will also not be put off if you ask them questions about past experiences, including whether they have ever had a complaint filed against them. Remember always to check their answers against the information you find in reviews. Because your child’s well-being is at stake here, it’s important to know you can trust anyone you’re depending on.
Coach your child to be prepared.
Parents of children on the spectrum have reported that moves tend to be less disruptive if they don’t come as a surprise and don’t involve too many radical adjustments at one time. Even for non-verbal children, it’s important for you to communicate with them. Talking to them calmly, simply, and repeatedly about the move well before it happens can be helpful.
Parents should try to prepare a room for their child which is similar to their usual space with familiar and comforting toys or furniture. It might be ideal for one parent to keep their child occupied and calm, away from the scene of the move.
Caring for your child during a challenging time can be stressful for a parent, so try to give yourself breaks and tend to your own needs, as well. Just remember: Once the move is over, your new home will provide both you and your child with the opportunity to thrive together.
Lisa Walker is a proud stay-at-home mom. When she’s not spending time with her boys or on a new home improvement project, she and her husband, Jake, enjoy trail hiking and beach-coming.