Organizing Your Space for your Neurodivergent Family Member (Or You!)

Creating a Neurodivergent-Friendly Home: A Quick and Quirky Checklist for Parents

Welcome, fellow parents, caregivers, and brave souls just trying to make it through the day without stepping on a LEGO! If you’ve got a neurodivergent or autistic person in the house (or are just curious about making your home more sensory-friendly), you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to take a stroll through the land of sensory needs, communication styles, and daily routines—hopefully with humor and grace intact.

First things first: your lighting situation. Does your home look like a department store with blinding overhead lights that scream “stimulus overload”? Time to consider some softer options! Think dimmers, soft lamps, or natural light. This could be your moment to finally justify buying that Pinterest-worthy string of fairy lights, because mood lighting matters when you’re helping a kiddo with sensory sensitivities.

Next, let’s talk noise levels. If your kitchen sounds like a rock concert every time you run the dishwasher, you might want to consider adding a pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to your shopping cart. Bonus: you get to use them too. Because who couldn’t use a break from the cacophony that is daily life?

On to textures—because sensory comfort isn’t just about what we see and hear, but also what we feel. Does your child have a strong preference for certain fabrics? Stock up on soft, non-irritating clothes, sheets, and even seating. If they prefer certain materials for blankets or toys, let them embrace their inner Goldilocks and find what’s “just right.”

Now, visual clutter. We all know Marie Kondo said less is more, and she wasn’t kidding when it comes to neurodivergent-friendly spaces. A room that’s overloaded with stuff can make it hard for your child to focus or relax. Aim for simplicity—think fewer distractions, more calm.

Speaking of calm, every child deserves a quiet, sensory-friendly spot where they can chill when the world gets too loud. It doesn’t have to be fancy—a corner with soft pillows, a weighted blanket, or a box of fidget toys will do. Your child (and probably you, let’s be real) will thank you.

Routine is life, especially for a child who thrives on structure. Visual schedules work wonders in creating predictability, which is key to reducing anxiety. You don’t have to be a drill sergeant about it—build in flexibility and celebrate the small victories when your child handles a change like a champ.

When it comes to communication, keep it simple, consistent, and clear. Ever find yourself repeating instructions 17 times only to realize you would be confused too? Yeah, same. And if your child uses alternative communication, make sure those tools are readily available so they can express themselves in a way that works for them.

Above all, remember that your home doesn’t have to be a sensory nirvana right away. Start with small changes, listen to your child’s feedback, and don’t forget to give yourself a break—because parenting is hard, and you’re doing an amazing job. Keep at it, and soon, you’ll have a home that’s not just neurodivergent-friendly but downright cozy for everyone.

Now, if only we could find a checklist for magically keeping those LEGOs off the floor…

Click here to download this checklist for some more ideas and guidance.