Decorating for Children with Special Needs
or... for Just Plain Kids!

Children: our most precious resource

Hello! This is Jane with Decorative Arts by Jane. I try to present many aspects of decorating to accommodate as many people as possible, but long time readers know that I write a lot about decorating for children. Well here we go again, because of a wonderful new friend whose life's work is helping children. She is a speech and language pathologist who long ago realized that she wanted to do much more to help special needs children. Environment plays a major role! And while special needs children benefit from play areas and rooms tailored just for them, don't ALL our kids deserve a special environment? Thus, SenseKids was born. A compendium of helpful tips for decorating for your own special kids. Thank you Karen, for your love of children. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this outreach.

SenseKids

By: Karen A. Barach  CCC-SLP    and    Jane E. Parr-Whitehead   Interior Decorator

What is SenseKids?

 Many kids today are receiving specialized therapy through their school district or private practice for a variety of needs. They may even have a therapist coming to their home; however, it is probably for a very limited amount of time. Most therapists will tell you that what you do at home in their environment is the most important part to ensuring a successful educational outcome. Why not set them up for success at home in their play space by giving them limitless opportunities to work on their specific goals right where they live. Play is therapy!

How can your child benefit?

If your child is struggling with autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, or an identified learning disability; it helps to create a proactive environment. Some children can have sensory integration dysfunction meaning that they may exhibit unusual responses to sensory experiences. Children can be either over-reactive (i.e. covering their ears or avoiding textures) or they may be under-sensitive and may do a lot of bumping, crashing, and shouting just to feel a sensation.

Designing the perfect play space can be an important part to teaching them to regulate all of their sensory experiences.

Children live and learn in their play spaces and all kids can benefit from an educationally rich environment at home. Even children that may have some simple speech or language goals can benefit from a sensory or literacy rich environment. They may just need some added opportunities at home. This month’s newsletter will encourage you to consider all the senses when creating a child’s play space.

Color

Did you know that color has an affect on mood? Scientific studies have proven that emotions are heightened or dampened when surrounded by particular colors.

Here are some examples of the moods some colors may set for a play space.

Pink – Can be a soothing color that promotes affection.

Yellow – A cheery color that can boost a mood and increase energy.

Orange – Another cheery color that can actually stimulate your appetite
and encourage conversation.

Blues & Greens – Relaxing & balancing, these are cool colors. These colors can evoke quiet moods and even sadness.

Children can have very specific needs with regards to color. Your child may need a soothing color or something bright and motivating. If your child has a bright room, it may be wise to have a “calming station” (i.e. tent or work area) in a more subtle color.

Color can be one of the least expensive yet most dramatic changes you can make in a room. Color can set a mood and may have an effect on a child’s activity level. Think about what colors might bring out the best in your child!

Soothing Sounds

You can have a profound effect on how daily tasks are performed by modifying auditory input in your child’s space. Listening is very powerful and can affect your child’s organizational and attention skills. Remember that what might work for one child may be distracting and over-stimulating for another. Here are some auditory options.

• soothing table fountain
• methodical ticking sound
• instrumental selections
• a rain stick

Sounds can have a variety of effects and it is very important to work closely with your child’s therapist if your child has an aversion to sounds before incorporating anything new into their environment. Sounds can be soothing, calming, motivating, and can even help children organize depending on the choices.

The effects can be dramatic! Pay attention to what sounds have a soothing and calming effect on your child.

Movement

Have you considered any of these things in your child’s play space:

• small trampoline (this can even help with potty training by increasing abdominal strength)
• tunnels for crawling
• a swing
• an obstacle course
• a balance beam
• climbing ladder
• a rock wall

Give them plenty of opportunity for movement in their play space. They’ll learn to enjoy physical activity at a young age and this will also help them with gross motor development. Try it! You might find they sleep better at night.

Sense of Touch

Some children like to touch and experience different textures. Others might have adverse reactions to variations in texture. It is important to provide them with different opportunities while being aware of their sensitivity.

Consider the opportunities for texture in your child’s space and think about what they may enjoy.

• a full fluffy rug
• velvet curtains
• an art area for playdough and finger paints
• bean bag chairs
• silky or flannel blankets
• squishy balls
• fuzzy puzzles
• felt boards
• a touch & guess bag
• a “pool” of plastic balls

All children should have access to an art easel. It gives them an opportunity to get messy and to explore their artistic talent. You can often times get an art easel at garage sales for little to no cost. I found one for my daughter for $2. All it needed was a little tightening and some chalkboard paint. Consider these inexpensive ideas for fun with texture:

• There are many playdough recipes online.
• finger-painting with shaving cream on foil
• art collage with different textures (i.e. fabric, foil, sandpaper)
• felt story boards
• bubble baths

Think about texture! It can be a fabulous addition to the décor as well as a creative learning tool.

Taste & Smell

Smells can be very calming and beneficial. Using vanilla or cinnamon smells in potpourri or perfumes can assist a child in focusing, attending, and calming.

Oral input is known to be organizing. You may have experienced this with your child that you couldn’t wean from a pacifier. Adults often find that chewing gum or the end of a pencil can be soothing while doing paperwork or some other task. Observe what kinds of foods help to organize, calm, alert or bring your child to a more optimal state of arousal. Provide them with a variety such as crunchy foods, chewy foods, or sour foods. Let them have a small snack and enjoy some music at their “music station”. Maybe you can take a break from your day during that time!

There are a lot of things to consider when designing the optimal play space for your child.