Stress-Free Moving Tips for Parents of an Autistic Child

By Janice Miller, Safety Today

​For a child on the autism spectrum, a house hunt and move can cause sensory overload, meltdowns, and debilitating fear. As a parent, you can minimize these reactions by following a few guidelines suggested by Juanita House Cleaning designed to smooth out the process and help your child remain calm even in the upheaval.

Necessary Preparations
The location of your new home is a prime factor when you have a child on the autism spectrum. Make sure you are close to medical facilities, therapy options, and suitable schools. Whether you're planning to remain in the Spring Lake area or move to a new city, research various neighborhoods for both house prices and proximity to necessary services.
Also, carefully consider your current income, savings, projected income, and budget to determine a price range for your new home. Then stick to it, resisting the temptation to go over.

Another important consideration is keeping an eye on your own needs and not getting overwhelmed. Keep stress levels in check with some basic self-care practices, make time to relax, and dress comfortably. This will go a long way toward making the entire moving process a bit easier. 

A Friendly Home
Your new home needs to be friendly for your child and to create a comfortable space, the Autism Society explains that you may need to make some modifications. Consider the following:

• Sound. Installing soundproof windows and quieter appliances limits distracting noises.
• Lighting. Look for or install soft, glare-free lights.
• Sharp edges. Custom countertops or edge guards can prevent accidents and injuries.
• Fencing. Outdoor spaces, pools, and any hazards should be completely fenced.
• Dedicated sensory room. Verywell Health notes that a sensory room provides a calming experience for your child through visual, aural, and therapeutic elements.

Critical Communication
Involve your child in the house hunt and move through good communication. Explain the process to your child, using visual aids as needed. Read books about moving. Discuss the benefits of the move, including fun new activities and places to visit, to help calm your child's fears. Even create a special calendar and checklist so your child can see what is going to happen and when. Make sure that your child participates in the process, even if that means merely placing a sticker to mark each task accomplished. This will help your child “own” the move.

A Calm Environment
In the days surrounding the move, strive for a calm, clean, and clutter-free environment. For a child on the autism spectrum, any disruption of routine can be a major difficulty. Even minor issues, such as a stubborn stain on a piece of furniture, may produce outbursts. To calm your child's stress and promote relaxation, handle each issue promptly. Contact a house or upholstery cleaner like Juanita House Cleaning, for instance, if the stain is truly an irritant. 

While packing, remain organized and neat, stacking boxes out of the way in one room to keep the clutter to a minimum. This will help your child relax and remain calmer.

Moving Day
If possible, hire professional movers so you can spend time with your child away from the bustle. Alternatively, you can check out nearby day camps to ensure your child isn’t underfoot during moving day. 
Once moved in, set up your child's room first as a quiet retreat. Finally, offer plenty of reassurance that everything will be back to normal soon.

A New House!
House hunting and moving with a child on the autism spectrum is not easy, but if you plan carefully, communicate well, and remain calm, you and your child will be able to fully enjoy your new home.

​You can read more of Janice Miller at Safety Today