Autism-Friendly Home Modifications for People Living with Autism
Creative Housing Solutions and Rowell Brokaw Architects, PC, provide guidance on home modifications for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) + Co-occurring Behaviors. A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can help with home modifications.
One of the six most common home modifications for a person living with significant ASD is the Autism-Friendly Home. The focus in an Autism-Friendly Home is on reducing risk and anticipating activities. Broken windows, slipping, falls, broken or damaged furniture, special equipment or conveyances, unsafe applications, and nonfunctional hardware are addressed.
Each person living with autism is unique in symptoms and characteristics and each home is unique in design. Providing a home environment that anticipates use patterns specific to an individual living with autism will result in a more ASD-friendly home that works and makes sense for the person with autism, reduces stress and workload for care givers, and improves health and safety for everyone.
A CAPS consultant can work with the Occupational Therapist and Medical Doctor to modify a home and make the home safer and easier for living with ASD. Steps to make an Autism-Friendly Home include:
ELIMINATE OBVIOUS HAZARDS - example, firearms and ammunition must be under lock and key
ADDRESS PERSONAL RISKS AND DANGERS - example, protect the head from injury in the event of a seizure
INSTALL FINISHES THAT ARE EASILY CLEANED - example, surfaces should be user-friendly and attractive, but nonabsorbent
PROVIDE CONTROL - example, regulate the quality of light and air
ANTICIPATE UNCONVENTIONAL USE - example, flooring and other fnish surfaces should be durable, smooth, and easy to clean
ANTICIPATE WATER PLAY - example, select faucets that direct water only into a basin
ADDRESS PROBLEM DOORS - example, consider commercial quality pocket doors and breakaway curtains
SELECT APPROPRIATE FURNISHINGS - example, use fasteners, safety chains or straps that are rated for commercial use