8 Ways to Create a Sensory-Friendly Space for Neurodivergent Parents and Kids

People with sensory processing differences are often overwhelmed by too much sensory input or require more intensive sensations, like a weighted blanket, to regulate their bodies. Sensory differences are common in the neurodiverse population, which includes people who have autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities like dyslexia.

“Being neurodivergent means you have a different way of thinking and viewing the world. Though you may behave or think differently than your peers, it doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you,” says Gina Brady, Fraser Sensory Supports Program and Training Manager.   

The neurodiverse aren’t the only ones with sensory differences. Many people dislike certain sensations. Perhaps you can’t stand loud music, tags in a t-shirt or the feeling of grass on your toes.

However, for individuals who are neurodivergent, certain sensory input can feel painful or completely overwhelming and make it impossible to focus or relax. A sensory-friendly space helps them feel calm. Here are a few ideas to help families with neurodivergent parents and kids organize and create sensory-friendly spaces at home.   

Eliminate bright paint and unnecessary clutter

A sensory-friendly space ideally has a soothing color palette, like blues, greens, beiges and greys. Be mindful when painting rooms, or choose more muted colors for rooms where the neurodivergent members of your family will spend most of their time. You may also want to eliminate unnecessary wall décor, which can be distracting for people who have difficulty focusing. Wall décor can also be an injury risk if family members are prone to throwing things.

Find the right light

Natural lighting from windows and skylights is more agreeable for those with sensory differences. Instead of overhead lights, use lamps or string lights. Avoid fluorescent lighting, which can be too bright. The buzzing sound from fluorescent lights may also be overwhelming.  

Be mindful of noise

Many people with sensory differences have sound sensitivity. Loud music, airplane noise and car alarms can physically hurt their ears. To make your home more sensory-friendly, use white noise machines or a white noise app on your phone. Headphones can also help you regulate noise while away from home. Those in the Fraser Sensory Kit are often helpful. At home, something as simple as asking family members to use headphones when listening to music or playing video games can also make a big difference.

Create a safe space for each family member

Give each family member their own "safe space." This is a space tailored to individualized needs that family members can use to get away from stimulation. Whether that's their bedroom, a corner of a living room or a reading nook, just make sure it feels safe and soothing. Keeping a space clutter-free and organized also helps make it sensory-friendly and more calming for neurodivergent people.

Try body doubling to clean

A regular cleaning schedule helps keep a home clutter-free. But most kids aren’t excited to clean, which can be particularly difficult for neurodivergent kids. You may also dread the task. Maybe you’ve heard of the term body doubling. It has been touted as a way to help people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder complete tasks, but it may also help other neurodivergent individuals. Verywell Mind states, “Body doubling refers to doing a task with another person present. You can ask a friend to be your body double and simply share space with you while you complete a task, or you can go somewhere where you know others will be present.” By having someone else present, some people focus better and can stay on task. It’s like positive pressure to perform.

You can be your children’s “body double,” and they can likewise be yours. Try setting aside 5 to 10 minutes each morning (or evening) to pick up and organize the house as a family. You can set a timer as a reminder, or plan to do it at the same time every day. 

Get soft-sided storage bins

You can reduce unpleasant clanging and rustling sounds when you’re cleaning up by ditching the plastic, metal or wicker storage baskets. In an Apartment Therapy article, Melanie Sumner, an ADHD organizing specialist, suggests parents embrace sensory-smart organizing: “Consider using soft, plush storage bins for a dual purpose. They reduce noise when rummaging for items and can double as cozy, stress-relieving tactile objects.” As most parents know, bins provide an easy and quick way to clean up toys and other clutter.

Try a color-coded system

You can simplify clean-up and eliminate questions about where items go with a color-coded system. Assign each member of your family a particular color or categorize different items by color. For example, all the Legos go in the blue bin. Or maybe your son’s color is blue, so all his toys and art projects get stashed in the blue bin, locker or basket.

Create a catchall on wheels

Adding a catchall on wheels is another easy way to enlist your family in keeping your space clear of clutter. There are a multitude of wheeled carts — from bar carts to art carts — you’ve got a lot to pick from. Some even have drawers, so you can stash all your projects and clutter out of eyesight. You could also designate a spot in a closet to roll your cart to each night. So, when doing your 5-10 minutes of cleaning each night, roll the cart from room to room, picking up loose art supplies, homework projects, mail or whatever else clutters your table tops, counters and floors.

A sensory-friendly space helps both you and your children feel calm and regulated. It also teaches your children important lessons about cleaning, organization and how to care for their sensory needs.