3 Easy Tips To Help Lessen The Stress Of Moving With An Autistic Child
Posted on: 14 June 2016
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Children who struggle with autism are known to respond negatively to unfamiliar settings and changes in their routine, so it is only logical that packing up your entire home of belongings and moving to a new place could bring about a lot of stress. Not only can this be stressful for your child, but for you as well. Even though moving with your autistic child can be a major undertaking, there are a few things that you may be able to do in order to lessen stress levels about the whole ordeal. Here are four easy tips you should remember about moving with an autistic child.
Get started on the moving process as early as possible.
It is not a good idea to wait until just a few days before the move and start throwing everything in boxes and whisking it away as quickly as possible because it is bound to stress out your youngster. The earlier you can get started on the whole moving process, the more time your autistic child will have to adjust and the less chaotic the event will be. So even if moving day is several months down the road, pick up a few boxes and make a plan to pack a little every day and even move a little at a time if possible. If you need professional help packing up and moving, look at this website.
Create and follow a safety plan.
Some children with autism will wander off if they feel stressed or find themselves in an unfamiliar situation. This can be a dangerous situation when you are in the middle of trying to move to a new location. Before you relocate, make sure the new home is secured with locks and alarm systems, and during the move, designate one or more adults who will have the responsibility of keeping up with the child the entire time. It is also a good idea to let your new neighbors know that you have an autistic child. Give them your phone number so they can call if they happen to see your child out and about during those first few critical days.
Find constants and stick with them in spite of the move.
It is best if you can find constants to carry over from your old house to your new one to help your child feel more comfortable about the new situation. Try to implement some of the same landscape decor or paint the front door the same color as at the old house. Set up their room in a familiar layout and use many of the same interior decorations on the walls.