Moving into a new home can be an emotional roller coaster that alternates between the excitement of starting fresh and the fear of the unknown. Moving when you have a child on the spectrum makes the endeavour even more complicated. The hassle of house-hunting, packing, and moving is compounded by the challenge of making sure that your child is not overwhelmed by the transition. It can be a difficult balance, but there are ways to help your child — and you — through this transition — NatalieBeanland.com presents a few below.
The Moving Process
Children on the autism spectrum thrive on stability and routine. Moving to a new home can be disorienting and upsetting for them. Extra planning and forethought are necessary to help your child understand the move and cope with the process. Broach the subject of moving as soon as it becomes certain.
Resistance to the idea of moving is expected, but with the right tact, it will fade over time. Highlight things your child can get excited about, like a bigger backyard, and use pictures for visualization. Regular communication is key. Use a dedicated moving calendar to review your moving schedule daily, read children’s books about moving and try to get your child to deviate from their normal routine using positive reinforcements.
Budgeting for the Move
The first step in buying a house is creating a realistic home-buying budget. The costs of supplies, equipment, childcare, education, medication, and therapy services can pose financial challenges for any parent raising a child with ASD. Before taking on the additional expense of buying a new home, you need to determine what you can afford. You will need to make a down payment, which usually requires a minimum of 5% down. This amount depends on your choice of mortgage and credit score.
Realtors do a great job of getting your house in front of potential buyers, but if you are looking for additional exposure for an even faster move, look into an agency that specializes in direct marketing. Their expertise in audience analysis can help get your home the exposure it needs to find a quality buyer fast.
Bear in mind that if you’re making updates to your current home to prepare it for listing, this could be difficult for your child. Again, talk to your child about the changes you plan to make and how they might affect them. If there are days when you’ll have numerous contractors in your home, it may be best to have your child stay with a friend.
Finding the Right House
Once you’ve established your desired price range, you can begin looking for a home. Find a reliable estate agent to help you scout properties that are beneficial for your child. The ideal house should have an open layout and a durable structure. It should allow for modifications in lighting, appliances, and décor to accommodate your child’s preferences.
The outdoor space should have a safe play area with a fence and no open body of water like a pool. To avoid overstimulation that might irritate your child, choose a house that is not close to a busy road.
Preparing for the Move
Children on the autism spectrum thrive in a safe and stress-free environment. This means it’s crucial to keep the packing and organizing fairly contained. Take it a day at a time, and consider inviting your child to join you in the process. Doing so can give them a sense of security and control.
In addition, you want to make sure your new house is move-in-ready to make the transition smooth for your child. Consider hiring a cleaning service to clean from top to bottom, but ask about their cleaning products. Many children on the autism spectrum are very sensitive to strong scents given off by certain cleaners.
Moving Day
Moving is typically hectic. Hire professional movers and focus your effort on keeping your child calm amid the mayhem. Packing your child’s room last and unpacking into their new room fast is recommended. Try to make your new home as similar to the previous one as possible.
Final Thoughts
With adequate planning, moving to a new house with a child on the autism spectrum can be fun and exciting. By involving them from start to finish, and doing your best to accommodate their needs, the transition can be smooth and hassle-free.