Moving to a new home can be exciting and stressful. When you have a child with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, there are a few extra considerations that need to be made. It’s important to plan and ensure that the move will go smoothly for everyone involved. From finding the right home to researching therapy options in the area, here are some things to keep in mind before you buy a home and move with a child with autism on board, shared below by ADAutism.
Affordability is Key
No matter what your budget is, it’s important to find a home you can easily afford so that money worries don’t cause undue stress down the road. This means not only considering the cost of rent or mortgage payments but also taking into account other costs like property taxes, utilities, and maintenance costs. If you decide to buy a house, make sure you factor in closing costs as well.
Size and Safety Matter
When it comes to choosing a new home for your family, size and safety should be at the top of your list of priorities. Make sure there’s enough space for your family now and in the future — including any additional members who may join after you move — and consider whether there are any safety issues that could pose risks for children with autism. For instance, does the home have stairs or balconies without railings? Are there locks on all exterior doors? Investigate these safety concerns before making your decision.
Rent Before You Buy
If you’re unsure about an area or neighborhood, renting before buying is often recommended as it gives you time to explore potential neighborhoods without making a long-term commitment. It also allows you more flexibility if you decide later on that it’s not the best fit for your family after all. That being said, renting isn’t always feasible if money is tight — but if it is possible then it’s definitely worth considering!
Neighborhood Matters
The neighborhood where your new home is located can have a huge impact on how easy (or hard) it will be for a child with autism to adjust to life after moving day. Factors like noise level, traffic volume, amount of foot traffic in front of homes at night, and local crime rate all play an important role in creating a safe and comfortable environment for those with autism. If possible, try visiting each potential neighborhood during different times of the day so that you can observe what kind of activity goes on throughout the day and night.
Investigate Therapy Options in the Area
Researching local therapy options should also be high on your list when preparing for a move with a child with autism. Make sure there are qualified professionals nearby who specialize in treating ASD so that they can provide necessary care when needed without having to travel too far from home. Try talking with other families who have moved recently or are currently living nearby.
Get the Child Ready
With proper talk and explanation, you and your child can both be ready for the upcoming changes. Start by talking to your child about the move early on; explain why you are moving and what to expect in the new house or neighborhood. Let them talk through their feelings so that they know their thoughts and feelings have been acknowledged. By maintaining an open dialogue throughout the process, you and your child will be more prepared when it comes time to move into your new home.
Moving with a child with autism requires extra consideration; however, by doing research on home prices before buying and planning accordingly, families can ensure their transition into their new life goes as smoothly as possible. Be sure to find out what kind of support systems already exist within schools and communities near potential homes; talk directly with teachers about their experience working with autistic students; investigate therapy options available; considering size and safety when choosing between potential homes; avoid areas with extra nose pollution or environmental irritants; and talk openly and honestly with your child about upcoming changes; these steps will make fewer sources of stress when moving day arrives.
