Tips for Decorating a Bedroom for a Special Needs Child

When a child is faced with physical challenges or medical conditions, their bedroom should be a source of comfort rather than frustration. By eliminating the obstacles that make your special needs child dependent upon others, you can help him or her develop a positive attitude in all aspects of their life. Sometimes it just takes common sense when decorating a bedroom for a special needs child. Here are some things that you should consider before you plan out your special need child's bedroom.

Make sure that the flooring into the bedroom from the hallway is well transitioned. This means if it goes from hardwood to carpet, you should make sure that threshold strips are used for an easy transition.

Change the hardware on your special needs child's drawers if needed. You can find inexpensive drawer knobs at home improvement stores and they are easy to change out. Pick one that you know is the easiest for your child to use.

If your child uses a wheelchair to get around, make sure that you accommodate enough space for the wheelchair. Don't make tight corners in the room and make sure that the bedroom entrance way is big enough for the wheelchair to fit through. Make sure that you do this also if your special needs child needs a walker, as they will need extra space also.

If your child can't play on the floor very easily, install a large desktop surface for them to play games at or have activities at. This desktop surface can also be used for grooming purposes and school work. Make sure that you keep any appropriate materials near the desktop for easy access for your child. Attach a hook and loop type strips along the edges of the desktop to catch toys or supplies that may fall off the floor. This way your child doesn't have to try to bend down to pick them off the floor, as they will be right next to the table.

For older children with special needs you may want to consider raising electrical outlets and lowering light switches so they are easily accessible for a child. You can find products at home improvement stores that will help you do this or you can get an electrician to come and do this for you.

Make any storage areas accessible for your special needs child. This may mean that everything is stored lower so they can reach it. Instead of using drawers, use a lighted open closet to store cloths and shoes in. This way the child doesn't have to worry about manipulating drawers. Lower the closet cars so that your child can reach the items on their own. Stacked crates are also a good idea for a bedroom for a special needs child. Store lesser needed items in the bottom crates, while the upper crates can hold the everyday items and toys.

Consider tile floors or other uncarpeted floors for children in wheelchairs. A wheelchair is harder to steer on the carpet. Also, wheelchairs after awhile may start to ruin carpet and you will be replacing it more often.

If your special needs child is going to be receiving medical help or physical therapy in their bedroom, then make the bedroom as peaceful and stress-free as possible. Also, allow enough room in the bedroom for these activities to take place without having to move furniture around all the time.