The world of ordinary furniture can be unfriendly to children with autism spectrum disorder and other kids with special needs. Hard surfaces or seats that are too big or too high can present a Goldilocks-like predicament: Nothing is “just right.”
If your child needs sensory input to focus on a task or requires support for proper positioning, specialized furniture made for children with autism could be part of the solution. Autism furniture isn’t just about comfort and function. It’s designed to promote safety and stability, and often comes with features that help meet sensory needs.
Some furniture accessories, like seat cushions and steps or footstools, can be used to modify the the fit of an existing piece of furniture, making it much more accommodating to your child. This support can be particularly helpful for children with mild to moderate positioning needs.
For those kids who need even more support in their daily activities, look for seats that have sturdy frames and shoulder straps. Feeder seats are great at keeping a child positioned properly for successful mealtimes.
The ability to be active in place is key for many kids with autism, as well as those with Attention Deficit Disorder. Specialized and ergonomic furniture supports concentration and movement at the same time.
Options to try include standing desks, ball chairs, and autism stools that safely tilt.
Rockers and beanbags are favorites because they allow for that all-important sensory input. Try beanbags that are a little more structured than your typical rec-room beanbag, offering added arm and neck support. Soft, child-sized rockers in durable coverings are lightweight, so they can be moved from room to room.
Whatever your child’s specific needs and daily challenges, check out all our autism furniture options to find a just-right solution.
