Child’s room designed for ADHD needs
In today’s world, more and more parents are facing challenges related to children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It is essential for parents to create an environment that helps their child manage ADHD symptoms and feel safe and comfortable. One of the key elements is designing the child’s room to support their development and well-being.
The first step is understanding your child’s needs. Every child with ADHD is unique, so it’s crucial to understand what calms them, helps them concentrate, and what their desires and needs are.
In our project, the child’s room was already existing, so we needed to find the best solution for placing the study desk considering the existing windows. Since the child is left-handed, we positioned the desk under the skylight and allowing the light to come from the right front side. To facilitate work, we used an adjustable study desk. The colors and lighting in the room can significantly affect the child’s mood and concentration. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to choose calming shades that reduce restlessness and hyperactivity. We opted for a soothing shade of blue for one wall, which the child liked. We also planned additional lighting for the workspace and reading area to prevent fatigue and eye strain.
Organization is key, so the room should incorporate thoughtful solutions. Shelves, drawers, toy storage, and clothing hooks can help keep the room tidy. In our case, defining a space for the school bag and playtime was important too. The school bag found a permanent place in the closet next to the study desk, while the play area is designated right on the rug by the bed. Parents can also use labels or tags to help the child understand where to store things.
If there is space available, it’s a good idea to include a quiet corner where the child can retreat when they need a break or want to calm down. This can be a comfortable chair or cushion with a few books or toys for relaxation. In our case, a cushioned bench is planned by the window.
Removing distracting stimuli and avoiding overstimulation is crucial, so we simplified the room by removing excessive toys and decorative items. For toys, we defined spaces in drawers, and on the walls, we placed only two elements: a motivational picture and a minimalist shelf for displaying the child’s favorite photos or artwork, which are periodically stored away in drawers or folders.
Children with ADHD can quickly grow tired of their surroundings, so it’s important to have a flexible room. Consider furniture that is easy to move and be open to rearranging the room as the child develops and their needs change. If space allows, include elements that promote movement and energy release (e.g., climbing, hanging, jumping, etc.).
Quality room design for a child with ADHD is undoubtedly an investment in their well-being and development, as well as a boost for concentration, organization, and calm behavior.