Going Green: Children with Special Needs

Many people have admirably begun to focus on reducing the negative impact of our society on the environment. We use the term “green” to indicate anything that reduces energy consumption, carbon emissions, or waste of natural resources. The benefit to the Earth is clear, but there are benefits to our own mental and physical well being that are often overlooked. People can be profoundly affected by their environments, and children, particularly those with special needs, are even more susceptible.

It would be irresponsible to say that certain design techniques will benefit everyone. Children with special needs, disabilities and behavioral disorders are as unique as fingerprints. Each child requires a different type of support. But there are several general principles that apply to almost all people, and particularly those with special needs.

A child’s surroundings are often given far too little consideration. Parents typically focus on the obvious. With a boy, for example, the ‘typical boy” subject matter is introduced into their bedrooms and play rooms: primary colors, trucks, race cars and sports. Without realizing it, we can be exacerbating their already heightened sensitivity to color, light and pattern. The materials we utilize are equally significant. The basic materials we use often emit undetectable fumes, gases and chemicals. These can be unhealthy, if not harmful. Unfortunately, sometimes we are unaware of the damage until it is too late.

To provide the healthiest environment for your child, try giving special consideration for the following suggestions:

1) Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. There are several brands of paint that have significantly reduced VOC’s, or are 100% free of the. Several maintain excellent coverage and fast drying time and are available in a variety of colors and shades. We recommend Benjamin Moore’s Aura Guard, Natura and FreshAire Choice paints for example, their scent is minimal, with a natural citrus origin. They can be found at your local Benjamin Moore store of Home Depot location.

2) Color has a great deal of impact on emotional state. If you take a moment to consider how the color and lighting of a room makes you feel, you may realize that you have an immediate, and in some cases, visceral response. Your child will most likely have an immediate and more significant reaction, and if the colors provide the wrong kind of stimulation, the emotion response may lead to acting out verbally or physically, or completely withdrawing. Soft blues and greens are calming colors. Yellows and pinks are mildly stimulating. Shapes and patterns can be used to draw focus and increase concentration. There is no color or pattern that is ideal for any special needs child. Consider your child’s individual needs, and if you can, consult a specialist.

3) Bringing elements of nature indoors. Plants, whether real or artificial (let’s face it, we don’t all have a “green” thumb) make a big difference. Large or small, greenery, or some element of nature in general, always makes a positive difference. Try a cornstalk dracaena, a great “green” house plant. They are physically appealing, robust, and are great for providing oxygen while feeding on the carbon dioxide in the air. This benefits both children and adults.

4) Spend time outdoors in the sunshine. Go where it’s green. Sunlight, greenery and fresh air have a natural tendency to raise our spirits. Remember that special needs children have a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. What we feel as adults, they feel much more intensely. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

5) Tactile elements can have a profound affect on a child’s sense of connection to his or her environment. The experience of feeling the roughness of tree bark, getting wet in the rain, smelling flowers, or touching different types of rocks or sand provides interactivity and stimulation. Since children with special needs are often very sensitive to texture, experimenting with these in a natural environment can help us find the objects that will be most effective in their home environment.

6) Sound and music can be key factors in creating the optimal environment. Soundscapes can be very effective at soothing an agitated child, or stimulating a withdrawn one. Music can have strong positive influence on mind and spirit. Experiment, see what your child responds to, and incorporate it into their environment appropriately.

By acquiring a better understanding of these principles, parents can create and environment for their child that is healthy, comfortable, and emotionally supportive. The improved surroundings will help the child be happier, more well adjusted, and better able to connect with parents, family members, and friends.

With some basic design knowledge and an understanding of your child’s specific needs, you can make a profound difference. Remember, always design With a Brush with Love!

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