Three ways moving house can be challenging for autistic children

Moving house can be a stressful time for children, and for a child with autism, it can feel particularly overwhelming. With changing routines and new sensory challenges to get used to, it can be a challenging time both for the child and their family.

If you’re in the process of moving house, understanding some of the difficulties your autistic child may be experiencing will equip you with the tools you need to support them. In this guide, we share three things to keep in mind.

Change and unpredictability

Many autistic children rely on routines and predictability to feel secure. However, moving house comes with new, unfamiliar environments and routines, among other changes, all of which can feel distressing for a child with autism.

You can support your autistic child with this change by visiting the new house before the move if possible, and introducing the idea of moving to your child through visual schedules or step-by-step stories to help them understand what’s going to happen ahead of time. It’s a good idea to keep all other routines the same where you can, such as meal times and bed times.

Sensory challenges

Moving house can involve lots of noise – packing, moving vans, and new neighbourhood sounds can all be difficult for autistic children. Similarly, there’s all the sights, sounds and smells that come with the new house, as well as the visual clutter of lots of storage boxes.

It may be helpful to let your child keep some sensory-friendly items with them during the move, like a weighted blanket, headphones, or fidget toys. Encouraging them to choose where these items will be kept in the new home can help them to feel more comfortable and in control in an otherwise chaotic environment.

Emotional attachment to a place

Some autistic children form strong attachments to specific objects, rooms, or places, so leaving a home behind can feel like a significant loss. This may feel distressing, both for you and your child, making it difficult to navigate the transition to a new environment.

Try taking photos of each area of the house you’re leaving, so that your child can create a memory book. You could also allow your child to bring small household items to your new home, such as doorknobs, curtains, or plants or pots from the garden. Try to frame the move in a positive light wherever possible – it’s a good idea to mention all the ways the new house will be the same as the old, such as with a similar layout or the same furniture.

Seek support if you need it

Moving house can be a big change for any child, and if your child has autism, that presents additional challenges. Approach the move mindfully and with compassion, communicating with and supporting your child each step of the way.

In some extreme circumstances – such as if you’re moving abroad as a family – you may want to seek support from a qualified professional, such as a counsellor. Remember, moving house is a big life transition, and it’s okay to seek support if you need it.