Crafting a Neurodiverse Command Center: A Family’s Guide to a Supportive Home
- Erica Swanson
- Oct 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Have you ever noticed those family command centers brimming with mail slots, key hooks, and cheerful calendars? They’re practical, but imagine making something similar that's custom-designed to support your neurodiverse children. That’s where the idea of a Neurodiverse Command Center comes in. It’s a compact but powerful setup—just three square feet—that integrates a weekly calendar, daily routines and chores, a rewards and goals chart, feelings thermometers, an alarm clock, and a visual timer. Let’s dive into how you can create this space and tailor it perfectly for your family’s needs. I’ll even share an Amazon shopping list to make your setup a breeze.
Weekly Calendar
I went with a weekly calendar instead of a monthly one to keep things simple and manageable. With a weekly view, you can easily take down the calendar, chat about the week’s plans, and see what’s coming up. It’s a great way to stay organized without feeling overwhelmed by a sea of dates.
Daily Routines and Chores
Every child has their own set of checklists for their daily routines and chores. For younger kids, a visual schedule works wonders. They get to move a marker from ❌ to ✔️ as they complete tasks, giving them a satisfying sense of accomplishment. I set up three checklists per day—one for morning and afternoon, one for evening routines plus bedtime and one with their daily chores. This clear structure helps them understand what’s expected and keeps everyone on track.
Rewards and Goals Chart
This chart is where the magic happens. It lets you track daily achievements and goals in a way that’s easy to see. Once the children have completed a checklist, they talley their checks in the top section. Kids can earn small rewards with daily checks or save up for something bigger. It’s a fantastic motivator, encouraging them to set goals and stay focused.
Tips for Laying Out Charts: Use a ruler and a wet-erase marker to draw neat lines on your charts. This way, you can fill in details with a dry-erase marker without losing your linework. Plan your chart layout on paper first to save time. I used a label maker to add names to the boards and keep things tidy.
Feelings Thermometer
The feelings thermometer is essential for helping kids express and understand their emotions. With magnets showing different facial expressions, they can match their feelings to the faces. Using a wet-erase marker (like Vis-à-Vis), you can draw the thermometer and update it easily. It’s a wonderful tool for open conversations about emotions.
Alarm Clock and Visual Timer
Our command center includes an alarm clock with dual alarms—perfect for remembering medication times or important tasks. The visual timer is great for helping kids see how long they have to finish tasks, making time management a lot clearer.
Storage Table
A storage table is a great way to keep the command center grounded and organized. It hides extra supplies and a folio for important papers. The cabinet can store “on-the-go” bags filled with age-appropriate activities, so the kids can grab something quickly as they head out the door.
Optional Add-Ons
If you need more space, consider adding a wall file holder, corkboard, or standing file box for important papers. For larger families, use a bigger whiteboard for to track rewards and goals. Sometimes children need a more detailed routine list. Instead of using multiple checklists, write the routine on a single whiteboard and let them check off when portions of the routine are completed.
Amazon Shopping List for Your Neurodiverse Command Center
Here’s a handy list of items to set up your Neurodiverse Command Center:
● Visual Checklists
Investing in these tools and creating a dedicated space will make a huge difference. The Neurodiverse Command Center is more than just a set of charts and tools; it’s about fostering a supportive and organized environment where neurodiverse children can thrive. Customize it to fit your family’s unique needs, and watch how it transforms your daily life, bringing more clarity, comfort, and connection to your home.
If you need more help than just a Neurodiverse Command Center, let’s talk!
Comments