Design and homeproofing for your autistic kid. Part 1

I love reading all the really neat-o design blogs.  Those girls can decorate!  Unfortunately, if you have landed here, then you have been looking for some realistic options for your kiddos.  Having a child with autism presents unique challenges for parents or caretakers.  Number one mission: Protect.
Forget what it looks like (for now), just make it safe.

Here are some of my little "discoveries":

Fliplocks.  These are inexpensive locks for keeping "burglars" from opening doors. They are usually installed toward the top part of the door and frame. They can also keep autistic toddlers from escaping through the front door in the wee hours of non-slumber.  Be careful though, as you may have guessed, this could be a potential fire-hazard, so use at your own risk.  Also keep in mind, that these will need to be replaced at some point.  My son is now 4 and can drag chairs to places. He could easily flip it open if he was really intent on doing it.

Doorknob covers.  The round ones are really effective at keeping adults from leaving the house.  Ha.  Seriously, these have been on all of the important doors at my house, and my son isn't interested in fiddling with them yet.

Door chimes/alarms.  Oh my goodness.  I love these.  Lowes has them for sale: 2 for under $14.  They can be set to silent, chime or alarm.  They will take some finessing on the installation (one part on the frame, the other on the window or door), as they must be level. (hint, use a little shim under both)
These will basically alert you if someone tries to escape, or enter.  You'll feel like you live in a grocery store. :)

I am sure that I will discuss other safety ideas later...these are just a few on my mind at the moment.

As for decorating, I will go into detail about that later as well, as I am working my son's room.  For now, my basics are:
Soft
Mellow
Safe

I have opted to not have any kind of dresser.  All of his stuff is in the teeny little closet (less stuff, yea!) He has a small bookshelf, a toy bin, a bean bag chair and a big ole bed.  I am installing plantation shutters with a magnet to help keep him from messing with the windows as much.  Most of his therapy stuff is in the other parts of my house.  Except for the drum set.  Which is in his room.  Perhaps it's not as mellow as I had thought. :)

About me.

This is a quickie post.  Just a little about myself.  I am married and have 2 children.  One is "neurotypical" and the other has autism.  This is my little blog to help me cope, and to share insight with anyone who may want it.