Create a progress nook

Space has a large impact on learning for your child with autism (or any special needs). By creating an adapted space, you can increase learning opportunities for your child. At my learning center, I call these adapted spaces that promote learning and fun, progress nooks.

I am always looking for new ways to make our therapy rooms, and all of the rooms of my learning house, more functional, beautiful and effective for teaching my special needs learners.

Create a reading nook

I love the idea of having a special spot for reading, especially when that special spot is decorated with wonderful mini lights!

Reading nook from Mommo Design.

Add a fun wall mural

I’m loving this fabulus wall mural from  Pando Art.

Present a selection of books in an easy & accessible way

I love this idea of storing books in a wire basket to make it easy to move your child’s favorite books around his or her playroom or into another room or the garden.

Discover more ideas for organizing your child’s book collection in my post Organize children’s books.

Add a sensory component to your progress nook

Children with autism and a variety of other special needs seek sensory stimulation. Sensory stimulation can be calming and help a child with special needs focus on a task at hand. Activities with a sensory component can also be more motivating for special needs learners.

A sensory swing or hammack is a great addition to a playroom. When used (under supervision, of course!) a hammack can be a wondeful therapy tool and motivator for requesting.

Hammack from Designed For Life.

Teach functional skills in a built-in playhouse

What better way to teach functional skills such as basic cooking skills, dressing and shoe tying than in a built-in playhouse in your child’s progress nook?

I would love to add one of these to one of my therapy rooms.

Indoor playhouse from Parental Journey.

Play with color!

Lots of bright, fun colors inspire creativity and learning fun in this brightly colored playroom!

Some fun activities to start teaching your child in his or her progress nook :

DIY hardware store, gas pump and rocket ship

DIY pretend pasta, chocolate chip cookies & sponge cake

DIY finger puppet stages

Get inspired on Pinterest!

Follow me on Pinterest where I have curated over 3000 pins to help you create home program curriculum, find playroom inspiration, search delicious recipes and learn about animal-assisted therapy. I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to autism playrooms too!

Have you created a playroom for your little one? What activities does your child love to do in his or her playroom? Do you like these playroom ideas? ♥