THE BRIGHT IDEAS BOOK<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Your Home, Your Way: More Ideas For Neurodivergent People” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
This section is written to speak directly to Neurodivergent people who are preparing for a housing transition.<\/p>\n
\u00a0What does housing transition mean for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n It could mean many different things like moving out on your own, joining a group home, trying a co-living arrangement, getting a new roommate, or finding a different place to rent or buy.<\/p>\n Whatever your situation, housing transitions can feel very big and come with a lot of change. You might be figuring out what kind of support you need, what routines will help you feel settled, or how to make a new space feel like your own.<\/p>\n We gathered many ideas about what helped during housing transitions, from the people we connected to in our work, including Neurodivergent community members. Some of these ideas might be useful for you while others might not be relevant to your current situation. Use them to think about what\u2019s most important, who you want around, and how to make your home feel safe and comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Jump to a section: <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Mission” module_class=”truncate-multi” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_center” custom_margin=”0vw||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Row” module_id=”anchor-1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto|-3px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Getting to know what works for you” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Understanding what you\u2019ll need to support comfort, routines, and day-to-day life in your home is beneficial even if it\u2019s somewhere you plan to stay short term.<\/p>\n These strategies encourage you figure out what you like, experiment a little, and speak up about what matters most in your living situation.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” closed_toggle_background_color=”#e7f6ff” toggle_icon=”C||divi||400″ icon_color=”#426c8e” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” admin_label=”Accordion” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” toggle_line_height=”2em” closed_toggle_line_height=”2em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”40px||80px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”display: none;” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#426c8e” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore your sensory needs” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”on”] Inclusivity:<\/strong> Everyone\u2019s sensory profile is different. It takes time, curiosity, and trial and error to figure out what works best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n Insight:<\/strong> We heard that light and sound needs are often the first things that get modified, but that other senses really matter too. Temperature, movement, pressure, and texture were also important for feeling comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Pay attention to what feels calming, energizing, or overwhelming when you are in different spaces. It could be places like caf\u00e9s, stores, waiting rooms, or other people\u2019s homes. Take a quick note when you notice something helpful or uncomfortable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Watch videos of sensory-friendly spaces. Search online for \u201csensory rooms\u201d or \u201csensory setups\u201d to learn from people who have personalized their space. Notice what you like or what you want to try.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Example: <\/strong><\/span>In our research, we interviewed one Neurodivergent person who said they never would have thought to try a rocking chair, but it turned out to be a great way to regulate their nervous system.<\/p>\n \u201cI stumbled upon it somewhat by accident but quickly realized that rocking or swinging isn\u2019t just enjoyable; it\u2019s a form of stimming for me that brings a profound sense of peace and comfort. There\u2019s something about the rhythmic motion that just grounds me and helps me regulate my emotions and sensory input. On difficult days, it\u2019s my go-to spot to find balance and calm. It\u2019s like this chair understands me in a way that nothing else does. It\u2019s more than just furniture; it\u2019s a sanctuary.\u201d<\/p>\n Application: <\/strong>Check out our menu of options forModifying Spaces for Sensory Needs<\/a>, with many ideas to try out.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Try to visit the space before you decide on moving there” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Insight:<\/strong> We learned that it\u2019s a good idea to ask to visit a space, if possible, to understand if it\u2019s the right fit for you. Some new builds, rental units, or group homes may offer an opportunity to view the space or host open houses in a unit with a similar layout.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Think about the features that you liked and disliked in other places you\u2019ve lived. Consider things like layout, laundry facilities, heating, and cooling. Make a list to guide your visit and focus your attention on what\u2019s important to you.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Ask questions about how things work or if changes can be made. Sometimes changes can be made and sometimes they can\u2019t. You can always explore and advocate for what you need.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Visit available places even if you\u2019re not ready to move yet. It can give you a sense of what\u2019s out there, and help you figure out what layouts, features, or environments feel right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Bring a support person with you to the visit if you want to. Some people shared that this made the visit more comfortable and less overwhelming.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Make small scale changes to your space” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Insight:<\/strong> We heard from many people that small scale, low-cost adjustments worked well for them and added flexibility in how they used their space. Small adjustments had large, positive impacts.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Add a cozy chair, soft lighting, or a favourite blanket to create a more comfortable space.<\/span><\/p>\n Example: <\/strong><\/span>We spoke with several people who used or suggested having a tent in their room as a quiet zone for themselves. It\u2019s a creative way to create a private space within another space. Plus, it can be affordable and easy to set up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I used to live with a lot of roommates and stuff and I didn\u2019t really have that space, I used to create them in my closet or like create tent forts, you know, that type of thing almost so I could have a space that was quiet and dark and felt like I was being, I don\u2019t know, hugged by the space around me.\u201d<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Have some items handy in a basket or bag, such as clothing layers, sunglasses, headphones, sensory supports, snacks, or water. This can make it easier to adjust to temporary changes in your environment, especially when you\u2019re sharing space that isn\u2019t designed for your needs.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Think about the community space around the home” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Insight:<\/strong> We heard that the area around a home can be just as important as the home itself. Being close to places like work, school, the grocery store, or a pharmacy can make day-to-day routines easier.<\/span><\/p>\n Example:<\/strong> In many conversations with Neurodivergent people, we heard that they felt better when they lived near parks, nature, or welcoming community spaces. They found it difficult when their hobbies, group activities, and green spaces were far away or tough to get to.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Think about what you need from a neighbourhood to feel comfortable. Are there quiet parks, places to walk, or spots to do your favourite activities? Does it feel safe to you? Would you want to spend time there?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Explore or ask someone you trust to guide you through things like access to public transit, walkable paths, or bike routes that would be right for you. This is a good idea even if you have a car.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Learn from others but trust your own opinion” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Insight:<\/strong> We learned that talking to others about their housing experiences can surface helpful details, raise new questions, and make the planning process feel a little easier. Just keep in mind, what worked for one person might not work for another, and that\u2019s okay.<\/span><\/p>\n Inclusivity:<\/strong> Just because someone else had a tough housing experience doesn\u2019t mean you will too. Everyone\u2019s needs and situations are different.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Talk to people who\u2019ve been through similar housing experiences to what you\u2019d like to have. Ask what worked for them, what didn\u2019t, and how they figured out if a living situation was a good fit.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” module_id=”anchor-2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nihouse.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Icon-row.jpg” title_text=”Icon-row” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”325px” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Setting up routines and supports” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Living in a new home isn\u2019t just about moving into a new space, it\u2019s also about setting up routines and supports that suit your daily life.<\/p>\n The following strategies can help you keep things manageable, plan around your energy, and get the support you need.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” closed_toggle_background_color=”#e7f6ff” toggle_icon=”C||divi||400″ icon_color=”#426c8e” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” toggle_line_height=”2em” closed_toggle_line_height=”2em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”40px||80px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_free_form=”display: none;” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#426c8e” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Make everyday tasks feel more doable” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”on”] Insight:<\/strong> We heard that household tasks can feel overwhelming, but that Neurodivergent people had different ways to make these big, recurring jobs feel more approachable.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip: <\/strong>Break big jobs into smaller steps. For example, instead of \u201cclean the kitchen,\u201d try breaking it down into:<\/p>\n Pair tasks with something enjoyable such as:<\/p>\n Gamify your tasks, like:<\/p>\n Use a body double. Ask someone to sit with you while you do the task. They don\u2019t have to do the tasks, just being there can make it easier to get started.<\/p>\n Think of chores as a form of self-care. Tidying up can be a way to support your future self and create a more comfortable space.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Plan for your energy, not just your to-do list” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Insight:<\/strong> Using the idea of\u00a0<\/span>spoon theory<\/em>\u00a0helped some people plan their day based on how much energy, or how many \u201cspoons,\u201d they had.<\/span><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Create a low-energy backup plan, like doing just one small task or asking someone for help.<\/span><\/p>\n
Getting to know what works for you<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Setting up routines and supports<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
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