Building your home to support your ADHD & Autistic needs🏡

Summary

In this video, the creator shares updates on their new apartment move, emphasizing the importance of quality over affordability when selecting home items like rugs and couches. With a focus on comfort and sensory needs, they discuss how intentional spending on durable, washable rugs and carefully chosen furniture can enhance daily life. The creator also explores the idea of personalizing living spaces based on individual neurodivergence, urging viewers to design their homes to suit their own unique habits and needs rather than conforming to societal norms. The video encourages thoughtful decision-making when building a home that truly reflects personal well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thoughtfully selecting items for your home, like rugs and furniture, can greatly impact your life quality, even if it involves spending more money upfront.
• 😀 Quality furniture, such as durable and comfortable couches, plays a significant role in daily comfort and should not be compromised.
• 😀 It's crucial to invest in practical solutions that match your lifestyle, like washable rugs for pet owners to prevent long-term inconveniences.
• 😀 Acknowledging and prioritizing sensory needs when choosing furniture or home setups helps ensure comfort and well-being.
• 😀 Avoiding overly cheap options for essential items like couches and rugs can prevent future dissatisfaction and long-term struggles.
• 😀 Building your living space intentionally, with consideration of personal routines and habits, enhances comfort and utility.
• 😀 It's okay to challenge the traditional norms of home setups, like eliminating a dining room if it's not used, and repurposing spaces to suit your needs.
• 😀 Letting go of societal expectations of how your home 'should' look allows for a more personalized, functional space.
• 😀 Consider incorporating unconventional solutions to meet personal needs, such as adding a small trampoline for physical activity or stress relief.
• 😀 Moving away from neurotypical expectations and creating spaces that cater to your neurodivergent needs can improve quality of life significantly.

Q & A

Why does the speaker prioritize spending more on certain items for their home?

The speaker emphasizes that certain items, like rugs and couches, significantly affect their daily comfort and quality of life. They believe spending more on high-quality items is worth it to avoid recurring issues and discomfort that come with cheaper alternatives.

What issues did the speaker experience with their previous inexpensive rug?

The speaker's previous inexpensive rug became difficult to clean after their dog had multiple accidents on it. Despite attempts to clean it with various products, the rug still retained an unpleasant smell, leading them to realize that investing in a washable, higher-quality rug would be more practical in the long run.

What was the speaker's experience with buying a cheaper couch, and why did they regret it?

The speaker's previous couch, which cost around $800, was uncomfortable with rough fabric and poor cushion support. Despite being from a reputable brand, the couch did not meet their needs, particularly in terms of depth and comfort, leading them to decide that investing in a more expensive couch would be a better choice.

How does the speaker's sensory sensitivity influence their purchasing decisions?

Due to sensory sensitivities, the speaker finds it essential to prioritize comfort and support in their home items, like couches and rugs. They believe that spending more money on these items is necessary to ensure their well-being and comfort, especially since they spend a significant amount of time on these items.

What approach does the speaker take when considering how to organize their living space?

The speaker advocates for organizing their living space based on their personal needs and habits, rather than adhering to conventional layouts. For instance, they don’t see the need for a formal dining room or table and instead prefer to use the space for an office or other functional areas.

How does the speaker challenge conventional ideas about home design?

The speaker challenges conventional ideas by suggesting that homes should be tailored to individual needs rather than following traditional norms. They recommend transforming spaces in a way that makes sense for one’s lifestyle, like using a dining room as an office or creating a comfortable space for specific activities instead of adhering to standard expectations.

What does the speaker believe about the concept of 'normal' when it comes to home design?

The speaker argues that the concept of 'normal' home design is subjective and not always necessary. They stress that what matters most is creating a space that feels comfortable and functional to the person living in it, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

What are some alternatives the speaker considers for their dining room?

Instead of using the dining room for a traditional table and seating, the speaker considers using it as an office space or transforming it into a room for activities like music, art, or yoga. They focus on functionality and personal needs rather than adhering to the typical use of a dining room.

How does the speaker approach making decisions about purchases that impact their quality of life?

The speaker approaches purchasing decisions by considering how each item will affect their daily life and well-being. They are willing to invest in higher-quality products that meet their specific needs, especially if cheaper alternatives would result in inconvenience or discomfort in the long term.

What role does neurodivergence play in the speaker’s approach to organizing their living space?

The speaker discusses how their neurodivergence influences their approach to home organization. They prioritize creating a space that accommodates their sensory needs and lifestyle, rather than following traditional norms. They encourage others to build spaces that support their individual needs, even if it goes against what is typically expected.