Keeping a clean and organized home is often seen as the baseline for a healthy and happy lifestyle. However, for many neurospicy families, especially those with autism or ADHD, the traditional notion of cleanliness may not always align with their unique needs and preferences.
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of hygienic messiness and how it can redefine cleanliness for neurospicy families. Embracing a more flexible and inclusive approach to cleanliness can promote well-being and foster a harmonious environment for everyone in the house…and take a lot of work off the primary caregiver’s plate.
Let’s go!
Understanding Hygienic Messiness
Hygienic messiness challenges the conventional idea that cleanliness equates to a perfectly spotless and clutter-free environment.
Instead, it acknowledges that maintaining a healthy living space can coexist with the natural tendencies and sensory preferences of neurodiverse individuals. It recognizes that order and cleanliness can take different forms and still promote well-being.
Redefining Cleanliness
Cleanliness should be defined based on functionality, comfort, and personal preferences rather than rigid societal expectations.
It involves finding a balance between cleanliness standards that create a sense of health and safety and accommodating the unique sensory needs and preferences of neurodiverse individuals.
Recognize that what may appear messy to some can be a source of comfort and security for others...as long as the area isn’t a danger to the people living in it, opening up our definition of “cleanliness” serves to create a more welcoming and neuro-affirming space.
Personalized Cleaning Routines
Develop cleaning routines that are tailored to the specific needs and comfort levels of your family members, no matter their neurotype. Involve them in the process, while understanding and respecting their sensory sensitivities.
Find cleaning techniques and tools that accommodate their preferences while ensuring a hygienic environment. For example, using noise-canceling headphones or breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help reduce sensory overwhelm.
Likewise, using gloves when washing dishes and finding dish soap with a pleasant scent (or no scent!) can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping the kitchen clean.
This brings us to…
Embracing Sensory-Friendly Cleaning Practices
Consider sensory-friendly cleaning practices that minimize sensory triggers. Use natural and unscented cleaning products to avoid strong smells.
Opt for soft and gentle cleaning materials to prevent tactile sensitivities. Create calm and soothing cleaning environments by playing soft music or using dim lighting if it helps to regulate sensory input.
Do the best you have with what you’ve got!
If you are a neurotypical parent raising a neurodiverse child, you may have to rethink your plans for how they can help with housework…between sensory sensitivities and fine/gross motor challenges, your autistic child may struggle with some of the “developmentally appropriate” chores others their age can do…seek creative ways to overcome the challenges you face!
Your autistic kids should not be exempt from cleaning or tidying!
Find a cleaning system or routine that works, chores they can do, and accommodate them accordingly.
Celebrating Functional Cleanliness
This is a big one, especially if you’re a parent with OCD raising some ADHD/autistic kiddos who really struggle with cleaning tasks…
🎶 It’s me, hi! I’m the problem, it’s me!!! 🎶
Anyhoo…
Focus on functional cleanliness rather than obsessing over perfection.
Ensure that high-touch areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, are kept clean and sanitized. Promote hygiene practices such as handwashing and maintaining a safe food preparation environment. By prioritizing functional cleanliness, you create a healthy and safe living space for your neurospicy family.
It’s ok that the laundry didn’t get put away today, and maybe it’s been a few days since you vacuumed. Focus on the places that can’t be ignored and are central to the hygienic cleanliness of your home.
Encouraging Self-Care
Hygienic messiness also extends to personal self-care routines. Recognize that neurodiverse individuals may have different preferences or sensitivities when it comes to grooming and personal hygiene.
Respect their boundaries while encouraging and supporting their self-care practices.
Find adaptive tools or techniques that can assist in their self-care routines, promoting independence and comfort. Give them the option, if you can, to go to the store and smell different products to see which they may like to use. Whenever possible, give them control over how they care for their body, because, it’s, well, their body!
Special note: if your child (or another neurospicy person in your home) is having a hard time with hygiene, check out this article that talks about “defense mode” and autism…our family has benefited greatly from a lot of what the author of this article has to say!.
Conclusion
Hygienic messiness challenges the traditional notions of cleanliness and offers a more inclusive and flexible approach for neurospicy families.
Redefining cleanliness based on functionality, personal preferences, and sensory needs creates a harmonious and supportive environment. Embrace the uniqueness of all your family members, and find a balance between cleanliness and individual comfort.
Remember, a hygienic living space promotes well-being, sensory regulation, and happiness for all.
What do you think? Have your cleanliness standards changed over the years? Do you think your family could embrace the hygienic messiness lifestyle? Leave a comment below…I’d love to know what you’re thinking (and what’s working for you and your family)!
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