Suggestions for window coverings for a disabled teen who tends to break things

[Geneticsbunny]

I have a 14 year old, who is basically like a giant very strong 5 year old. We currently have Roman blinds in his room but he has pulled them down so many times that the mechanism is on its last legs. Curtains aren't an option because he will just pull the rail out of the wall. Does anyone have any suggestions, no matter how weird, of something that he can open and close by himself but that are reasonably untrashable?

That sounds like a tough situation, and I can see why standard blinds and curtains aren’t holding up. You might want to look into roller shades with heavy-duty mechanisms or even motorized options that remove the need for cords and manual pulling. Some families also go for shutters because they’re sturdier and fixed in place. When I was looking into durable window treatment options, I found Bella Casa Shade helpful for ideas that balance strength with ease of use. Something low-maintenance and tamper-resistant could make things easier for both you and him.

Hi! Just reading the first few lines of your post have validated exactly what I'm going through. This is not the first time our 21-year-old intellectually disabled autistic daughter who often breaks things has destroyed blinds, I'm just glad this time she didn't put her hand through the window pain and need stitches. I too am looking for answers and have found metal and plastic window safety guards however people can still see in the house. I am going to try the cardboard idea and have even considered creating a fabric covering that velcros on and off the window to hopefully satisfy her need to yank things down. I have also considered putting up plastic mats that are made to keep cats and animals out of a certain area like a garden. These mats are covered in small projectiles that would not feel good to a hand that grabbed it so hopefully, worst case, that would encourage her to destroy something else. I've been at this 8 years with my partner, this is her biological daughter, and in the beginning I wondered why my partner seemed so detached, defeated, and almost as if she had given up. I came in with much gusto thinking I could affect positive change, and while there has been some positive change, I mostly just feel absolutely helpless and defeated. I pray for all of you walking the same path with your children, I hope God meets you all in your times of need and that you're able to keep putting one foot in front of another.

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I’ve put window film on the outside of my front door because the kids kept pulling it down

To update. The window film has been a good halfway fix, so at least we won't get the police round because he is exposing himself. We have also found that the destructive behaviour is a lot lower when we support his stimming, which is swinging, by putting a climbing frame and swing in the garden, and make sure he is doing lots of things that he enjoys and is happy. This means lots of time out with his friends.

You might try cordless roller shades or plantation shutters — both are strong, simple, and have no cords to pull. If budget allows, motorized blinds are even better since they remove manual handling entirely. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s securely mounted with reinforced brackets to prevent the rail from being pulled out again.