It’s completely normal to want to spend as much time in the great outdoors as possible when the weather is as nice as it has been. But for people with autism, the hot weather can pose additional challenges. Whether it’s that they struggle to regulate their body temperature, can’t feel when they are hot or cold, or are more sensitive to certain sensory processing.
Understanding these challenges and knowing how to support those with autism can make a significant difference and avoid becoming unwell when the weather is so nice. Here’s our guide on how hot weather can affect people with autism and some practical tips to help regulate their temperature.
Sensory Sensitivity:
Many people with autism have heightened sensory sensitivity. For some, that might mean wearing blankets and heavy clothing to offer sensory stimulation all year round.
Some people may be more aware and sensitive of temperature and light changes. The discomfort of being too hot, becoming wet and sweaty, and having the sun in their eyes may lead to increased anxiety and agitation.
Communication Barriers:
Some individuals with autism may struggle with communicating their discomfort. They might not be able to express that they are feeling too hot, thirsty, or unwell, which can mean it goes unnoticed for longer periods of time which can lead to a change in behaviour.
Difficulty in Self-Regulation:
For some, they struggle with the ability to regulate their body temperature or even know when they are hot or cold. Because of this, they may not seek out ways to cool down or keep themselves hydrated without prompts from others, which can lead to hydration and heat exhaustion.
Tips for Parents and Carers to help regulate body temperature
Hydration:
Encourage regular drink breaks and ensure you always have access to water, even if they don’t feel thirsty. There are other ways to increase fluid intake including ice lollies. Most foods contain at least a little water, but the best foods are fruit and vegetables. For example, celery, cucumber, watermelon and romaine lettuce are about 95% water. Other fruits and vegetables, such as green grapes, apples, peaches, and corn are in the 70%-90% water range.
Appropriate Clothing:
Where possible, encourage that they wear lightweight clothing, this doesn’t always have to be short sleaved tops and shorts, but breathable fabrics like cotton. Opt for loose-fitting clothing to allow air circulation and consider hats and sunglasses to protect their head and eyes from the sun if spending long periods outside.
If they rely on the use of a blanket, is there a lighter alternative – one that offers the same comfort and consistency, but in a way that avoids the potential to overheat.
Cool Environment:
Create a cool indoor environment using fans, air conditioning, or coolers. Blackout curtains can also help keep rooms cooler by blocking out the sun. Designate a cool-down area with minimal sensory stimuli.
Outdoor Activity Timing:
Schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Avoid long periods in direct sunlight and find shaded areas when doing any activities outside. Waterplay activities are a good way of keeping cool. Try and limit exercise in the heat of the sun, that includes walks, running, trampolining and bike riding.
Visual Cues:
Use visual cues to help them understand and anticipate activities, including breaks for cooling down and rehydrating. It can help them to process what you’re doing now, and what is coming up next to help plot in those breaks
Monitor Signs and Behaviour:
Keep an eye out for signs of overheating. Physical signs such as red skin, excessive sweating, or becoming exhausted can help avoid overheating. There may also be behaviour indicators to look out for that will be individual and personalised to each individual. Teach and remind them to recognise and communicate these signs if possible.
Sensory-Friendly Strategies:
Using weighted blankets with cooling properties, cooling packs, handheld fans, spraying water can help those who struggle with temperature regulation. These alongside sensory toys or activities that can be enjoyed in a cooler environment can also help distract from discomfort.
Don’t forget sun protection
For people who are neurodivergent or have sensory sensitivity, sunscreen can be a blessing and a curse. It absolutely protects us from the harmful effects of sunburn and skin cancer, but it can also leave an awful, lingering, slimy feeling on your skin. Some people may find spray or roll-on sunscreens preferable to the conventional pump or squeeze bottle, where a hand needs to spread the thick sunscreen onto the skin. If even this cannot be tolerated, sun-protective clothing could be used in place of sunscreen altogether.
