Autumn is almost over, and summer is just around the corner, changing the temperature and other climatic conditions. The individuals, or rather typical developing people, do not talk much about what happens as the seasons change as it has a very minimal effect on them. But have you ever considered how changing seasons can affect an autistic child or something close to autism?
Winter entails cooler weather, low temperatures, chilly winds, shorter days, and longer nights. After a lengthy winter, fall arrives, when temperatures rise and many environmental changes occur and eventually the summer arrives when the sun is scorching and the temperatures are rather high combined with constant perspiration, making it an uncomfortable season in general. Most autistic children struggle with environmental changes, and parents may feel ignorant owing it to the child's numerous behavioural shifts. However, parents of autistic children must be prepared and aware of seasonal and environmental elements that may cause behavioural changes.
Seasonal, weather, and climatic variations can all have an impact on a child's behaviour, and each child will be affected differently. There are still some common factors which shall be considered by the parents while dealing with a child with special needs.
Parents may experience difficulties with the following common factors
Changes in Clothing: People who struggle with sensory processing and Autism Spectrum Disorder may resist to frequently changing their clothes. Certain children have an aversion to certain fabrics textures because they are hypersensitive to them or they are simply over – responsive to certain textures. For them changing their clothes every season and getting used to it might be a little over-whelming. It's important to recognize and take note of these changes during the seasonal transitions, as certain youngsters may prefer a particular type of cloth or fabric. For example, some children may prefer short sleeves over long sleeves or vice-versa.
Change in Routine: For children with autism, a disruption in routine can be stressful, unsettling, or uncomfortable. People with autism spectrum disorders frequently benefit from consistency; therefore, changing their daily routines may affect their capacity to manage their emotions and cope. During changing seasons, the change in one’s routine happens automatically which might trigger a negative response from autistic children including tantrums or aggression. At this time, it is important to help them cope while slowly getting them adjusted to their new routine.
Change in Footwear (Shoe and socks): Children with ASD struggle to wear shoes and prefer to go barefoot. Other children might not have huge reactions to socks on their skin. But the children with autism mostly prefer to stay barefoot due to sensory sensitivity, making the transition difficult for families. New shoes might be difficult for children with ASD to accept, so make a strategy in advance like letting them interact with their footwear in their own way before making them wear it.
Change in Temperature: Children who on the autistic spectrum may be hypersensitive to either heat or cold or both. Moreover, variations in the external temperature may cause them to experience variations in their body temperature in the core. Even when a child is well, this may appear as a perceived fever. It is important to take note of such points as to what causes a sensory overload to the child or what kind of temperature affects your child more because their inability to regulate their body temperature make them vulnerable to infections and other issues.
Medical factors and challenges: The summer season brings with it an abundance of dust and sweat which might cause major discomfort in a child on autism spectrum. Not only may a sick child who is unable to express their emotions through speech, but sinus difficulties and the inability to blow one's nose can also result in severe tantrums and dreadful emotional outbursts in children. So, it is important to understand your child and cater according to his needs.
Our greatest recommendation is for parents to realize how their children are impacted by seasonal changes. Take into account all variables related to seasonal shifts when working with a new behaviour over the holidays. Try and teach them methods to remain calm such as breathing while counting or provide them with an item which can engage them like a fidget toy. A change in season is a fresh start and letting your child explore new activities will make the transition smoother and your constant support will lessen some of the worries your child might be feeling.
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