Summertime and Sensory Sensitivities

For children with sensory sensitivities, summer can be a challenging time.  From the sand on the beach to the fireworks at special events, the season is full of exciting but potentially difficult experiences. An unfamiliar playground, a visit to an amusement park, a messy ice cream cone: all involve sensory surprises that can be overwhelming or upsetting if a child is unusually sensitive to light, noise, and tactile sensations.  With some preparation and planning parents can help kids with sensory issues get the most out of summertime.

Tips for Supporting Your Child

• Study your child’s specific needs

The first step to helping a child with sensory challenges enjoy summertime is having a strong understanding her specific needs. Difficulty with sensory processing comes in many shapes and sizes, and no two kids are the same.  An activity like going to the beach might be a huge treat for one child and absolute misery for another, depending on their individual sensitivities.  For children with touch hypersensitivity, going to the beach can be a nightmare.  They can’t handle the way the sun feels on their skin, or the sand on their feet.  The best way to avoid a meltdown at the beach is to tune in to what your child’s behaviour tells you. Did your child refuse to go in the water at the waterpark last summer? Does your child have trouble with sticky food like a melting ice cream cone, or juicy melon? Does your child run away when you try to apply sunscreen?   Looking back at what types of activities your child has enjoyed, and which have led to meltdowns, is a great way to get a sense of what activities may be enjoyable in the future, and what tools you can use to help potentially difficult activities become less stressful.

• Make a schedule and stick to it

When the school/preschool year ends, or the daycare schedule is disrupted, for children with sensory challenges the loss of an orderly routine can be upsetting.  One of the difficult things that happens during summer is the loss of structure.  Kids with sensory sensitivities thrive when there’s a predictable schedule and they have an overall idea of what’s going to happen each day. When that’s gone the day becomes more stressful, not less.  Unexpected events are jarring and disruptive for kids with sensory issues who are more sensitive to changes in environment or activity. Routine helps them feel comfortable and better prepared to handle what’s coming their way.  Consider enrolling kids in a few activities that help them maintain a schedule. Swimming, art, or other sensory-friendly classes or day camps can mimic the structure of school in a fun way.  You can also find creative ways to build structure into summer days without enrolling in activities that have a fee attached.  Work with your child to make a calendar of upcoming events. Use stickers or fun doodles for younger children, to represent activities. A dolphin sticker might represent a day at the beach, or a picture of slide could mean a visit to the park.  Once you’ve made a schedule, try hard to stick with it. Disorder can be very confusing for children with sensory challenges, so consistency is key.  However you choose to structure your child’s summer, be mindful of leaving enough space in the schedule for downtime and unstructured activity.  

• Avoid surprises by thinking ahead

Summer is a great time to try new things, but some experiences can be overwhelming for kids with sensory issues. When it comes to going out, careful planning can mean the difference between a happy summer day and a total meltdown. The more prepared they are the less likely they are to be overwhelmed, which means everyone will have a better time.  Focus on transitions.  Transitions are difficult for kids with sensory sensitivities, so it’s very important to give them plenty of warning when transitioning from one activity to another.  Talk it out.  Prepare your child for potentially overwhelming activities by talking about what the experience will be like in advance.  Knowing what’s going to happen takes a lot of the anxiety out of trying new things.

Break it down.  Take any situation that’s potentially problematic and do a sensory analysis of it. If taking your child to the park is overwhelming, think about what sensory triggers might be behind the reaction you usually see. Breaking the experience down to its sensory components…the light touch of long grass, the bugs, the noise…can help you and your child figure out how to manage the more difficult parts of the experience before you arrive.

Try a test run. Once you know your child’s sensory triggers you can begin working to help them manage their sensory arousal.  A lot of popular summer activities, especially those that take place outside, are full of intense multi-sensory stimulation. Kids may need to back up and explore the sensory experiences in a less stimulating environment. A great way to do this is to ‘test’ different components of the sensory experience in a non-stressful setting.                                                                                                                         

For younger children, make a sensory bin to play with at home to let them get used to the different sensory experiences one at a time so they don’t feel overloaded.  Turning desensitizing activities into play also helps kids associate difficult textures with fun.  Sensory bins are easy to make. For example, if you’re heading to the beach, try filling a tray with sand and shells at home. This way your child will have the chance to get used to the tactile experience long before you hit the shore.  Another way to prepare for activities ahead of time is to ‘practice’ them at home. For example, if you’re thinking of taking a hike, try doing a short test run in the park or the yard. This way, your child can get a preview of the sensations—how the grass brushes their legs, or how their backpack feels when they carry it for a long time, in a safe, comfortable space.

Summer tools to know

*The right tools and clothes can reduce sensory overload and help kids have a good time.

• Good quality sunglasses:  Many children with sensory issues are very sensitive to bright light.  A neoprene strap to help them stay on can be helpful.
• Sun-protective hats:  For kids who are very sensitive to sun try a soft, comfortable wide-brimmed hat.
• Good bug spray:  When it comes to mosquitos and ticks, comfort and safety are important. Many bug sprays are very effective, but kids might resist them because they feel sticky or are strong-smelling. Lightweight long pants and long sleeves can be equally effective. You can also try spraying clothing and hair rather than applying it directly to bare skin.
• Sunscreen: If you’re spending time outside, sunscreen is an essential. There are many different kinds, so investigate which works best for your child. Some are less greasy or come unscented or in spray versions. When applying sunscreen use massaging, even strokes. Deep pressure is calming and organizing for kids. Instead of using light touch to apply sunblock, use that as an opportunity for a massage. It can be a good way to help desensitize your child before going outdoors.
• The right bathing suit: There are different bathing suits that have different sensory qualities to them. A lot of kids can’t stand an elastic waistband, or the light touch of ruffles.  Finding a sensory-friendly suit will make going to the pool and other swimming activities much more fun for kids.
• Ear protection: Bring noise-cancelling earmuffs. Reducing noise takes intensity out of multisensory experiences. This is especially helpful for kids who are very sensitive to sound but can be a great way for any child to take a step back and regroup.
• Portable shelter: Beaches and parks can be fun but it’s important for kids to have a retreat. An umbrella or beach cabana provides protection from the sun and gives kids a safe space to take a break during outdoor activities.
• Protective shoes: If walking on grass or sand is intensely uncomfortable, don’t push kids to go barefoot. Bring along a pair of aqua socks or other comfortable shoes that work well in outdoor conditions.
• Seek out sensory-friendly events: Many museums, movie theatres, and shows including circuses and major musicals offer summer events geared towards kids with sensory sensitivities. To get a sense of what’s available, try doing an Internet search for sensory-friendly activities in your area.

Children should have their own toolbox of things that help them to feel good.   You and your child can put together a backpack of objects that provide sensory relief.  Your child can carry the backpack with them even when you aren’t present. Try including some of the items in the list above, like earmuff style noise cancelling headphones.  You might also include fidget toys, chewing gum, an ice pack, or a weighted lap pad.  Anything that helps your child stay regulated during new or difficult activities.

Finally, remember that the goal is to help your child have a great summer. Focus on having fun, learning new skills, and doing what’s best for your kids and yourself.

Renée