Summer challenges for people with autism

Summer is a time typically associated with vacations, travel, parties, and heat, and while it can be a very stimulating season full of opportunities, it can also be a challenging time. The change in routines , with school or work holidays and the closure of the centers where we usually do activities, can be one of the biggest challenges of summer for many people. As is the heat, which we often have to endure in unsuitable spaces.

These situations can sometimes be more challenging for autistic individuals , who must make an extra effort to adapt to these changes in their daily lives and to the impact that high temperatures can have on them. Therefore, if you have autism, it's important to consider how summer might affect certain aspects of your life and find ways to minimize the impact so you can enjoy the opportunities this time of year offers.

Some tips that may help you:

Changes in routine and new activities

• If you see that your routine is going to change and you know that this affects you, plan ahead or think about how to structure a new routine that will be useful for you . This could be a time to explore new activity opportunities, sign up for a course, workshop, or summer camp; there are many different options: gardening, cooking, sewing, languages, etc.
• In summer, you can enjoy water activities, which, if done in the afternoon, can be more relaxing and refreshing. If you live near the beach, consider surfing, paddleboarding, or any activities offered at the pools that might interest you. Think about the best time of day.
• It can also sometimes be a good time to go to the cinema , because if you are bothered by very crowded spaces, in summer they are usually not crowded and it is also cool inside.
• Another option is to explore libraries , which offer increasingly more reading opportunities: comics, novels, science books... And many even show films. They are usually air-conditioned and quite quiet.
• Board game clubs. It's becoming increasingly easy to find places that organize board game meetups or chess tournaments, which can be fun and stimulating. There are even specialty stores that have board game areas. This can be a great opportunity to meet people with similar interests.
• Summer also often brings particularly noisy festivities , such as local festivals or the San Juan celebrations, with their typical firecrackers. If you know that you or a family member might be bothered by this noise, consider taking steps to protect yourself. Noise-canceling devices can partially reduce the discomfort caused by these sounds, and if you have the opportunity to go somewhere quieter (for example, a small mountain village) during those days, it might be a good solution.

Protect ourselves from the heat and the sun

• We must take special care with the heat and protect ourselves from the sun . Tools like thermoses of cold water, thermal ice packs, or handheld fans can be useful for cooling down if we go outside. To lower the temperature, it's best to apply cold to the neck and wrists. Remember that sun protection is also essential. Consider what time of day you go out, whether you'd be comfortable wearing a hat, scarf, or using an umbrella, or if you tolerate sunglasses well. If you're going to the beach, pool, or mountains, sunscreen is essential, and if you don't like cream sunscreen, there are other good options like sprays, which are generally better tolerated.
• And with the heat comes sweat, so we lose more water. That's why we need to drink enough fluids , as it's easy to become dehydrated in the summer. If you're someone who has trouble feeling thirsty, you should take extra precautions. Remember that the general recommendation is two liters of water a day. It can be helpful to always carry a water bottle and eat typical summer fruits that are rich in water (watermelon, melon, etc.). You can also try gelatin or healthy foods like gazpacho if you like.
• Because of the heat, you may notice you have less energy and are in a worse mood. Let others know that the heat is affecting you so they can help. Find ways to cool down and feel better. At home, you can use a fan or air conditioning. Outside, you can cool off with water from a fountain if you're out and about, or from the bathroom if you're indoors. Drinking a soda, a slushie, or eating ice cream can also help.
• Wear comfortable, cool clothing. When you're going to be out for the day, whether for work, a day camp, or a leisure activity, you can bring a change of clothes and change when you're sweaty. You can also wear walking shoes, like sneakers, and then carry a cooler pair in your backpack for when you're at work or at your leisure activity.

What is the interoceptive system and how does it work?

Read more

Vacations and trips

• If you go on vacation to a new place and, even though you like it, the change stresses you out, with the Internet you can   plan a trip quite well   And you can anticipate some things to have more peace of mind. You can look at images of the site, maps, and even, with Street View, in many places you can actually see the streets, squares, places you can visit, etc.
• Traveling can be overstimulating : new places, new foods, public transportation, so much to see, constant contact with family, partners, or friends… In your daily plan, schedule some periods of reduced social and sensory stimulation. You could go to your room for a while, engage in a meaningful activity alone, or use noise-canceling headphones, for example. These breaks will help you maintain a better energy level throughout the day so you can enjoy the experience. When you travel with family and have to look after the children, the anxiety can be even greater. That's why it's advisable to plan your vacation in advance to minimize surprises. You can also request disability support while traveling; it's a right that can greatly help you with your journeys.

Preparing for a family vacation with people with ASD

Read more

These are just a few solutions, but there are many more. It's about assessing your specific needs and trying to find the tools and strategies you need to enjoy the summer without these challenges holding you back.