If you have a child with autism, you may be familiar with the common differences between temperature regulation among children with autism, and typically developing children. These changes can be particularly stark in the winter months, as individuals with autism may struggle to keep necessary and appropriate layers in place due to sensory sensitivities or the sensory overload that can occur when the colder months are at play, and body temperature is not as easy to regulate.
Does autism spectrum disorder come with an increased or decreased ability to regulate body temperature?
Sensory Sensitivities and Winter
Sensory sensitivities are often considered the most likely cause for difficulty with maintaining warmth in colder months due to the presence of sensory stimuli, rather than an inability to effectively regulate temperature. Some studies have looked into how autistic individuals perceive cold temperatures and hot, and how those perceptions may differ from typically developing peers, but that research has not reached a definite conclusion. Instead, sensory overload and sensory sensitivities are thought to be at the root.
Working Around Sensory Input Concerns
The winter season is often a time for many families to pursue indoor activities rather than outdoor activities, in part because of the varied and potentially intense sensory experiences children on the spectrum can feel. Some of the workarounds families can utilize include:
- Weighted Blankets. Weighted blankets can be used in place of coats when colder temperatures come stomping in. These blankets can help individuals with autism spectrum disorder feel a greater sense of ease while providing enough warmth to safely be outside.
- Sensory Breaks. Whether people with autism experience temperature regulation issues, or are simply struggling to wear appropriate winter clothing due to sensory issues, sensory breaks can provide some relief. A hat can be worn for five minutes, for instance, and removed for two minutes, or mittens can be put on for 2 minutes, and left off for a minute. Using a visual timer can help bring more clarity to the timing, as well.
- Gradual Exposure. Start with a comfortable temperature, then move to a sunroom or a sunny spot, and finally to full immersion in cool weather. Gradual exposure can help ease the transition, give internal temperature time to adjust, and soothe any worries about being out in the cold.
- Preferred Characters on Items. If mittens, hats, and jackets are difficult to keep on, consider making picking out preferred characters, colors, or images one of your winter traditions with your child. Getting to choose items, or having preferred colors and images can help children feel both empowered and excited to wear items that are less preferred.
- Frequent Breaks. Finally, consider taking frequent breaks during cold weather activities. Breaks can be breaks from wearing non-preferred items, or can be from being out in weather altogether.
Alternative Activities in Winter
Many winter activities involve being out in the cold, making it important to find alternative activities. Even children who demonstrate an indifference to temperature cannot safely engage in daily activities in cold weather without proper clothing; even younger children who are developing typically often struggle to identify feelings of being too warm or too cold, so it is best to base necessary clothing items on formal recommendations such as those offered by The American Academy of Pediatrics.
If temperature regulation in individuals with autism spectrum disorder is notably absent, and warm blankets and other strategies are not enough to help children dress safely for cold weather play or travel, opt instead for alternative activities. These include:
Alternatives for Snow Play
Playing in the snow is often considered a must for winter, but children who are not adequately clothed cannot remain in snow for long periods of time without risking their health. Recreate snow indoors using shaving cream, playdough, kinetic sand, or make your own cloud dough, to savor the experience of having snow while in a comfortable environment.
Alternatives for Outdoor Sledding
Children often jump on the opportunity to sled in winter, but consider delivering the same sensory experience by heading to a local indoor park to slide down slides, swing on swings, and jump in bounce houses. Thankfully, there are plenty of environmental stimuli options that provide similar sensory experiences, so the joys of sledding are not entirely lost to children with sensory processing differences who may not be able to stay outside for prolonged periods.
Building Snowman Alternatives
Kinetic sand and playdough are both great options to build snowmen, and families can even get creative building larger structures with pillows, cushions, and other household items to approximate an indoor Frosty. Parents of children on the spectrum may find themselves enjoying the creative challenge of building outside of the standard snowballs.
Winter Scavenger Hunt Alternatives
Winter scavenger hunts can be great ways to keep your child engaged with their environment and keep children active, but the advent of extremely cold weather and the need to keep warm clothes on and quickly intervene. Consider gathering some winter-associated bits and bobs–think pinecones and needles, acorns, bare branches, woodland animals, icicles, and more–and hiding them around your home. Bringing the outdoors in ensures your child can enjoy the cold months without the risks of doing so without hats, gloves, and other sources of warmth.
Working Through the Cold Season
While the connection between autism and sensory regulation remains somewhat uncertain, anecdotal evidence and sensory needs can both support the need for additional help during the cold season. Whether you use preferred characters to entice children to wear weather-appropriate clothing, or you bring the outdoors in, children on the spectrum do not have to wait for warm weather to enjoy outdoor activities. By using simple strategies and some creativity, you can make sure your family enjoys a safe and warm winter season. At The Brook Center, we are dedicated to equipping families with practical strategies and ideas to support individual needs. Contact us today to learn more about ABA services near you!
