Autism presents itself in many different ways and one of the things that can go hand in hand is sensory issues. Some kids on the spectrum are sensory seekers and look for certain sensorys to regulate their bodies, an example is hard pressure (tight hugs or chewing on things) but a lot of kids are highly sensitive to sensorys like loud noises, textures or clothing can set them off. Many neurotypical kids also have sensory issues so I’m sure these things I mention can help all parents!

Sky was diagnosed with mild autism around 4 and has dealt with sensory issues since he was little. Some things have been minor and he grew out of them (like when he licked his lips till they were raw for months but then one day just stopped) and some things have been here for the long haul, like his hair and sand sensory.

The main ones we deal with still today at almost 11 are the sun and heat, sand and hair.

Autism presents itself in many different ways and one of the things that can go hand in hand is sensory issues. Some kids on the spectrum are sensory seekers and look for certain sensorys to regulate their bodies, an example is hard pressure (tight hugs or chewing on things) but a lot of kids are highly sensitive to sensorys like loud noises, textures or clothing can set them off. Many neurotypical kids also have sensory issues so I’m sure these things I mention can help all parents!

Sky was diagnosed with mild autism around 4 and has dealt with sensory issues since he was little. Some things have been minor and he grew out of them (like when he licked his lips till they were raw for months but then one day just stopped) and some things have been here for the long haul, like his hair and sand sensory.

The main ones we deal with still today at almost 11 are the sun and heat, sand and hair.

Sun and heat are big ones. There use to be times where he’d refuse to leave the house unless he had shoes, socks, pants, long sleeves, sunglasses, a big hat, an umbrella and would RUN to the car. When most people look forward to warmer weather and the summer months, I use to DREAD them as a mom. He has gotten SO much better and now just needs to have some way to cool off; a fan, hat and some shade usually does the trick. We never really know if it is the heat or the sun that makes him so stressed, but I think it’s a combination of both and how he is feeling that day truthfully.

Sand is something I’m hoping will be better this year since the last few years he’s learned ways to cope with it. We’ve figured out he doesn’t like when there is wet sand on him but is ok sitting on a towel (in the shade) and playing with dry sand. He gets very worked up if he goes in the lake or ocean and then has to walk on the sand but we always reassure him that we will find a way to wash his feet off right away and show him it’s not permanent. Showing them nothing is forever (the heat/the sand helps them process that it won’t last forever and they can get through it.

I still get anxious when the warmer months come around because my other two kids LOVE the water and the beach but we’ve figure out ways to accommodate everyone and always have lots of umbrellas, chairs and towels to make everyone happy! Sky also REALLY loves the pool and being in and by water, probably because it cools him off, so he will gladly be in the direct sun if he’s in the water having fun!

Hair sensory is probably the one that has stuck around the longest and stayed the strongest. I’ve cut his hair myself his whole life. I think I’ve only been able to use the clippers on him about 3 times ever. Haircuts take a LONG time, sometimes spanning over a few days if he’s very worked up. We’ve noticed that the back of his head by his neck are the most sensitive and he HATES when I have to cut the bottom of his hair/his nape area. He also hates when his hair gets stuck in things so sometimes it takes it getting long and he’s annoyed by it for him to give in. When he was little I would cut his hair in his sleep a lot of times! This would take a few days based on how he was sleeping or if he woke up a lot when I was doing it. There are days where I cry while trying to cut his hair because it’s so stressful on him and on me but we always get through it. Lately I’ve he doesn’t feel the scissors and hair sensation as much when his hair is wet so I’ve been cutting it wet lately and starting with the bottom back first thing to get it over with. I also have found that doing it on the weekends in the morning when he’s the happiest is he best and not after a long day of stimulation at the end of the night trying to do something that he hates.

Teeth brushing and toothpaste taste is something that has gotten better. He use to hate brushing his teeth and would barely let me do it. I went through a MILLION different toothpastes to see what he would allow and the only one that stuck past one use is the Toms Toddler one. It has a mild taste, doesn’t foam and is a gel base. Our dentist is incredible with kids on the spectrum/sensory issues and he actually begs to go to the dentist! They said its fine he’s still using this toddler toothpaste for now and we just have to make sure he keeps brushing and flossing if he allows it (I use the floss picks for him.) I’m also getting selance done on his back molars to hopefully help not get cavities. When he was little I found this awesome toothbrush that had bristles on 3 sides and you could brush kids teeth so much better! He now has his own electric toothbrush and he chooses if he wants it on or off when he uses it.

Loud noises can be difficult for many kids. Sky would dread going to the bathroom in public if there was a “magic” toilet or hand dryer. I would prep him for the noise, cover his ears and try and get him to wash his hands and pray there was paper towel and not automatic hand dryers. I got him noise canceling headphones to have in school for any fire drills or assemblys he couldn’t handle. He hasn’t worn them in years and handles it all so great now! When we are at big parties or gatherings he still prefers to not be in the thick of it as it can be very overwhelming noise wise and over stimulating. We realize this and don’t ever make him feel bad for not wanting to open gifts with people or participate in huge gatherings. He’s pretty much grown out of all noise sensorys and can regulate himself if a place if it’s overwhelming!

I hope that some of these things help you if you are also navigating sensory issues and if you’re not but someone in your life is, realize it’s a very hard part of parenting that no one tells you about and give a hand when you can.