Autism and Sensory Overload

[CharleyKale]

I have a family member who is diagnosed with autism, they are verbal however suffers with sensory overload. I want to take them on days out to activity centres, fun fairs, waterparks etc however hoping for some advice on how to make this day go smoothly without putting anyone in danger. I will of course supervise them at all times but I think they will struggle to comprehend safety instructions and not understand why some places are dangerous or the importance of staying close to me.
Any advice from those with experience?

I assume this is not your dc or you would know what works and what doesn’t’t…for us with ds (high functioning ASD) we

• plan trips carefully - give prior warning of plans, schedule for the day etc
• explain beforehand and look at maps/websites so he knows what to expect (as best as poss)
• take ear defenders/noise cancelling headphones
• take any comforters /teddies/sensory aids
• take familiar food and drinks
• avoid very crowded places or minimise time spent in them

we have been okay at museums, zoos, Lego land (only been when not very very busy), swimming type places but funfairs, fireworks, music events and sporting events with crowds are an absolute no. Ds also can’t deal with the volume of the cinema.

Ask parents for advice!

To add to @RedPanda2022 excellent post, does the person actually want to go/is it possible for them to cope even with many adjustments, especially in the summer holidays when it is busier? Going when they won’t be able to cope even with adjustments is setting them up to fail.

There was a similar post this morning from someone 'researching risk' or something to those scenarios, I can't find it now, was that you?

If you are taking a family member out, talk to their current carers and start with low risk scenarios such as an ice cream in the park before jumping into mega days out. If you can't feel confident you can keep them safe then you shouldn't take them.

Risks - does the child want to go - if they don't never push them. Can you cope with the child? Have you seen the child out with the family?

Are they a runner? I'd only take them to farms with gated areas until you know this child well. If they are a runner are you able to go after them?

Sensory - they are going to hate busy places - do something the child likes not what you like as an adult. My child would hate a lot of things a NT child would

Have you seen a meltdown? Will you able to cope?

ALWAYS have a quick exit plan idea - to get out of the area super quickly and back to the car.

Watch their body language - that's the only hope.

You need to watch them not they watch you .... for staying close and change your words to encourage / distract then to walk to the next place....

When the child says let's go home - don't push and go home

Always keep them fed well and hydrated very well prevents a meltdown