Summer Survival Guide
Heat affects everyone differently, but for neurodivergent folks, it can make or break our day. For example, it affects the way our clothes feel on our bodies. While nothing is worse than a seam against your skin, that feeling mingles with sweat in the hotter months to form a formerly unimagined sensory hell.
Safe clothes and food are sometimes off the table, too. Many cultures serve different foods in the high summer. While this is a welcome change for neurotypical minds, many autistic people thrive on routine, and a table of unfamiliar, unsafe “picnic” foods can be intimidating.
The swap from the spring to the summer wardrobe feels equally jarring. I recently enjoyed some summertime sadness when I got locked out of my house for the third time in a month. That morning, my family had prized me out of my little black coat for the first time in 10 months (I know, gross, but I’m working on it) with the gentle and well-meaning request, “do you really need that coat, my dear?”
I didn’t need the coat's warmth, but I sure as hell required the house keys that live in my coat pocket. Did I remove them from the coat before I left? Nah. Because the keys live in my pocket. That’s my routine, and to break from it requires change. Besides, my ADHD ass could never have remembered the change for long enough to see it through to a practical completion. Change, my friend, is challenging for neurodivergent brains.
It is more than OK to fit your life around your needs, especially during the summertime. Today, I will share a few hints and tips to help you survive—maybe even thrive — during your summer vacation.
Keep it Cool.
Water bottles are a must, especially if you struggle with interoception (the ability to sense your body’s internal signals.) Find a light, reusable water bottle to take to work or school, and ensure you get it ready the night before. If you don’t like water, fill your bottle half full of fruit juice and top it up with water to make it more inviting.
If you can, buy your water bottle in person rather than ordering online. That way, you can ‘test’ how it feels to hold it before you bring it home and find out that it feels unbearable in your hand.
If you find it hard to notice thirst cues, set reminders on your phone to go off once every hour and a half. Stop what you’re doing when it goes off and take a swig. If you have work or school commitments, let your supervisor or teacher know about the alarms so they understand that you prioritize your health. Remember, this constitutes a “reasonable adjustment,” so don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
Bring Snacks.
Snacks are an asset to any situation. But in a season of unfamiliar picnic foods and outdoor dining, they become necessary for anyone with safe food needs. Be sure to pack some of your “safe foods” before you leave home so you have nutrition to fall back on if there’s no safe food at work or school.
Be Sun Safe.
All humans should wear sunscreen. That includes neurodiverse folks– even if you don’t notice yourself burning.
Hats are a double-edged sword. Although they’re a great way to keep the sun off your face, they can also feel too hot or tight. If tennis caps are not your style, just make sure you and your crew choose a shady spot to hang out. Be sure to ask for rest breaks during long spells in the sunshine.
Fabric over Fashion:
When compiling your summer wardrobe, choose a few familiar items from your existing collection. Whether they have long sleeves, buttons, or other characteristics that we associate with wintertime attire doesn't matter. The main thing is to choose your materials carefully.
Opt for clothes made of cotton, linen, and rayon. These light, breathable fabrics will keep you cool regardless of the item’s design.
Beach Days:
Summer break often necessitates a visit to the beach. Many people can’t imagine a more soothing sight than the blue sea water lapping softly against the sandy shore. However, for hypersensitive people, such an environment poses an ocean of discomforts.
Sand is sent to try (some of) us. Not only is it coarse, rough, and irritating, but it truly does get everywhere- including between your toes. If that salty, rough feeling causes distress, just know you are not alone. Water shoes are a great alternative to sandals. They keep your feet cool and trap sand and water so you can enjoy the serene seascape in peace.
Wear your safest clothes to the beach, especially if you don’t plan to swim. Many neurodivergent folks can’t change in public for many reasons (if you know, you know), so familiarise yourself with the nearest facilities to dash off, take a breather, and readjust your clothes if you become uncomfortable.
Looking Ahead:
No matter what your summer has in store, ask for what you need. Though fabrics, safe snacks, water shoes, and sunscreen are good places to start, self-advocacy is the best way to summer-proof these next few months.
Don’t be afraid to express your discomfort; speak up whenever you think of an accommodation that could help you keep cool.
While progress is made every day, our society is still sadly blind to its members' diverse and changing needs. By speaking up, you’re not just helping yourself but also helping other people with brains like your own. So be brave, keep going, and speak your needs. Oh, and wear sunscreen.