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Student refuses to wear suncream

NAS80219

Good afternoon. We are struggling with a student in particular who refuses to wear suncream. We are aware it's a massive sensory issue for them but we've tried many different types, smelly, non smell, spray, aerosol. We have explained that without it they will burn, they are very pale. We've explained they can do it themselves or staff can help put it on. 

Today, and the week before half term, they just layed in the sun, in shorts and a top, and also refuses to do work. Today they shouted at a pupil, which has never happened before which we are concerned about and keeping an eye on. 

They refuse to sit in the shade, we have to keep putting their hat on so their head doesn't burn. Today, we explained that they will not be allowed outside without suncream and that this is to keep them safe. Parents have said they have the same issue with suncream and even though they pick the suncream themselves they still don't use it. They understand sun safety but unfortunately they have gone home red. If we force anything, which we won't do, they will put up a fight.

Any tips is amazing. Thank you.

Parents

  • They are now turning up to school in joggers and hoodie, sitting in the sun, so are getting extremely hot. They also really struggle regulating so self-injury is becoming a lot more frequent and unpredictable. They said they don't want to wear suncream which is why they are covering up. 

    We do force/help them to take their hoodie off because its in their best interests. We use an umbrella to shade them since they refuse to sit in the shade. 

    We don't know what else we can do as such but the self injury is a problem. But the root of the problem is not being able to tolerate suncream. 

Reply

  • They are now turning up to school in joggers and hoodie, sitting in the sun, so are getting extremely hot. They also really struggle regulating so self-injury is becoming a lot more frequent and unpredictable. They said they don't want to wear suncream which is why they are covering up. 

    We do force/help them to take their hoodie off because its in their best interests. We use an umbrella to shade them since they refuse to sit in the shade. 

    We don't know what else we can do as such but the self injury is a problem. But the root of the problem is not being able to tolerate suncream. 

Children
  • in reply to NAS80219

    A little sun is one thing, but with all children, sometimes the best you can do is help them explore options, understand consequences and give them everything they need to learn to make better choices. 

    One thing which is particular to Autism is a different Salience Network: feeling everything as "too real". Being that humans have a capacity for so much, if I have a great deal of extra-sensory affects incoming, I can be overwhelmed by only so many before I'm no longer aware of everything else. I've heard individuals describe an experience of psilocybin (in the States where small controlled situations are legal) as tapping into this part of the brain - suddenly the senses 'come alive'. They mentioned they wouldn't be able to cope like this 24/7. Autistics learn to cope. Everything is an intense impact. 

    So, I'm a bit confused. The student must cover up, but when they do they're forced to uncover? 

    In the desert, it's better to wear natural fibres (not polyester) like cotton because you can't wear enough sunscreen. So, if the student has opted for a long sleeve and a hat, then I may suggest to meet them where they're willing to appropriate Self-Care.

    Not doing work is another element. But, the sun is healthy and not year round in the UK. A regular dose is actually good for wellbeing. I would suggest help them learn to negotiate. Is taking a break in the sun a way of rejuvenating the self for a more productive burst of action? If so, then a pause to shut down and regroup could be better for them on the whole. if they're at a breaking point, and they perform the Adult Task of noticing their at a Limit, taking a Pause, and then going back to complete a Task, then perhaps they're not doing everything wrong. 

    Basically, it's probably important to explore everything they're impacted and overwhelmed by. Obviously I don't know how old this individual is, and where they're at in growth, which can make a difference. 

    Children trust those who they feel seen and understood by. It's better to not create a double-bind here, allow a cotton covering and see if they'll just use sunscreen on the nose to begin. Start small.