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Request for advice - is it ok to help children go outside their “comfort zone”?

NAS93017
1 month ago

My partners child has begun to struggle with going outside. She struggles with the noise of wind and gets upsets. Sometimes they are fine with it and other days they really struggle. I really want to be able to help and know the best way to handle the situation. I struggle to find help as I understand the spectrum is so so big. I guess in old terms they would be classed as high functioning. My other worry is that now she has the diagnosis she isn’t being encouraged to overcome the struggle where possible. I’m worried it will lead to a genuine fear of the outside that will only get worse. She is already starting to miss out on activities I know she would love and would love to be able to support both her and my partner in this. 
I am trying to do research and help as much as I can. 
any advice would be gratefully appreciated. 

Parents
  • 1 month ago

    I think it would be important to try to get her outside. But if shes forced too much and develops a more negative association with being outside then it'll be harder to overcome.

    There was a study with college students (cant remember who did it or when). They had the students revise but told them to stop once they felt any negative emotions due to studying (stressed, bored, etc). Once they decided to stop they were told to read one more page. Over time the number of pages they were meant to read once bored was increased, then eventually the students were able to revise for longer without having negative feelings. Having the students stop when overwhelmed helped them from having a less will to start revisions later. 

    Maybe having your partners child go outside but tell her that she can go inside when she needs to, that way she wont feel trapped and then know she can be on her own terms. 

    Offering things to help with the sensory struggles. Maybe even some bribery (ex. 'if you come to the park with us then you can choose a movie')

    Then of course '1 step forward, 2 steps back' 

Reply
  • 1 month ago

    I think it would be important to try to get her outside. But if shes forced too much and develops a more negative association with being outside then it'll be harder to overcome.

    There was a study with college students (cant remember who did it or when). They had the students revise but told them to stop once they felt any negative emotions due to studying (stressed, bored, etc). Once they decided to stop they were told to read one more page. Over time the number of pages they were meant to read once bored was increased, then eventually the students were able to revise for longer without having negative feelings. Having the students stop when overwhelmed helped them from having a less will to start revisions later. 

    Maybe having your partners child go outside but tell her that she can go inside when she needs to, that way she wont feel trapped and then know she can be on her own terms. 

    Offering things to help with the sensory struggles. Maybe even some bribery (ex. 'if you come to the park with us then you can choose a movie')

    Then of course '1 step forward, 2 steps back' 

Children