Published on 12, July, 2020
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.
Given that wind is a feature of weather and that being able to go outside is a fundamental necessity for a meaningful life then encouraging a child who has difficulties seems to be the correct thing to do. A deep hood is a useful way of minimising the feeling of wind on the skin of the face and head and various headphones and earplugs can cut down the noise of the wind. I think that experimenting with ways of ameliorating the sensory problems of the outdoors is much better than having a child restricted to being indoors all the time. It is down to bargaining and making things as easy for her as possible rather than coercion.
Thank you for your response. I agree I don’t want to force her I guess I want to encourage her as much as possible. Lots of options seems to be a good way to go to relieve the sensory issues.