Should you take your autistic child to the beach?
We have taken Edward to the beach frequently since he was a baby. Up until he was a toddler he was fine on the beach. He was really happy to roll around and get completely covered in sand.
As he got older and more autistic characteristics began to develop he became trickier to take to the beach.
The first thing that we noticed was that he wouldn’t tolerate his bare feet on the sand. We would take his shoes and socks off and try and put him down on the sand but he would just cling to us with his feet off the sand. He also completely refused to go into the sea.
A few years ago he went through a phase of running off. The bigger the beach the worse it was. Wherever we would sit on the beach he would literally want to be at the other end. In total, I must have been able to sit down for all of 30 seconds before I had to get up again and sprint after him across the beach. If I’m taking the boys to the beach on my own, then I will only take him to small beaches so I can see him at all times and I haven’t got as far to run.
He would also try and pull strangers into the sea. They would say to him ‘Where’s your Mummy?’ and he responded ‘No, we go this way, we need to get clean!’
His favourite beach activity was to lob big pebbles into the sea….*cue Mummy having panic attacks that we was going to throw it at a little child… Fortunately this has never happened, but if I think he’s getting too close to other children then I will move him further away.
Just lately, he has improved his behaviour on the beach. He stays in reasonable proximity to us. He has stopped throwing such big pebbles into the sea and is more content to throw bits of wood and seaweed to watch them float away.
On our most recent trip to the beach, he actually came and sat on the beach mat with me and played with the sand.
So yes! You really should take your autistic child to the beach as much as you can. Of course it’s not without its risks and it certainly isn’t relaxing for me. However, Edward has THE best time everytime we take him to the beach. He is really happy being in his own little world throwing bits of seaweed and sticks into the water. I also believe that the more we go, the more his behaviour on the beach improves. We’ve gone from legging it right across the beach to coming and sitting down with me.
So what do you think? Do you think you should take autistic children to the beach? Even though it’s not at all relaxing for the adults and is, quite frankly, hard work. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
I used to look after a child who had autism when I was a child minder, as he would eat sand from the sand pit, I definitely wouldn’t have taken him to the beach #staycalassymama@_karendennis
I am autistic and so is my son and we both enjoy visiting the beach X #stayclassymama
I guess it depends on how you as a carer are feeling too. It is hard work, so you need to be on your toes. Are they getting joy out of it. Then I say go for it! #DreamTeam
I think it depends on the individuals involved. I would worry about the sensory overload unless the child was used to the beach scenario. #stayclassymama
My son loves the beach, when it’s not really crowded and busy. Sand on his feet and hands was an issue for a long time with his sensory issues but now he loves it. I think it’s a good idea if you can manage it and you can get enjoyment out of it. I love seeing kids at the beach and because I have worked with kids with special needs I am very aware that we need to have some tolerance and grace for stuff like stone throwing and sand chucking. Beaches are for everyone that can enjoy them.
I think that outsiders need to mind their own business more and let parents make decisions about their children without being judged. Thanks for linking up with #dreamteamlinky
Yes, yes YES! If it’s right for you and your little cutie, of course you should go to the beach. I can’t think of anything better than seeing little faces filled with joy from days out. Take it at your own pace and enjoy the memories in the making. Thank you for sharing your beach days with the #DreamTeamLinky xxx
Your son looks like he’s a pro at going to the beach thanks to his amazing mum! #Dream Team Linky
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