September 3, 2021
While most people can enjoy summer without having to take too much precaution, warmer weather can present an increased risk of health complications or injury for kids with special needs. To help keep your child safe this summer, it’s important to plan for appropriate summer safety. Here’s how you can plan to have a safe and fun summer.
Make Sure Your Child Is Kept Cool and Is Always Hydrated
Hydration is important for everyone, especially in the summer. Children with special needs may be taking medications that can cause side effects, like:
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
- Increased sensitivity to the sun (which can make them more likely to get a sunburn)
- Difficulty regulating body temperature (heat intolerance)
These side effects can significantly increase the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. To avoid complications from dehydration or heat stroke:
- Make sure your child drinks hydrating fluids every 30 minutes
- Dress your child in light colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and a hat, to protect them from too much sun exposure and from overheating
- Apply sunscreen on your child at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (even on cloudy days)
- Stay in a shaded area or, if possible, an area with air conditioning
- Avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day (from 11am to 3pm)
Stay Inside if Necessary
Children who have a chronic lung disorder, like asthma or cystic fibrosis, may need to forego outdoor activities if the weather is too hot. Heat waves can lead to poor air quality, which can make it difficult for children with a chronic lung disorder to breathe. Poor air quality can also increase the risk of lung infection for children with lung disorders. When planning an outdoor activity, consider checking the air quality where you live by using the website Airnow.gov.
Be Aware of Surfaces and/or Materials That Can Burn the Skin
Children with certain conditions may have decreased sensitivity to heat and therefore not be able to feel if a surface is too hot or burns their skin. Children who depend on wheelchairs may be at risk for overheating quickly because plastic components, including the cushion, can easily heat up in the sun and hotter temperatures. If your child is sitting in their wheelchair in the sun, armrests, footrests, and the metal frame can absorb enough heat to possibly burn your child’s skin. Consider keeping an umbrella with you that can be attached to the wheelchair to keep it out of the sun, or staying in a shaded area.
Practice Water Safety
Water can pose an extra risk for children with special needs. For example, children with autism are attracted to water, but don’t necessarily understand the danger it presents. Drowning is a leading cause of death among children with autism. To keep your child safe around and/or in water, practice these water safety guidelines:
- Always put a life vest on your child
- Never leave your child alone or near the water
- If your child is in a wheelchair, do not leave them unattended near the water
- If you’re swimming with your child, always stay within an arm’s length of them
Keep Medications Out of the Sun
When you fill your child’s medications, you probably notice that there are instructions for how to store them. When medications are exposed to light or heat, they can lose their effectiveness. If your child will need to take medication while out, always keep the medication with you in a cool location. Do not leave medications in the car or out in the sun. The best place to keep medication with you while outdoors is in a cooler packed with ice packs or frozen gel packs.
Be Prepared
The best way to have a fun and safe outing in the summer is to be prepared. Make sure to pack plenty of cold hydrating liquids and any medications or equipment your child may need. Have a plan before leaving the house and make a checklist of items you need to pack to ensure you’ll have everything you need.
Sources:
https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/air-quality/how-weather-affects-air-quality#:~:text=Hot%20Weather&text=In%20the%20summers%20and%20especially,cities%20or%20nearby%20rural%20areas.&text=Heat%20waves%20often%20lead%20to,ozone%20pollution%20and%20particulate%20pollution. https://cysticfibrosisnewstoday.com/2017/08/30/study-links-air-pollution-and-bacterial-infection-in-young-american-children-with-cystic-fibrosis/
