Hurricane Helene during the last week of September 2024
Calm is hard to find when the wind is howling outside, rain is lashing against the windows, and the power flickers on and off. For most people, it’s unsettling but manageable. Now, imagine that same situation through the eyes of an autistic individual—sudden loud noises, flickering lights, and abrupt changes in routine. Everything becomes magnified and unpredictable. It’s no longer just a storm—it’s a sensory storm, shattering the calm they depend on to feel secure.
Preparing for a hurricane with an autistic loved one can feel emotionally overwhelming. Their need for routine and tranquility can be shaken by the unpredictability of a storm. Yet, there are ways to bring order to the chaos. Many families with autistic or neurodiverse children, especially in hurricane-prone states like Florida, face these challenges each season. By following these four essential steps, you can create a sense of comfort, control, and safety, even when the storm feels unbearable.
What Makes Hurricane Preparedness Different for Autistic Individuals?
Hurricanes bring unpredictability, which can trigger intense anxiety in autistic individuals. Sensory sensitivities—like heightened reactions to loud noises, bright lights, or sudden changes—can make the storm unbearable. Moreover, autistic individuals often rely on routine for emotional stability. A break in that routine due to an evacuation or power outage can feel like the end of the world.
That’s why hurricane preparedness for autism isn’t just about gathering supplies—it’s about creating an environment that provides physical and emotional safety.
Step 1: Build an Autism-Friendly Emergency Kit
When you’re building an emergency kit, go beyond the basics. Sure, you’ll need water, non-perishable food, and flashlights—but what about items that offer comfort and security for an autistic loved one?
Sensory Items: Pack their favorite fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted blankets. These can be essential for soothing sensory overload.
Comfort Tools: Familiar items, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, can offer reassurance in an uncertain situation. Familiar objects bring a sense of calm and comfort to autistic and neurodiverse individuals.
Medications: Make sure you have an adequate supply of any necessary medications, along with instructions for use. This is especially important if access to pharmacies is limited during the storm.
Step 2: Create a Clear, Step-by-Step Plan
Autistic individuals often struggle with uncertainty, making it difficult for them to find calm in stressful situations. By creating a clear, visual plan of action, you can help ease some of that anxiety and provide a sense of stability.
Visual Supports: Use picture schedules or social stories to explain what to expect during a hurricane. Break down tasks like packing, going to a shelter, or even losing power in a way that’s digestible and reassuring.
Communication Strategies: If your child is non-verbal or has difficulty communicating, consider using apps or tools that can help them express how they’re feeling during an emergency.
Practice Drills: Regularly practicing what to do if a hurricane hits will make the process feel more familiar and less frightening.
Step 3: Prepare Your Space to Minimize Sensory Overload
Storms are filled with sensory triggers—flashing lights, blaring sirens, wind, and thunder—that can disrupt any sense of calm. Preparing your space to minimize these overwhelming disruptions can make all the difference in creating a safe haven during the chaos.
Safe Zones: Set up a designated quiet space where your autistic loved one can retreat to if things become overwhelming. This can be as simple as a tent or a corner of the room.
Managing Sensory Inputs: Dim the lights, use blackout curtains, and make sure noise-canceling headphones are within reach. Small changes in the environment can have a big impact.
Step 4: Emotional Support During and After the Hurricane
Even when the storm passes, the emotional storm may remain. Transitions, disruptions in routine, and heightened anxiety can linger long after the weather clears.
Calming Techniques: Use deep pressure techniques, calming apps, or familiar routines to help your loved one manage stress. These strategies can provide a soothing effect on the nervous system for autistic and neurodiverse individuals.
Rebuilding Routines: Once the storm passes, reintroducing regular routines, such as meals, sleep schedules, or daily activities, can help your child regain a sense of normalcy.
Autism-Friendly Apps and Resources for Emergencies
There are plenty of apps designed to help families navigate emergency situations with autistic individuals. Consider apps like:
Calm: For guided meditation and breathing exercises.
Proloquo2Go: For non-verbal communication.
Autism SOS: For tracking and managing safety.
Involving Your Child in the Preparations
Encourage your child’s confidence by making them a part of the process. Give them age-appropriate responsibilities, like packing their favorite sensory items or helping to create a visual schedule.
Communicating with First Responders
Prepare for the possibility of needing emergency help, as having an autism identification card or alert readily available can help maintain a sense of calm. This ensures that first responders can provide the appropriate care your loved one needs in a time of crisis.
The Role of Schools and Community Programs in Hurricane Preparedness
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school or local autism programs. They may offer resources or assist in creating continuity during the storm.
Handling the Aftermath: Transitioning Back to Normalcy
Once the storm passes, it’s important to ease back into routines gradually. Be mindful of emotional and sensory challenges that may persist as you transition back to normal life.
The Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers
Caring for an autistic loved one during a hurricane can be both physically and emotionally draining, making it essential to find moments of calm amidst the chaos. Don’t forget to take care of yourself; prioritize rest, seek help when you need it, and remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
A Team Effort: Rallying Family and Friends
In times of crisis, it’s perfectly okay to lean on others for support and to create a sense of calm. Involve family and friends in your autism-friendly preparedness plan; having a strong support network can lighten the load and provide you with much-needed peace of mind.
Conclusion
No one can control the weather, but you can control how you respond. With a thoughtful, autism-friendly hurricane preparedness plan, you can calm the chaos and create a safe, supportive environment for your loved one. The storm will pass, but the peace of mind you’ve built will stay long after the winds die down.
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