Timing is everything

If you've been following my posts lately you have seen me reflect upon the very common sensory issues Sophia has to cope with as part of her autism condition, and how these can impact childhood. 

We visited the beach for the first time since she was one years old (she slept through the visit then and was none the wiser). If we had visited when she was 3-5yrs of age the trip would have been a completely negative experience. All of her anxieties would have been triggered. 

They all had a fantastic time, we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. There were no meltdowns. No crying. They could be themselves, and practice the coping strategies we teach them within the home and follow through with them in a brand new environment, full of textures, noises, smells and sights previously unexperienced except through YouTube. I am so beaming with pride right now.

Throughout the entire day, the only time Sophia was stressed was when we were eating after beach time, as she was fixating on the stubborn grains of sand on her fingers. However she could still eat and enjoy her meal with the aid of wipes. Win! 


Was it easy for her? No

Did she do a stellar job controlling it? Yes

Was she masking? No

Did she enjoy herself? Yes


Was there a struggle between her natural childlike instinct of curiosity and her inner struggles as a result of autism? Yes

The hard work and teaching from the last few years meant that this photo could take place. She was playing voluntarily with wet sand! I would have been happy if she was just ok with the dry sand, but she could also cope with wet sand which was more like mud than anything else. 

She panicked momentarily when she first had dirty hands and knees. I just called out to her, 'Use the sea to help you!', she knew immediately what I meant and then she was okay. The coping mechanism was set and she could enjoy herself, knowing she could go in the sea to help reset her, and clean herself. I am so proud of her. 

She was pushed to her limits sensory wise, we tried her with the arcades too, and she coped really well. It really helped that it was quiet, pretty much had the whole place to ourselves apart from a few dog walkers. She was, mentally tired the next day which is to be expected. 

I know this could be a one off.

I know she may not be able to deal with it as well next time.

I know this doesn't mean that all is 'fixed'.

I can be proud of this win for her. 

I can use the experience to remind her, to help in another scenario. 

She was in a good headspace, this makes all the difference. I am aware that it could have been a totally different experience, a far more negative experience if she had been struggling mentally at the start of the day. 


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