A day at the beach with an autistic child: sand, sea and sun cream

The beach is wide open, bright, loud with wind and gulls, and the sand gets everywhere. For many autistic children, a few sensory workarounds turn it from unbearable into a favourite.

Sand

If sand on skin is the problem, keep shoes or water shoes on, bring a big mat or a pop-up tent as a sand-free base, and a bucket of water and a towel for feet before you leave. Dry sand brushes off much more easily with a little talc.

Sun cream

Cold, sticky, smelly: sun cream is often the real battle. Try a spray or a stick, put it on at home before you set off, use a UV swim suit and a hat to cover most skin, and make it a timed step on the picture strip, with a reward after.

The sea

Waves are loud and unpredictable. Start at the edge, hold hands, and let your child decide how far. Armbands for any paddling. A child who only ever watches the sea from the mat has still been to the beach.

Safety and finding you

Write your phone number on your child’s arm or use a wristband.
Pick a landmark and practise ‘if you can’t see me, stand by the lifeguard flag’.
A bright hat or rash vest makes them easy to spot.

Noise, wind and rest

Ear defenders for the gulls and the wind. A beach tent gives shade, a quiet corner and a place to eat. Plan one swim, one dig, one snack, then home before the tired point, not after.

Make the free story first

Type your child’s name and get “Sam goes to the beach” as a picture story: one picture and one sentence a page, in their name. Read it a few times before the day, then take it with you. Print it, save it as a PDF, or read it in the Now & Next app with every routine as a story too.

Make the story (free) Open the app

Kits that go with this guide

Calm Down Corner Kit (£4.49): A Calm Corner sign, 8 calming posters, a feelings scale, a calm choices board and 18 cards.

Written by a dad to an autistic son with ADHD. This is everyday parenting advice, not medical or therapy advice. If you’re worried about your child, talk to your GP, health visitor or school SENCo.