07/31/2026
It’s hot out there!
☀️ AUTISM & EXTREME HEAT: A PSA FOR FAMILIES
As temperatures continue to climb across our communities, we wanted to share an important reminder that many people may not know.
Individuals with autism can face unique challenges during periods of extreme heat. Sensory differences, communication challenges, difficulty recognizing the body’s warning signs, and certain medications can all increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Heat is already the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, and emergency department visits for heat-related illness rise dramatically during periods of extreme heat. In 2023 alone, the CDC reported more than 119,000 heat-related emergency department visits, with 92% occurring between May and September.
For autistic children, it is especially important to:
💧 Offer water frequently—even if they don’t ask.
🧢 Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
👕 Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing.
🌳 Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
🚨 Watch for signs of overheating, including unusual fatigue, irritability, flushing, dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing, or changes in behavior.
Some autistic individuals may not recognize or communicate that they are becoming dangerously hot, making close supervision even more important during heat advisories.
A few extra precautions today can prevent a medical emergency tomorrow.
Please help us spread awareness by sharing this post. It may help keep an autistic child, or anyone vulnerable to extreme heat, safe this summer. ❤️
This PSA is brought to you by The Owen Academy.
Sources:
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Heat-Related Emergency Department Visits — United States, May–September 2023
• CDC Heat Health Program
• The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific: “Mental disorders and heat-related emergency hospital admissions”
