Autism and Thunder

Poor guy! I was thinking headphones, but you've tried that already. Is it just the thunder or the flashing lightening that is bothersome to him?

I know nothing of autism, but my suggestion is to make a game of it. Every time he hears thunder he has to spin around and touch his nose. Every time he sees lightening he has to cluck like a chicken. I figure try to make it fun for him. Just thinking something I would do for my toddler.

I know nothing of autism, but my suggestion is to make a game of it. Every time he hears thunder he has to spin around and touch his nose. Every time he sees lightening he has to cluck like a chicken. I figure try to make it fun for him. Just thinking something I would do for my toddler.

really good answer, i was going to say try to make him less afraid of them like this

I don't know what state you are in but is there an autism society or organization where you live? I know in my state there is and they may have some resources -- someone to talk to for ideas, suggestions, etc. Have you talked with your son's teachers? They may have some experience or ideas. What about doctors?

Are you accessing all the available community resources available to you? I know in my county the mental health department helps with programs for kids on the spectrum (and their families). Is your son on the DD waiver and accessing the resources that can be used there? They might have professionals who might help with this and many other issues, including respite services for you.

Yes, I've been through the gamut. My son is high functioning so entirely different problems. But accessing resources for kids on the spectrum is pretty common. Send me a message if you want other suggestions or info.

To give one more info: Charlie does know what causes thunder, but he can't seem to be rational about it. He can sense a storm coming hours before it hits and it's uncanny how he knows it's coming.

This child can also hear a vehicle and somehow he knows it's make, model, engine size, transmission type and exhaust type. He knows what type of fuel it takes, diesel, etc and special feature, such as altezza tail light ...

So his hearing and memory are uncanny.

He's got the emotional demeanor of a much younger child.. Like a five yr ol.

I will look into the autism society.

I really don't have any suggestions but is it maybe that he's feeling the thunder and that's why the headphones don't work? I am not autistic and love summer thunder storms because I love the feeling of the boom. Him being able to identify the engines of cars could be similar, I love to ride in fast powerful cars because of the vibration of the engine. I can also feel them coming usually before I hear them. While the feeling is thrilling to me it may really disturb him.

I have asperger's, and I suspect it's the pain from the combination of bright lights and loud noises that is causing problems. I installed blackout curtains in my room to dampen the flash (lightning can wake me out of a dead sleep, otherwise), and music with or without headphones can help with the sound, though I doubt headphones would be enough by themselves. You can also try getting him involved with whatever his current obsession is. Mine was rocket science at his age, and if I was reading about rockets in a room without an outside window, I could completely ignore the storms since I couldn't see the flash and could tune out the boom. Getting him into researching the weather patterns and basis for lightning and thunder can also help. Knowing why a thing is helps remove the fear of the unknown. Hope that helps.

Well, my son Stevie is not phased by thunderstorms but he is scared of the dark. So, as you know, usually when the thunderstorms are pretty severe, then the power tends to go out. So, I keep the flashlights in close range and I use my son's portable DVD player and pop in some of his favorite DVD movies, such as The Lorax and Brave, and just pop those in, while the thunderstorm is going on and just sit with him and chill till he falls asleep. I give my son melatonin at night, which calms him and helps him sleep through the night. So, maybe your son could watch a favorite DVD movie or listen to soft lullabyish music like The Carpenters or something. My son is severely autistic and non-verbal and he is 6 btw. Does he use rocking as a form of self-calming? Maybe a trampoline or an exercise ball would help him to calm down during the storm, what about a social story on thunderstorms? Just some thoughts!