12/07/2026
Useful information!
🌡️ Heatwaves can be challenging for everyone, but they can create a perfect storm for many neurodivergent people and families.
It's not just about feeling hot!
Increased temperatures can affect sensory processing, emotional regulation, interoception, sleep, concentration, communication, executive functioning, energy levels and overall wellbeing. Things that normally feel manageable may suddenly feel much harder.
🧠 Interoception, our ability to notice and interpret signals from our body, can already be difficult for some neurodivergent people. This can make it harder to recognise thirst, overheating, exhaustion, hunger, or rising stress levels. By the time we notice, we may already be struggling.
🔥 Heat places extra demands on the nervous system. Emotional regulation often becomes harder when our bodies are uncomfortable. You may notice feeling more irritable, overwhelmed, anxious, tearful, frustrated, or emotionally exhausted than usual.
🎧 Sensory differences can become more intense. Clothing, sweat, sunlight, noise from fans, strong smells, crowded spaces, and changes to routines can all contribute to sensory overload.
😴 Sleep is often disrupted during hot weather. Reduced sleep can increase sensory sensitivity, emotional responses, forgetfulness, demand avoidance, and difficulties with attention and concentration.
💧 Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Hydration, cooling strategies, rest, and regulation become even more important when temperatures rise.
👨👩👧👦 For neurodivergent parents, the impact can be even greater.
Heatwaves often bring disruption to routines and predictability. Schools may close classrooms, sports days are cancelled, break times change, children come home dysregulated and usual activities may no longer be possible.
At the same time, parents may be managing their own sensory discomfort, exhaustion, emotional regulation, executive functioning demands, and disrupted sleep.
This can mean:
• More family conflict
• More emotional outbursts
• Lower frustration tolerance
• Increased demand avoidance
• Greater sensory overwhelm
• Less capacity for planning, organising, and decision making
None of this means anyone is failing.
It means multiple nervous systems are working harder than usual in an environment that is placing additional demands on everyone.
❤️ During a heatwave, it can help to temporarily rethink expectations.
Maybe dinner is simpler.
Maybe screen time increases.
Maybe some tasks don't get done.
Maybe the goal is regulation rather than productivity.
Supporting wellbeing is productive.
If things feel harder than usual this week, there may be a very good reason. Heat affects our brains, bodies, nervous systems, and relationships. Sometimes the most neuroaffirming response is not trying harder, but recognising that conditions have changed and adapting accordingly.
