Navigating Power Outages with Autism

Recently, Kawartha Lakes was hit by a powerful ice storm. With freezing rain causing downed trees and power lines, thousands of people were left in the dark for hours, or even days. The storm created a chaotic and often stressful situation, leaving many without power and scrambling for warmth and safety. For families, caregivers, and loved ones of those with autism, these disruptions can amplify the challenges we already face.

In a time when the world feels unpredictable and the storm outside rages, we know that something as simple as losing power can create even more hurdles. While power outages are difficult for everyone, they can be especially overwhelming for people with autism. Wƒe understand how crucial it is to make sense of those challenges and find ways to support our loved ones during such moments.

Why Power Outages Can Be Tough for Those with Autism

1. Routine Disruption:
   For many autistic individuals, routines are everything. A predictable schedule provides comfort, reducing anxiety and allowing them to navigate the world with confidence. When the power goes out, it can disrupt every aspect of the day. No lights, no screens, no familiar noises—everything goes quiet and chaotic. This sudden change can lead to heightened anxiety, confusion, and frustration.

2. Sensory Sensitivities:
   The sensory overload that accompanies a power outage is no small thing. Without the usual hum of electronics, buzzing lights, or air conditioning, silence can feel deafening. Some individuals with autism are hypersensitive to changes in their environment, and the sudden stillness might be overwhelming. On the flip side, the loudness of the storm itself or the noises from backup generators can be distressing for someone sensitive to sound.

3. Lack of Visual Cues:
   Autistic individuals often rely on visual cues to feel grounded in their environment. With a power outage, everything becomes darker and harder to navigate. This can lead to a sense of disorientation and stress, especially for those who rely on lights, devices, or even certain patterns in their surroundings to feel secure.

4. Inability to Escape Stressors:
   For some, having a space where they can retreat to during stressful times is essential. Whether it's their favorite show, a calming app, or their favorite light fixture, these small comforts can become lifelines. A power outage takes that ability to retreat away, leaving them with no way to self-regulate when the world around them feels too much.

What You Can Do to Support During Power Outages

We believe that even when the lights go out, support doesn’t have to. Here are a few ways you can help make things a little easier for someone with autism during these unpredictable times:

• Prepare in Advance:
  If you know a storm is coming, try to have a plan in place. Having extra batteries, flashlights, or even calming sensory items (weighted blankets, fidget toys) ready can help reduce some of the anxiety.

• Stick to Routines Where Possible:
  If the power goes out during a specific time of day, try to maintain other aspects of the routine. For example, if it's time for a meal, try to serve food in the usual way—even if it's by candlelight or a flashlight!

• Offer Reassurance:
  It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when everything suddenly changes. Offer simple, clear explanations: "The power is out right now, but it will come back on soon." Reassurance can help reduce anxiety when everything else feels uncertain.

• Use Calming Techniques:
  If the storm or the power outage itself is causing distress, help your loved one use calming techniques, such as deep breathing, soft music (if you have a battery-powered option), or familiar sensory objects. Sometimes, having a quiet space to retreat to—even if it’s just with a blanket and a soft toy—can help a lot.

Weathering the Storm with Care and Support

Kawartha Lakes may have weathered some tough storms recently, but together, we can weather the storm of autism-related challenges that come with it. Power outages might be unavoidable, but with a little planning and understanding, we can all make sure our autistic loved ones feel supported, safe, and heard, no matter what’s happening outside.

At ARK, we’re here to help guide you through those stormy days and beyond, offering resources, tips, and a community of support. After all, the power may go out, but the love and support within our Kawartha Lakes community? That’s always on.

Stay safe, stay supported.