Let’s talk about temperature regulation for autistic people. - a thread. /1

Many autistic people have difficulties regulating their body temperature. This usually comes in two extremes - some are less sensitive to temperature (hyposensitive) and others are extremely sensitive to thermal stimuli (hypersensitive). /2

My cousin and I for example are both autistic but we don’t experience this in the same way. He struggles to know when he is hot and cold, so you may find him wearing a jumper in very hot weather, or not wearing a coat when it is snowing. /3

I, on the other hand, am extremely sensitive to temperature (more so heat). I find the heat unbearable. I can hardly function. I hate feeling sticky and clammy (sensory issues!). /4

I become overheated very quickly. I can’t stand baths because the heat makes me feel dizzy, light-headed and makes my legs come out in itchy rashes due to being hot. It can take me longer to cool down after certain activities because of this. /5

This is part of the whole sensory processing system and the way our neural feedback mechanisms in our brains work. As a result we can be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to temperature, and our bodies may struggle to adapt to changes in temperature. /6

For me, this means I struggle with the sensory aspect of getting in and out of the shower. The sudden change in temperature causes rashes and light-headedness. Getting out of a warm car in the winter into the cold can take me longer to adapt. /7

Difficulty with temperature regulation, especially hypersensitivity to heat, can lead to meltdowns and shutdowns. We may struggle to focus. We may feel extremely uncomfortable due to being unable to stand the sensation of sweat or clamminess. /8

It really varies for each autistic person, but struggling with temperature regulation (whether that is hypo or hypersensitivity) is a commonly shared autistic trait! /9