By addressing the specific needs of neurodivergent children in their emergency planning, parents can both help their children feel safer and more prepared, as well as feel more assured in their own preparations.
Preparing Neurodivergent Kids for Natural Disasters: A Guide for Parents
Preparing Neurodivergent Kids for Natural Disasters: A Guide for Parents
Whole Child Neuro
With recent news of wildfires devastating parts of LA, people not just in California but all over the world are taking serious time to consider what their own needs are for navigating and surviving natural disasters.
For neurodivergent children, preparing for these events requires unique considerations that often go unconsidered during preparation discussions. By addressing the specific needs of neurodivergent children in their emergency planning, parents can both help their children feel safer and more prepared, as well as feel more assured in their own preparations.
Why Neurodivergence Requires Specific Planning
Neurodivergent children process and respond to the world differently than their neurotypical peers, which affects how they will experience, understand, and react to emergencies, as well as what they will need to navigate them. Some of these experiences include:
Unique Communication Needs: Neurodivergent children may struggle with understanding abstract concepts, social cues or processing verbal instructions, especially under stress. When you need to provide instructions, try to provide them one at a time, or have a hand out like a flashcard prepared with visual aids to help your child remember what to do. You can take time to teach these symbols (like an exit sign, or an image of a car) so they know what these cards are communicating to them if they are needed. Make sure to use clear, simple, and age appropriate language.
Sensory Sensitivities: Many neurodivergent folks, especially children, manage sensory issues that make loud, sudden noises or lights difficult to deal with. In an emergency there may be loud sirens, flashing lights, or crowded shelters which can trigger those issues and may be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Planning ahead to reduce sensory overload by packing an emergency pack with things like noise canceling headphones, or other tools they use to manage their sensory difficulties can make a significant difference.
Need for Routine and Predictability: Disasters inherently disrupt routines, which can be particularly distressing for neurodivergent kids who depend on their routines for stability. Providing as much predictability as possible during uncertain times can help maintain a sense of security, whether it’s telling a bedtime story your child knows, or finding a way to remake part of their traditional routine, like breakfast with the whole family.
Cognitive Processing Differences: Neurodivergent children may need additional time or support to process new information or make decisions. Ensuring they have the space to ask questions and understand what’s happening at their own pace is crucial, and why taking time to prepare for natural disasters can help better equip them to navigate those moments.
Talking to Your Child About Natural Disasters
It’s natural for parents to feel anxious about natural disasters, but it’s important to manage your own fears when talking to your child, so that your child doesn’t adopt those fears as their own. Children look to parents for cues about how to react, and to be assured of their own safety, so it’s important to stay as calm and reassuring as you can, so you can create an environment where they feel safe to trust you with their fears.
Remember to share information thoughtfully by:
Being Honest and Clear: Let your child know what you know in a straightforward way. For example, “Sometimes we have earthquakes here. If one happens, we’ll follow our plan to stay safe.” Then, in simple terms, let them know what the plan is.
Not Concealing Information: While it may be tempting and even seem protective to withhold information to questions they’ve asked, what your child needs to know is that you are a safe, trustworthy person who will tell them the truth and be there to look out for them during these moments of emergency. Providing age-appropriate information reassures them that you are a trusted source of guidance, and that they can feel assured you’ll look after them.
Acknowledging Uncertainty: If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to say so. Give space to their questions, and let them know if you don’t know the answer to something, and that you will learn together if possible.
Making Space for Questions: You may think you know what your child will be most concerned about, but children’s fears and worries often differ from adults’. Instead of assuming what concerns they have, ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think about this?” or “Is there anything you’re wondering about?” This allows them to express themselves and feel heard, without having adult fears projected onto them.
Supporting Regulation During Stressful Times
Natural disasters disrupt daily life, which can make self-regulation more challenging for everyone, but especially neurodivergent kids. Here are some ways to support them:
Prepare Sensory Tools: Pack noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or weighted blankets in your emergency kit to help manage sensory overload.
Create a New Routine: While existing routines may be interrupted, finding ways to establish temporary routines—such as setting meal times or creating a quiet corner in a shelter where you tell them stories they know from their old routines—can provide comfort.
Practice Coping Skills: Work with your child’s therapist to identify strategies for staying calm, such as deep breathing or grounding exercises. Practice these together regularly so they become familiar and comfortable with them, and are able to utilize them in moments of need.
Planning for Logistics
For many neurodivergent children, logistical preparation is critical:
Organize Essential Documents: Does your child have a lot of medical paperwork, or important documents that aid in their care? Make sure all important documents are in a fire-proof box so you can easily locate and transport them if needed.
Prepare Emergency Kits: Think of what natural disasters are most likely to occur in your area, and make a plan around that which addresses what will be disrupted and what tools can help soothe those disruptions. Include comfort items such as favorite snacks, small toys, or familiar objects alongside standard emergency supplies.
Practicing things like evacuating or taking shelter may help some children feel prepared (if they thrive on clear information and plans), while it may cause undue stress or anxiety in other children. Remember, in an emergency it is most important that you as a parent know the plan and know how to communicate effectively to your child in the moment, and that your child knows they can rely on you to guide them during an emergency. If you can help them prepare to focus and listen to you in moments of emergency, that may be enough to prepare them without adding stress or anxiety. Consult with your child's therapist to determine the best course of action if you aren't sure.
Many emergency services host events to help children understand what to expect during a disaster. These programs can provide exposure to first responders and emergency protocols in a controlled, safe environment so your child can feel prepared for scenes or protocols they encounter during an emergency. Check with local organizations for events tailored to children or neurodivergent families.
A Compassionate Approach to Preparedness
Preparing neurodivergent kids for natural disasters is about working with their strengths and needs. By fostering open communication, supporting regulation, and maintaining routines, parents can help their children feel more secure in uncertain times. Compassion and understanding are the most important tools you have as a parent—both for your child and for yourself.
Is your family looking for extra support right now?
Whole Child Neurodevelopment Group is a leading provider of psychological services by offering comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and therapy services for children and young adults in the Greater Los Angeles area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your child.