CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Summer means school is out and pools are open, but for kids with autism, the heat can cause sensory sensitivity, according to autismspeaks.org.

It's an issue that affects a lot of children in the Tar Heel state. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the prevalence of autism detected in children between the ages of 4 and 8 has increased in recent years and the disorder in North Carolina 8-year-olds is significantly higher than the national average.  


What You Need To Know

  • 1 in 58 children has autism in North Carolina, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • Autism is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact, according to autismspeaks.org

  • There are 488 summer camps in N.C., according to kidscamps.com, and in a 60-mile radius of Charlotte, only 24 are all-inclusive

Some kids spend their summers at camp, but 6-year-old Lucas Day prefers to stay at home playing on the swings with his sister because of his autism.

"There are a lot of kids that can’t go and be in a classroom or typical camp setting," said James Day, Lucas' father.

According to Day, there aren’t many camps in the Charlotte area that are specialized for kids on the spectrum. Kidscamp.com reports a total of 488 summer camps in the state. Only 24 of them are all inclusive-camps within a 60-mile radius of Charlotte.

For those with autism spectrum disorder, big groups and loud noises can be overwhelming. So instead of going to the pool, Day says water balloons can be a fun interactive way to keep his son cool.

According to healthcentral.com, kids with autism struggle with sensitivity, and when it’s too hot, their symptoms are exacerbated. For kids who are non-verbal, explaining that it’s too hot can be difficult and frustrating. So when Lucas isn’t outside, he’s inside wearing headphones to avoid loud noises that can be triggering.

As his parents learn how to make him feel comfortable, they too want the community to understand.

"Talking with people, letting people understand what autism is, so people don’t necessarily shy away, they say, 'What can I do to help your family so they’re included at pool time, out at the parks?'" said Lyndsie Day, Lucas' mother. "Making sure that it isn’t taboo, it isn’t something you don’t want to talk about because it makes you uncomfortable. We want to talk about it, so kids like Lucas are included.”

It's a sentiment James Day says he hopes goes beyond summer.

"Just making sure that when Lucas grows up that the world is more understanding of individuals on the spectrum and their needs. Kids on the spectrum do have different needs than the typical child, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have fun in the summer just like everyone else.”

If you or someone you know has autism, resources for families are available, such as Autism Charlotte, the Autism Strong Foundation and Channing’s Joy Foundation.