7 Tips to Make Wearing Masks More Comfortable (For those with Sensory Challenges)
Wearing masks can be difficult for anyone. It can be even more difficult if you have a condition like autism, where you may have challenges with sensory information such as touch, texture and the feeling of having your mouth and nose covered.
Now that mask-wearing has been introduced in the Perth, Peel, South West and Great Southern regions of Western Australia, here are a few tips that may help to make mask wearing more comfortable, particularly for those who experience sensory challenges:
Practice putting different fabrics over your face for a few seconds/minutes. This could include a warm flannel, silk, face mask (the beauty kind) or other soft material. Build up the time you have this on your face as you feel more comfortable.
Practice wearing a mask for the first few times in a quiet environment. This will reduce the need to cope with extra noise and other sensory input while you get used to your mask.
Young children with autism can be extra sensitive to smell, so be sure they brush their teeth before trying on a mask.
Choose a fun pattern or design your own mask to make it more enjoyable to wear.
For younger children, it may help to model wearing a mask by family members or on their favourite toys.
Chew gum or suck on a lolly for distraction while wearing a mask and to improve the smell of recycled air under the mask.
For some, a social story of wearing masks may be helpful. Examples of story for different ages and abilities can be read here:
There are exemptions for people who have a physical, developmental, or mental illness, injury, condition or disability which makes wearing a face mask unsuitable; please speak to your GP or medical professional for more information.
If you would like to see one of our Occupational Therapists, please contact our Albany office on 9842 2797.
For more tips and information, visit https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/
Guest Author: Ashleigh Kennedy - Occupational Therapist