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How to Get Your Autistic Child to Wear Sunscreen: Tips, Tools, and Sensory-Friendly Options
- Autism-Talk
- Jun 18
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
When Sunscreen Battles Feel Like a Full-Body Workout
Every time one of my kids goes in for a well-child visit, I cringe a little. The doctor inevitably glances at their already-tan—or slightly pink—skin and pointedly asks, “Are they wearing sunscreen every day?”
I’ll admit it: I’m not great about this.
It’s not because I don’t care. It’s just… the screaming, the whining, the sprinting through the house like we’re in a sunscreen-themed game of tag. Sometimes I’m so relieved they actually want to go outside that I let it slide.
But when kids have sensory processing differences, applying sunscreen can be a huge challenge—and skipping it doesn’t really help them long term.
So if your autistic child resists sunscreen, here are some realistic, tested ideas that might help.
1. Why Do Autistic Children Resist Sunscreen?
Many kids dislike sunscreen, but autistic children often face sensory-specific challenges:
Texture: Cream feels slimy, sticky, or greasy
Smell: Fragranced options can be overwhelming
Temperature: Cold lotion triggers sensory shock
Noise: Spray nozzle hiss can be startling
Routine break: Unexpected touch or process disrupts comfort
Past experiences: Negative encounters exacerbate resistance
A sunscreen social story for autism can help prepare children by walking through each step visually and reassuringly.
2. All the Sensory-Friendly Sunscreen Options
If your child struggles with how sunscreen feels, try experimenting with the format. Here are some sensory-friendly sunscreen options worth considering:
Gel Sunscreen – Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and often matte. Good for kids who hate greasy textures.
Stick Sunscreen – No mess on hands, precise application. Ideal for face, ears, and small areas.
Roll-On Sunscreen – Feels like using a paint roller or marker. Roll-on sunscreen can be
especially helpful for children with autism who want more control over the process.
There are many different options for sunscreen such as roll on or even brush on versions. Spray Sunscreen – Quick and efficient for covering large areas. My kids personally hate the sound and feel, but it’s great in a pinch when I need to cover arms and legs fast.
Spray sunscreen is quick and efficient for covering large areas. Powder Sunscreen – Applied with a soft makeup brush. I just recently learned about this and haven’t tried it yet, but I’m hopeful—my kids can’t stand how “slimy” most other sunscreens feel.
Foam Brush or Makeup Sponge – Pour lotion into a soft brush or sponge and let your child “paint” it on. This reduces cold, sticky sensations.
Warm Lotion in Hands First – Rub sunscreen between your palms to take the chill off before applying.
If you’re looking for autism sunscreen strategies that actually work, start by testing these different formats to see which your child tolerates best.
3. Letting Kids Apply Their Own Sunscreen
Giving kids control over sunscreen application can ease power struggles and increase cooperation. But for autistic children—especially those with limited body awareness—it often works best in front of a mirror.
Many children with autism struggle to sense where their body begins and ends. Without visual input, they may miss entire areas. Applying sunscreen in front of a mirror helps them:
See where they’ve already applied
Notice gaps in coverage
Feel more independent and successful
Try prompting them step by step:"Let’s do your left arm. Now check your nose. Can you get your neck too?"
My older kids now insist on applying their own sunscreen. They’re proud of it—but I have to admit, the resulting tan lines can be... unique. Think zebra stripes, mystery ovals, and entire missed shoulders. Still, I’ll take it over a meltdown any day.
4. Make It Playful: Sunscreen Games That Help
With my own kids, turning sunscreen into a playful game is often the most effective strategy. That said, I don’t always feel playful or have the energy to make it fun—but I keep these ideas in my toolbox for the days I do have the time and energy to be playful.
🎨 “Sunscreen Painting” Games
“Can you paint more than I do?”
Let your child “race” to apply sunscreen to more body parts than you.
“Erase the Letter”
For kids who love letters, numbers, or shapes, apply a small amount of lotion in the shape of a letter. As you rub it in, "erase" it—then let your child request the next one.
“Mirror Match”
Stand in front of a mirror and say, “Do what I do!” Apply to your arm, leg, etc., while they copy you.
“Before the Timer!”
Set a visual timer (20–30 seconds) and say:“Can you get your legs done before the timer goes off?”
“Toy First”
Let your child apply pretend sunscreen to a plastic figurine first. Practicing on a toy helps reduce anxiety when it’s their turn.
“Freeze Dance Sunscreen”
Play music and pause it at random. Apply sunscreen during each "freeze" moment or let them take turns.
💡 Bonus Tip:
Add a playful storyline if it fits your child’s interests—like pretending sunscreen is superhero armor or magic bug-blocking lotion. The goal is to reduce pressure and increase participation.
5. I'm a Terrible Model—Here’s Why That Helps
Not gonna lie—I hate sunscreen too. The smell, the stickiness, the effort.
But here’s the thing: when my kids hear me discuss my own discomfort, it teaches them that they can tolerate it too. We’re not pretending it’s fun—we’re just saying, “It’s worth doing.”
And when they get a say in how it happens, even better.
6. Using Visual Tools & Routines
Predictability helps children feel safe. If you’re teaching a sunscreen routine to an autistic child, visuals can make a big difference.
Try a social story to walk through what sunscreen is, why it’s important, and how to use it
Use photos or icons to preview each step of your summer routine
Offer first/then visuals (e.g., “First sunscreen, then bike ride”)
Add choice boards: “Do you want the gel or the stick today?”
I created a Sunscreen Social Story with real photos and editable text that many families use as part of their daily summer routine.
7. Practical Tips That Work
Offer two choices—format, location, or who applies
Build sunscreen into your visual schedule
Apply it while your child is swinging or watching a short video
Add UPF clothing or long sleeves to reduce application areas
Other Resources You May Like
🌞 Wearing Sunscreen Bundle– Includes social stories for sunscreen, swimming, bug spray, and more
🧺 Summer Social Story Bundle – Sunscreen, camp, bike helmets.... social stories all around summer themes.
🏖️Autism Summer Tips Parent Handout for End of the Year School Year Transition
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