Autism and Hydration: What You Should Know

Staying well-hydrated each day can make a difference in how well you think, feel and perform. For people with autism, the same is true, but they also have some unique challenges that can make getting the hydration they need more difficult.

Challenges in Hydrating for People with Autism

Sensory sensitivities

Many people with autism have heightened sensory sensitivities that can make drinking water or other beverages challenging. The texture, temperature or the sound of liquids can be irritating, uncomfortable and overwhelming. Even the taste or smell of plain water can be off-putting to some people with autism, leading to a refusal to drink or a preference for less healthy beverages like sugary sodas or juices.

Routine and preference

Many kids and adults with autism thrive on routine and may develop strong preferences for specific types of drinks. While routine can be helpful, it can also lead to limited hydration options, especially if the preferred drink is not water or a healthy alternative that’s easily available throughout the day. However, the plus side is once you figure out which drinks will work, you can embed hydration into your loved one’s routine just like any other daily activity, so it becomes less of a challenge or chore.

Thirst recognition problems

Interoceptive senses help us recognize and respond to the signals our body gives us, such as thirst, hunger and needing to go to the bathroom. People with autism struggle with this interoception at higher rates than the general population. If they are hyporesponsive to thirst, they may not be drinking enough water because they cannot easily recognize the sensation of thirst. In contrast, people who are hyperresponsive to feelings of thirst may be overwhelmed by these sensations and drink too much because they continue to feel thirsty.

Not hydrating enough or drinking too much can lead to dizziness, confusion, headache and more serious symptoms, so it's vital for caretakers to monitor and encourage appropriate hydration.

Difficulty communicating

Communication difficulties due to autism can also affect hydration. For example, someone who doesn’t recognize thirst may not understand what thirst is and have difficulty expressing why they don’t drink water. Other people may not understand social cues indicating when it’s appropriate to request water. If a person has autism that affects their language skills and they are hyperresponsive to thirst, they may have trouble expressing why they feel compelled to constantly drink water. This can make it difficult for caregivers and others to understand the problem and how to solve it.

Adding Electrolyte Drinks to Enhance Hydration

Electrolyte drinks can be beneficial for meeting daily hydration and nutrition needs. This is true for most people, including individuals with autism. These drinks provide hydration plus replenish electrolytes, vital minerals that help the body’s cells make the most of hydration and are crucial for maintaining bodily functions. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus help regulate nerve and muscle function, balance blood volume and pressure, and aid in repairing damaged tissues.

Importance of ingredients

It’s important to read the ingredient labels on electrolyte drinks. Many available options are loaded with sugars, artificial flavors and colors, or artificial sweeteners, which can be counterproductive for the many people with autism who have sensitivities to certain dyes, preservatives, sugars or sweeteners. The same can be true for juices and other beverages.

Whether you or your child prefers electrolyte drinks, flavored water, juice or other drinks to hydrate with, one thing is clear—ingredients matter.

Avoid or limit added sugars – High sugar content can lead to energy spikes and crashes, which can be particularly disruptive for individuals with autism. Opt for drinks with low sugar, no added sugar or no sugars.
Steer clear of artificial additives – Artificial colors, flavors and preservatives can sometimes intensify behavioral issues and sensitivities. Look for options that use plant-based flavors and colors and don’t have other artificial additives.
Beware of artificial sweeteners – Check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals to see which artificial sweeteners your loved one should avoid. Some people are sensitive to certain sweeteners and may experience digestive distress or other unpleasant reactions.
Check for allergens – Ensure that the drinks do not contain common allergens, which could cause adverse reactions or substances you know your loved one is allergic to.

All Ultima Replenisher electrolyte mixes were made for daily hydration and have no sugar, no calories and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. We use only plant and fruit extracts to color and flavor our electrolyte mixes and organic stevia to add more flavor and sweetness.

Additionally, all our electrolyte mixes, from our classic flavors to our Variety packs and more, mix well with any temperature water so there are no surprises in texture as you drink.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

While the above challenges may seem daunting, advice from your loved one’s doctors and care team, as well as the following practical tips may help:

Establish a routine – Create a consistent drinking schedule to help your loved one develop the habit of drinking fluids regularly. You can have water waiting for them on their nightstand to drink right after waking.
Use visual or audio aids – Visual schedules and visual or audio reminders can be effective in prompting consistent hydration. Charts, timers, or apps designed for this purpose can be helpful.
Make hydrating fun – Use fun cups, water bottles or straws to make drinking more appealing. Let them add stickers or non-toxic paints to their container. Even better, let them choose their own straws and water bottles so they’re more likely to use them. Make sure you consider and test the way the bottle opens, as this can either enhance or disrupt their willingness to hydrate.
Pump up the flavor of water – Have options beyond plain water. In addition to having multiple flavors of Ultima electrolyte mixes on hand, try adding natural flavors to water too, like slices of fruit, cucumber or a splash of juice. This can make water more enticing without adding unnecessary sugars or artificial ingredients.
Monitor fluid intake – Keep track of how much fluid your loved one is consuming. This can help identify any patterns of under- or over-hydration and allow for timely adjustments.
Educate and empower – Empowering your loved one with knowledge about hydration can encourage more proactive and independent behavior regarding their fluid intake.

People with autism are not alone in facing hydration challenges, and you don’t have to try and overcome these challenges by yourself. If you haven’t yet talked to your family doctor or autism specialists about hydration, know that you can get tips and information from them that are more personalized and specific to your loved one’s needs.

Hopefully, this article helps you feel more prepared to have that conversation.