Seasonal Transitions and Sensory Challenges for Children in Malta
By Ema Bartolo ·
As an Occupational Therapist in Malta, I notice a pattern every year — certain times bring a wave of parents reaching out because their child is struggling more than usual. The start of the school year in September, the shift into hot summer months, the Christmas holiday break, the return to school in January. These are all seasonal transitions, and for sensory-sensitive children, they can be genuinely difficult.
Malta’s climate and cultural calendar create unique transition points that affect children in ways that are not always obvious.
Why Seasonal Transitions Are Hard for Sensory-Sensitive Children
Children who have difficulty processing sensory input rely heavily on routine and predictability. Seasonal transitions disrupt both:
- Clothing and textures: Moving from lightweight summer clothes to long sleeves, socks, and shoes — or the reverse — means new textures against the skin
- Temperature: Malta’s summer heat can be overwhelming for heat-sensitive children, while cooler winter months bring their own challenges
- Light levels: The intense brightness of a Maltese summer versus shorter, greyer winter days affects visual processing and mood
- Routine changes: School holidays mean a complete shift in daily structure. The return to school brings new teachers, classrooms, and expectations
- Social demands: Summer festas, Christmas gatherings, and family events increase social and sensory demands
Summer Challenges in Malta
- Heat sensitivity: Some children become more irritable or dysregulated in the heat
- Sunscreen and swimwear: The feel of sunscreen, the tightness of a swimsuit, or the texture of sand can trigger sensory avoidance
- Loss of routine: Long summer holidays mean less structure, leading to increased anxiety
- Village festas: Fireworks, brass bands, crowded streets, and late nights can be overwhelming
Autumn and the Return to School
September in Malta marks a major transition — new uniforms with stiff collars and different fabrics, new classroom environments, social adjustment, and routine re-establishment.
Winter and the Holiday Season
The Christmas period is joyful but sensory-intense. Shopping centres are louder, there are school concerts, and family gatherings increase. After the excitement comes the January return to school.
OT Strategies for Managing Seasonal Transitions
- Prepare in advance: Introduce new clothing gradually before the season changes
- Maintain a sensory diet: Keep providing the sensory input your child needs even when routines change
- Use visual schedules: During holidays or transition periods, a simple visual schedule helps your child know what to expect
- Create a portable calm-down kit: Fidget tools, noise-cancelling earbuds, and a comfort item for events
- Plan for sensory breaks: Build in quiet time during busy periods
- Communicate with school: Share your child’s sensory needs at the start of each school year
- Validate their experience: Acknowledge that transitions are hard
If your child’s behaviour shifts significantly with the seasons, contact WonderKids on +356 77048650 or at info@wonderkids.mt.