Summer invites warmth, adventure, and new experiences — but it also brings changes in routine that can be challenging for children with autism. With thoughtful planning, summer can become a season of joy and growth for the whole family.
Maintaining a Predictable Rhythm
While school-year routines are often strict, summer allows for flexibility. However, maintaining some structure is crucial. Create a visual calendar that outlines daily activities, therapy sessions, trips, and downtime.
Start and end the day with predictable routines to give your child a sense of security, even if the middle of the day is more flexible.
Embedding Skills Into Fun
Water Play
Water play offers countless opportunities for skill-building: taking turns with water toys, following multi-step directions (like filling a bucket and pouring it), and practicing safety rules.
Nature Adventures
Nature walks help develop joint attention (pointing out flowers or animals), descriptive language, and motor skills. Create scavenger hunts to make it even more engaging.
Picnics and Family Outings
These outings provide opportunities for practicing waiting, trying new foods, engaging in social greetings, and transitioning between activities.
Preparing for Camps or Vacations
If your child is attending camp, share their communication supports and strategies with staff in advance. Create social stories about camp or new vacation destinations to help prepare your child.
Visit new places ahead of time when possible, and bring familiar items to help your child feel comfortable.
Encouraging Social Connections
Arrange small, low-pressure gatherings with familiar friends or family. Use these opportunities to practice social greetings, turn-taking, and sharing.
Prioritizing Parental Well-Being
Summer can also be a great time for parents to find small moments of relaxation — an early morning coffee, a short walk, or time with friends. Remember, your well-being is just as important.
Flexibility and Grace
Not every day will go as planned. Embrace flexibility, adjust activities as needed, and offer yourself and your child compassion when things get tough.
Takeaway: With preparation, creativity, and support, summer can be a beautiful blend of fun and functional learning. You have the power to create joyful experiences that strengthen your child’s skills and family bonds.
