[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When the school year ends, most students are thrilled. They look forward to outdoor fun and to a less structured routine. The warmer months usually mean more playtime with friends, a relaxed schedule, and the possibility of a summer vacation.
For families with children on the autism spectrum, however, the end of the school year can be challenging. Whereas the typical school day brings structure and predictability to a child’s schedule, the start of summer can be upsetting. The dramatic change in routine can cause disruption and increase anxiety. To help families better navigate the transition to summer break, Caravel’s autism health experts offer these tips and ideas.
Establish a summer schedule that maintains some of your child’s regular routines
Ease your child’s transition into summer with careful planning and communication. Providing structure is extremely helpful for children with autism, according to Nan Huai, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, BCBA-D, of Caravel Autism Health. “Do your best to stick to the same schedule for mealtimes and bedtimes. This alone provides some sense of normalcy as summer begins,” says Dr. Huai. In addition to adhering to regular overall schedules, parents should also consider creating a written schedule or picture schedule for each day. “This helps the child know what to expect throughout the day. The schedule can be detailed if you think your child will benefit from ‘seeing’ all of the activities that are anticipated for that day. Some parents include everything from brushing teeth, getting dressed, to a visit to the park, screen time, and story time at night.”
“Pre-introduce” your child to new experiences
Summer offers children opportunities to explore a wide range of experiences and activities that can enrich a family’s life. Local parks and recreation centers offer everything from art classes to nature walks to camp programs. Parents often find that it’s helpful to conduct their own personal “orientations” to help a child with autism get comfortable. If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in a day camp, for example, you may want to visit the camp location in advance and talk with your child about what activities he or she will do at camp. Similarly, if you are planning a trip, invest time in talking about where your family is going, what that place looks like, and what kinds of things you’ll be doing there. Share photos of the destination and videos of the activities to help a child “experience” the visit before it happens. “By providing a virtual preview, you’re setting the stage for your child to experience new environments in a positive way,” explains Dr. Huai.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1530031392083{margin-left: -15px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Make special arrangements if you’re planning to travel
Children with autism can be easily overwhelmed by the unfamiliarity that travel brings. The journey to the destination can be difficult enough. For plane trips, TSA offers a range of accommodations for children with autism. For road trips, remember to bring along diversions like movies and fidget toys that can occupy your child. Take scheduled breaks to prevent meltdowns.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhIdTnJT4jE”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1530031425911{margin-left: -15px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Dr. Huai suggests that families who plan to travel consider renting a house or apartment, which may help children feel more “at home.” “Think about the ways in which you can lessen the amount of overstimulation that your child will be exposed to while away from home,” says Dr. Huai.
Click here to read more about opportunities for families in Wisconsin and Illinois.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]