LOVING SUMMER

Opportunity

Let summer be an opportunity to reconnect with your child or teen. Go for a walk and talk. Talk and laugh about the movies you watch or games you play. Listen to their interests and their stories. Look at pictures from the past. Let them know you are there, you care, and are interested in them.

Structure

Structure can be difficult to create, and for parents who are also neurodivergent, it can feel overwhelming. Creating a schedule/ routine is important, try to keep regular wake and bedtime routines. Creating structure can be in a written schedule or a picture schedule. This helps reduce anxiety as children know what’s expected and happening on a daily basis.

Structure can be found Summer programs, camps, library reading programs, sports, music, theatre, swim lessons, parks, and splash pads can all help create structure and routine. For teens, getting a part time job can help with structure as well as making money- their favorite thing! Summer programs and camps - the library -summer reading programs, parks, splash pads, sports, music, theatre, swim lessons, and so many more. If money is an obstacle many of the camps and programs offer scholarships to help it be more affordable and accessible to children and families.

Structure is also important to keep on vacations (as much as possible) for children with autism. This can look like keeping the same wake/sleep times, favorite snacks, and as hard and non-vacation like it can feel to us as parents, often eating out can turn into a disaster, so, if possible, have a place you can prepare meals and have more control over the routine on vacation as you are able to.

Rewarding Positive Behaviors

Focus on one or two positive behaviors to work on over the summer. Using stickers, magnets, or another simple visual tracker can help celebrate your child’s successes. Using stickers or magnets is a great way for an instant reward. After so many stickers are obtained (you and your child choose) they get a reward. Keep it simple. Could be getting an ice cream cone. Going to the dollar store. Give them a couple of reward ideas that you, as a parent/caregiver, are okay with and then let them choose what it will be.

As hard as it can be, try to ignore negative behaviors, even with negative attention. Often, behaviors have both positive and negative natural consequences.

Time Together-Play!

Have a movie night or game night, these add structure and fun! It is a great time to get outside. Go to the park, zoo, the splash pad, community pool, camping, bike rides and walks. When it is too hot during the day, turn on the sprinkler, go to the library, museum, aquarium, or stay inside and play board games, video games like Mario Kart, have a picnic in the living room or build a pillow fort with your kids. (More ideas below)

Social time with Friends

Set up play dates for your kids. If you’re not sure how to get in touch with your child’s classmates’ parents, ask (e-mail) your child’s teacher to create a google document for parents who want to share contact information to connect for birthday parties and play dates.

Plan something to look forward to

Having a trip to see family, a special event, camping, vacation…whatever it is, have a countdown. This is great for overall mental health, especially depression, and knowing what is going to be happening helps reduce anxiety. This also includes parent(s)/caregiver(s) to plan for “time off.”

Take family or friends up on their offer to help watch the kids or call a babysitter. Take time for yourself, go hangout with friends, connect with your partner. Remember, your mental health is just as important and this will help you enjoy the days of summer with your child/children even more.