| arents | | | | to the needs of each child, but it is best to determine |
| Stressed out about the thought of summer coming? | | | | potential needs and accommodations ahead of time to |
| Struggling with how to spend time with your child | | | | ensure a positive and productive experience for your |
| without becoming frustrated or feeling inadequate? | | | | child, and less worry for you. |
| Here are some tips that could help. | | | | 3. Figure out a schedule that is workable for |
| Many parents both love and hate the thought of | | | | everyone involved. Sometimes in the quest to make |
| summer vacation. On the one hand, you’re | | | | sure everyone has things to do, we end up turning |
| ready to be done with the homework, backpacks full | | | | ourselves into crazed taxi drivers all summer long. |
| of papers, seemingly endless fundraisers, and getting | | | | Determine how much time you want to be at home |
| the kids up and out the door to catch the bus every | | | | versus other places; and don’t go crazy |
| morning. Summer holds the possibility of a slower | | | | planning something every minute. As much as kids |
| pace, fun times together as a family, and the kids being | | | | may think they need to be doing something 24-7, there |
| able to wrestle each other outside instead of in the | | | | is great benefit to them having some downtime as |
| family room! But then there’s the other side of | | | | well. Don’t plan so much in your summer |
| the summer vacation coin: refereeing the kids’ | | | | schedule that there isn’t free time and |
| fights (also know as too much togetherness | | | | relaxation. |
| syndrome), blocking out the whines of but | | | | 4. ALL kids need a break from the hectic schedule |
| there’s nothing to dooooo, shuttling kids | | | | of the school year! Some parents of children with |
| around from one activity to the next, and discovering | | | | autism or other disabilities feel that they need to make |
| that there is only so much time you can be around | | | | every moment therapeutic, or have their child involved |
| your children before you start to lose your mind. It | | | | in some kind of activity or program each day. I have |
| seems every season has its pluses and minuses! | | | | met many families over the years who become |
| A little summer pre-planning can go a long way in | | | | stressed at the thought of their child not being in school |
| maximizing summer benefits for any | | | | for the summer. Some of the BEST learning for kids |
| familyespecially families living with autism or other | | | | takes place outside the walls of the classroom. You |
| disabilities. Here are 5 helpful tips for thinking about | | | | may have been conditioned to believe that what your |
| and planning your summer months. | | | | child needs only happens in a school building, or that |
| 1. Plan ahead! The key is not to let summer | | | | you can’t possibly provide the same benefits |
| sneak up on you, and overwhelm you in the process. | | | | outside a school setting. Nothing could be further |
| You know summer’s coming, so commit to | | | | from the truth! Allow your child with autism to |
| making it a great experience for everyone involved | | | | experience the summer just like other kidsand |
| instead of a stress-fest for your family. Begin looking | | | | watch them blossom in the process. |
| into options in your area such as camps, community | | | | 5. Make time for yourself. All parents need |
| events, local attractions, parks, and other options that | | | | breaks and time to themselves throughout the |
| may be available. There are many things that are | | | | summer. The previous tips will help accomplish |
| free or low cost if you take the time to look for | | | | reduced stress for parents by planning ahead for |
| them. Just exploring the variety of parks and | | | | structured activities outside the home, and developing a |
| playgrounds in your area can make for great | | | | workable time schedule for those things to happen. |
| inexpensive fun. Most larger communities have | | | | Parents also need to allow some time to do things you |
| recreation departments that offer summer activities | | | | want/need to do, instead of feeling like you have to |
| ranging from sports to art to science. | | | | entertain your kids all day. Determining a workable |
| 2. Ensure adequate support for your child. Make | | | | schedule that includes time at home together and time |
| sure whatever activities you choose for your child | | | | doing other activities will help everyone stay |
| include adequate support for him/her to have a | | | | sanemost importantly you! |
| successful experience. There can be a tendency to | | | | Summer can be a great time for kids, parents, and |
| think that because summer activities don’t | | | | families as a whole. A little time spent in planning can |
| involve academics, children with autism and | | | | make the difference between a successful, |
| other disabilities won’t need as much support. | | | | rejuvenating summer, and one that leaves you burnt |
| The reality is that these kids need support to navigate | | | | out and longing for September. Look for a future |
| the social complexities and expectations of seasonal | | | | article covering the kinds of questions you should ask |
| environments such as camp, vacation Bible school, | | | | when considering summer programs and activities for |
| local recreation events, etc. Supports vary according | | | | your child. |