| Many parents both love and hate the thought | | | | ensure a positive and productive experience |
| of summer vacation. On the one hand, you're | | | | for your child, and less worry for you. |
| ready to be done with the homework, backpacks | | | | |
| full of papers, seemingly endless | | | | 3. Figure out a schedule that is workable for |
| fundraisers, and getting the kids up and out | | | | everyone involved. Sometimes in the quest to |
| the door to catch the bus every morning. | | | | make sure everyone has things to do, we end |
| Summer holds the possibility of a slower | | | | up turning ourselves into crazed taxi drivers |
| pace, fun times together as a family, and the | | | | all summer long. Determine how much time you |
| kids being able to wrestle each other outside | | | | want to be at home versus other places; and |
| instead of in the family room! But then | | | | don't go crazy planning something every |
| there's the other side of the summer vacation | | | | minute. As much as kids may think they need |
| coin: refereeing the kids' fights (also know | | | | to be doing something 24-7, there is great |
| as "too much togetherness syndrome"), | | | | benefit to them having some downtime as well. |
| blocking out the whines of "but there's | | | | Don't plan so much in your summer schedule |
| nothing to dooooo," shuttling kids around | | | | that there isn't free time and relaxation. |
| from one activity to the next, and | | | | |
| discovering that there is only so much time | | | | 4. ALL kids need a break from the hectic |
| you can be around your children before you | | | | schedule of the school year! Some parents |
| start to lose your mind. It seems every | | | | of children with autism or other disabilities |
| season has its pluses and minuses! | | | | feel that they need to make every moment |
| | | | therapeutic, or have their child involved in |
| A little summer pre-planning can go a long | | | | some kind of activity or program each day. I |
| way in maximizing summer benefits for any | | | | have met many families over the years who |
| family-especially families living with autism | | | | become stressed at the thought of their child |
| or other disabilities. Here are 5 helpful | | | | not being in school for the summer. Some of |
| tips for thinking about and planning your | | | | the BEST learning for kids takes place |
| summer months. | | | | outside the walls of the classroom. You may |
| | | | have been conditioned to believe that what |
| 1. Plan ahead! The key is not to let summer | | | | your child needs only happens in a school |
| sneak up on you, and overwhelm you in the | | | | building, or that you can't possibly provide |
| process. You know summer's coming, so commit | | | | the same benefits outside a school setting. |
| to making it a great experience for everyone | | | | Nothing could be further from the truth! |
| involved instead of a stress-fest for your | | | | Allow your child with autism to experience |
| family. Begin looking into options in your | | | | the summer just like other kids-and watch |
| area such as camps, community events, local | | | | them blossom in the process. |
| attractions, parks, and other options that | | | | |
| may be available. There are many things that | | | | 5. Make time for yourself. All parents need |
| are free or low cost if you take the time to | | | | breaks and time to themselves throughout the |
| look for them. Just exploring the variety of | | | | summer. The previous tips will help |
| parks and playgrounds in your area can make | | | | accomplish reduced stress for parents by |
| for great inexpensive fun. Most larger | | | | planning ahead for structured activities |
| communities have recreation departments that | | | | outside the home, and developing a workable |
| offer summer activities ranging from sports | | | | time schedule for those things to happen. |
| to art to science. | | | | Parents also need to allow some time to do |
| | | | things you want/need to do, instead of |
| 2. Ensure adequate support for your child. | | | | feeling like you have to entertain your kids |
| Make sure whatever activities you choose for | | | | all day. Determining a workable schedule |
| your child include adequate support for him | | | | that includes time at home together and time |
| her to have a successful experience. There | | | | doing other activities will help everyone |
| can be a tendency to think that because | | | | stay sane-most importantly you! |
| summer activities don't involve "academics," | | | | |
| children with autism and other disabilities | | | | Summer can be a great time for kids, parents, |
| won't need as much support. The reality is | | | | and families as a whole. A little time spent |
| that these kids need support to navigate the | | | | in planning can make the difference between a |
| social complexities and expectations of | | | | successful, rejuvenating summer, and one that |
| seasonal environments such as camp, vacation | | | | leaves you burnt out and longing for |
| Bible school, local recreation events, etc. | | | | September. Look for a future article |
| Supports vary according to the needs of each | | | | covering the kinds of questions you should |
| child, but it is best to determine potential | | | | ask when considering summer programs and |
| needs and accommodations ahead of time to | | | | activities for your child. |