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