This post is part of The BCBA Corner, where our in-house Board Certified Behavior Analyst shares expert strategies to support autistic children and their families.
For most schools in our area, this week marks the last week of the school year! While that can be exciting, the change in routine can also feel stressful for many of our kiddos with autism. Planning ahead is key to creating a summer routine for autistic children that still feels productive, fun, and low-stress - even as structure shifts.
Here are a few tips that might help:
Maintain a Routine
Summer is a perfect time to work on gentle flexibility. Embrace slower mornings, but try to keep some foundational routines in place. Wake up, brush teeth, get dressed in real clothes, and talk through what the day will look like. Staying in pajamas all day can be tempting (an occasionally fine!), but maintaining a loose structure helps ease the transition back to school in the fall.
Incorporate Structured Activities
Many service providers send home activity calendars - use them! Schedule a small block of time each day (even 15-30 minutes) to review speech skills, OT activities, or reading and math. A little consistency goes a long way in preserving those hard-earned gains.
Plan Low-Stress Social Opportunities
This doesn't need to be overly formal or demanding. Think simple: a playdate at the park, splashing at a local pool or splash pad, or just a walk through the neighborhood. The goal is to keep social interaction fun and relaxed.
Looking for ideas to keep things engaging? Check out our Fun Activities page for simple, structured ways to make learning part of your summer routine.
We are always trying to grow our collection of meaningful, fun, and accessible activities. If you have a favorite summer idea your family enjoys, we'd love to hear it! Feel free to comment, email, or send a message through our contact form. And keep an eye out - our social media channels are launching later this summer, and we can't wait to connect with you there!