The Transition to Summer

With the school year coming to an end, that means it’s time to transition to summer. As a parent of a child with autism, I cringe at the thought. Transition time means it’s time to make a plan, or else! Transitioning from one routine to another is extremely stressful for both kids, and parents. Instead of thinking about fun summer adventures and spontaneous weekend trips, we as parents of children with disabilities think of meltdowns, childcare issues, and the dreaded “down time”. Well here are a few tricks and tips that got me through many summers, and many more to come. Hopefully we will turn that sense of dread to excitement and fun.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Let others fill some of the gaps
You know summer is coming, start planning for your own peace and personal time right now! If you have respite services, reserve your time today, don’t wait. If your child has services during the summer months, make sure to put them in their routine. Filling all the down time slots can be a daunting task, and let’s be real, downright exhausting, but planning ahead will pay off! If you have Regional Center services, check with your service coordinator and ask if there are any disability-friendly events and activities in your area you may be unaware of, and RSVP before they are full. If you have family or friends that may want to help here and there, fill up those slots and make sure to provide them with the routine also to keep consistency. Once you figure out your summer routine, each summer will get a little easier to plan.

Predictability and Routines
Although the routine will be dramatically different from the school year routine, it is still a routine so plan, plan, plan! Even though the activities of the day may change, keeping the same timeframe activities occur can instill predictability and reduce the unknown which often is the trigger for meltdowns. Make sure to use as many visuals as you can. This gives a picture of the activity and allows for timed transitions. Use a visual timer – this will ease transition. My favorite is the “first, then” visual. Such as, first we are going grocery shopping, then we will swim, then adding the time allows for that coveted predictability.

Don’t kid yourself, there will be very challenging days, as always. However with a little planning, prep work, and imagination, your summer will fly by and be filled with priceless memories, fun adventures, and precious time to make connections with your child through unique experiences.

Gina