As the school year begins to wind down, children all over the country are preparing for summer vacation. Summertime is perfect for creating lasting memories with our families and friends. Giving your kids a chance to discover new hobbies and take on new experiences is everything and more to parents.
However, for some children with autism, a big change in their daily routine can be stressful. Preparing your child for this transition is important, and you can help them do so by reminding them or counting down the days until school’s out. Doing so will soften the abrupt change from being at school to being home all day.
Here are a few fun summer suggestions for children with autism to make the summer something to look forward to. These fun activities will keep them busy and allow them to practice their communication and social skills.
Family Movie Day
A classic way to spend your summer vacation is by catching up on all the latest movie releases and revisiting favorites. Now that your family has the time, the perfect indoor activity is to host a family movie day. Ensure you provide snacks and any comfort toys and blankets for a successful day.
After the movie, you can ask your child different questions about the plot and what they thought of it—encouraging socialization and communication while on break is key. This way, they’re more likely to engage with their peers when they return to school.
Host a Playdate
Another fun summer suggestion for children with autism is to host a playdate. As previously stated, encouraging social engagement and communication while your child is off from school is key to their development. If your child has one or two close friends, inviting them over for a playdate will help instill normalcy. On the other hand, if you feel like your child isn’t ready, don’t push them! An important part of communication is trust. Building a trusted bond between you and your child is also key to their emotional development. Allow your child to prepare for social interactions on their terms. Playdates should be enjoyable for all parties involved.
Cool Off at The Pool
If you don’t dip in the pool, it’s not a successful summer vacation. On one of your free days, go for a swim! Swimming is a great activity for children with autism and a great life skill. If your child doesn’t know how to swim, we greatly encourage them to take swimming lessons.
However, if your child doesn’t want to swim, another way to cool off is with inflatable water slides or water tubs. You can fill a large storage container with water, add toys and marbles, and let them play! This form of relaxation is also a great sensory play option.
Explore Different Arts & Crafts
Many children with autism struggle with expressing themselves using words. Sometimes writing, drawing, singing, dancing, or acting them out is easier! Encourage your child to explore different mediums of art this summer. Invest in your child’s creativity—journal daily, paint, or have jam sessions. Through creative thinking, they can unlock a lifelong interest or hobby.
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