The school year is almost over, and every year I find that my child struggles with all the sudden and overwhelming changes to their routine.
The end of the school year is a significant milestone for any family, but it can present unique challenges and opportunities for families of children with autism. As a parent, ensuring a smooth transition from the structured environment of school to the more relaxed summer months is crucial for your child’s well-being.
Let’s go through the ways you can prepare your child for the end of the school year and make the most of the summer time!
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The Role of Routine in a Child’s Life
Routine is often a cornerstone for children with autism. It provides a sense of predictability and security, helping them navigate their day with less anxiety. As the school year ends, the loss of this structured environment can be overwhelming.
With a sudden halt in structure and routine, many children find the end of the school year and start of summer overwhelming and chaotic.
It’s important to try and find a new summer based routine that can ease your child into the changes and still make it fun.
Maintain a Consistent Schedule
To ease this transition, try to maintain a consistent schedule throughout the summer. This doesn’t mean replicating the school day hour-by-hour but keeping some regular activities. Breakfast at the same time, scheduled playtime, and consistent bedtimes can all help.
There are other ways in which you can incorporate routine in your child’s summer break.
Perhaps weekly get-togethers with friends from school or extracurriculars. Even having routine family events, such as Friday night ice cream adventures can provide known and expected activities for your child to adjust to.
Gather End-of-Year Information
Before the school year ends, gather all necessary information from your child’s teachers and therapists. This might include progress reports, recommendations for summer activities, or a list of skills to practice.
Schools have a plethora of information and community ideas that could help your family prepare and plan for the summer time.
If there some skills your child can prepare for to get ready to the upcoming new school year, that can be a great way to get them ready for school changes that will arise.
Create a Summer Plan
Work with your child’s support team to develop a summer plan. This plan might include continuing certain therapies, enrolling in summer programs, or setting specific goals to work on at home.
Some children receive additional summer services, such as Occupational Therapy and Speech services.
Find out what your child needs, and if there is a way to get those services or activities underway for the end of the year.
Structured vs. Unstructured Time
Balancing structured activities with free time is key. While it’s essential to keep some structure, allowing your child unstructured time to explore their interests is equally important.
Try finding something that your child shows some interest in and see if there are options available to explore that further.
For instance, if your child shows interest in music, see if there are music lessons available near you for them to try out instruments and potentially takes lessons.
Social Opportunities
Look for social opportunities that align with your child’s interests and comfort level. Summer camps designed for children with autism or inclusive programs can provide valuable social interactions.
While the basis is for routine and structure, there are other ways to embrace the school change and find new opportunities for your child.
Who knows, they may make some new friends at summer camp!
Incorporate Educational Activities
Include educational activities that are enjoyable and engaging. These can be as simple as reading together, visiting museums, or using educational apps.
If you know your child has an interest in dinosaurs, finding museums to visit could be an enjoyable and bonding activity.
Some activities could include:
- Museums
- Art exhibits
- Theater shows
- Book of the Week (at home or local library)
- Naming games based on interests
Take time to find activities that will keep them engaged and enthused!
Reflect on the Past Year
Take time to reflect on the past school year with your child. Discuss their achievements and what they found challenging. This can provide valuable insights for setting goals for the next year.
Set Goals and Expectations
Work with your child to set realistic goals for the upcoming school year. These goals can be academic, social, or related to self-care skills.
Some examples of goals include:
- Increasing math skills
- Making a new friend
- Practicing count-down coping skills
- Asking for breaks when needed
Having goals to work toward can give your child the ability to prepare for unknown and new expectations that will be placed on them in the upcoming school year.
Sometimes, it is the uncertainty and unexpected demands in the new school year that overwhelm children.
Recognize and Manage Anxiety
The end of the school year can bring about anxiety for many children with autism. Recognize signs of anxiety and have strategies in place to manage it. This will be different for every child, so it’s important to know those your child may exhibit.
If you can spot them early, you can aid in helping your child regulate faster and easier.
Open Communication
Maintain open lines of communication with your child. Let them express their feelings about the transition and offer reassurance and support.
It’s important to talk about feelings and emotions.
If we leave it unresolved, many children find it difficult to move on, or even hide within themselves due to not learning how to cope with their own emotions.
Sharing Experiences
Connecting with other parents of children with autism can provide a valuable support network. Sharing experiences, tips, and resources can make the transition smoother for everyone.
Organizing Playdates
Organize playdates or group activities with other children. This not only helps your child maintain social connections but also provides mutual support for parents.
Socialization is important for both children and adults. It can be hard to organize time to spend with other adults and their children, but it can be rewarding for both parents and their children.
Some playdate ideas:
- A trip to the park together
- Playing at home
- Museum adventures
- Going to the aquarium
Access Local Programs
Many communities offer summer programs specifically designed for children with autism. These programs can provide structured activities and social opportunities.
Seek Professional Support
Don’t hesitate to seek professional support if needed. Therapists, counselors, and support groups can provide valuable guidance and resources.
It’s ok to need some extra help. There’s nothing wrong with assistance. The summer time is confusing, overwhelming, and seems to have many gaps in the day that leave your child without something to do.
The summer is often challenging for parents, which can lead to anxiousness or feelings of fatigue.
Acknowledge Progress
Celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small. Acknowledging their hard work and achievements boosts their confidence and motivation.
There are a variety of ways to track progress. Some of these are:
- Sticker charts
- Token boards
- Progress scale
- Tracking chart
Whatever way you and your child decide to track progress, make it fun! And don’t forget to celebrate!
If the end goal may take a long time (perhaps the entire summer), break it down into smaller goals so your child can experience achievement throughout summer break.
Create Positive Memories
Use the summer as an opportunity to create positive memories. Fun activities, family outings, and new experiences can all contribute to a joyful and fulfilling break.
Remember, nothing has to be perfect!
In fact, many times those “perfect” summer memories aren’t even perfect at all.
Things happen and plans get switched up.
What’s important is developing a routine and structure for your child. And keep in mind, if you remain calm when things are going as planned, your child will most likely stay calm as well.
Take Aways
Preparing for the end of the school year when you have a child with autism requires thoughtful planning and a supportive approach. By maintaining routines, planning engaging activities, supporting emotional well-being, and utilizing available resources, you can ensure a smooth transition into summer.
Remember, every child is unique, so tailor these strategies to fit your child’s needs and preferences. With patience and preparation, the end of the school year can be a time of growth and joy for your family.
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