The transition from school to summer can be hard on children and teens with Autism. They worked hard to master the challenges and routines of the classroom, only to have them disappear. And, while many of our loved ones would prefer to be home year-round, we all know that a fresh school year is just three months away.
My best advice is to establish and maintain a summer routine, particularly with bedtime. Build in some academic time— daily reading (or books on tape) time counts, as do some art activities to build fine motor skills. Ensure that at least some of their screen time is focused on academics. All of these practices will make going back to school much more accessible.
As the parent of a 34-year-old with Autism, I still have to remind myself to prepare Kieran for the transition from his everyday world to the world of vacation, even though he is now an excellent traveler.
Here are some of the things I do:
- Discuss vacation plans with him in advance so he knows what dates we will be gone, where we are going, and what we will be doing.
- Let him know the rules in a new environment, i.e. may he leave the hotel room to go to breakfast alone, or does he need company? ALWAYS reinforce that he should NEVER go near water unaccompanied.
- Maintain his routine, ensuring he has meals and gets to bed at the usual times.
- Make sure he has the time and space to unwind wherever we are.
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- Build rewards into the day (ice cream, time on the beach, a new tee shirt, etc.) and make sure I listen to his verbal and nonverbal cues. I also recognize and praise his patience and good manners and sympathize with his stress.
- Remind me that just because “everyone” loves something does not mean that Kieran will. I remember a trip to the beach with a three-year-old nephew who completely freaked out when we arrived. The sensation of sand shifting beneath him was so aversive that he had to be carried and held on a lap. So much for “all kids love the beach.”
- Pack Kieran’s preferred foods to take along, even though he will eat various foods now.
Extra precaution: Consider purchasing an Apple Air Tag or Samsung Smart Tag to pin on your child’s clothes. We have used the Life360 App since Kieran got an iPhone. These options can help you feel secure about your child or adult’s well-being and location without being right beside them.
Most of all, remember to treasure the memories! I remember Kieran as a four-year-old stepping into a rented motorboat with a smile and a “B-O-A-T, boat”. Hidden reading skills revealed!
Warm regards,
Kathi J. Machle, President | kathi@autismohio.org
PHOTO: Kieran, age 3, on a camping trip to Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park.