Summer Routines for Kids with Autism
As summer replaces the structure of the school year, children with autism may face challenges in maintaining developmental progress. With a thoughtful and engaging routine, parents can continue growth through fun, structured activities that support learning, independence, and emotional well-being.
Here’s some tips for getting started:
- Establish a consistent daily schedule: A predictable routine helps children with autism feel secure, stay on track, and reduce anxiety.
- Use the outdoors to build academic, motor, and social skills: Outdoor activities provide natural opportunities for learning and development in a calming environment.
- Include your child decisions for the day's activities: Involving your child in planning promotes independence, encourages communication, and builds confidence.
Check out more helpful tips below to reduce learning regression and build towards developmental achievements:
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Establish a Schedule That Promotes Functional Development
Organize a stable daily schedule, while remaining mindful of your child’s unique sensory activities. For many children with autism, a visual calendar or picture board is a great option when planning a daily schedule.
Here are some additional tips.
- Include your child in the process.
- Encourage your child to make suggestions.
- Explain why certain activities are important if they have questions.
Reinforce Positive Habits Through Daily Activities
Practicing important daily habits consistently is a great way to keep structure in your child’s day, while encouraging independent skill development. Some examples include:
- Establishing Morning Routines:
- Schedule a designated wake-up time.
- Incorporate day-preparation habits (getting dressed and brushing teeth).
- Making Meal-time an Activity:
- Prepare healthy meals for your child.
- Involve your child in the meal preparation process (setting the table).
- Use meal preparation as a medium to teach your child valuable lessons like following instructions or measuring ingredients.
- Incorporate Outdoor Activities:
- Use nature’s calming sensory inputs – sunlight, natural sounds, and wind - to help your child practice sensory regulation.
- Plan walks or other physical activities to promote gross motor development.
- Switch up the activities and gradually introduce less predictability to help your child better adapt to change.
- Find a local outdoor or exercise group to promote social growth and personal wellness.
Multipurpose Activities to Promote Growth and Wellbeing
Dedicate time each day to work on particular areas of growth, incorporating familiar toys or activities.
- Incorporate academic lessons into a game.
- Schedule playtime with friends or other family members to practice socialization.
- Practice motor skills by playing with fun puzzles or interactive building toys.
Incorporate Rewards or Break Times After Successful Sessions
Recognize and reinforce your child’s achievements by offering small rewards after completing tasks or showing positive behavior. This helps motivate continued progress and makes learning experiences more enjoyable.
Break-up sessions with calming breaks, especially after high-energy or sensory-heavy activities. This will help your child reset, manage emotions, and prevent frustration or sensory overload throughout the day.
