Fwd: Adjusting to Summer Schedules

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When the Schedules of the School Year are Relaxed

Summer Learning through Fun

Generally, summer months are seen as a time of relaxation and relief from everyday hectic schedules; but for many kids with autism, this time can be an even more stressful time of the year.

Many living with autism crave structure and consistency in their daily routines. Summer is a great time to teach our children to become somewhat flexible. After all, life is not, nor should it be, so structured that we miss moments of downright fun.

South Florida is loaded with activities loved by ALL children. Kids with autism are no exception. Perhaps choosing one day a week to do something out of the ordinary with your kids will help them understand that new things aren’t necessarily “bad†things… and in fact, can be quite enjoyable. The following should give you some ideas to get you started on your journey to step outside the box of stringent routinized schedules:

The Autism Society Broward offers an assortment of recreational activities, while offering autism specific support. www.asabroward.org

· Sensory Friendly Movie Days

· Surfing Clinics

· Golfing Fore Autism (middle and high schoolers)

Young at Art Children’s Museum – Jim Henson summer exhibit

Museum of Discovery and Science – Animation summer exhibit

Awesome playground at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton

Gold Coast Railroad Museum for those who love trains

IGFA for fishing enthusiasts

Animal farm at Tradewinds Park

Mini water parks at TY, CB , and Quiet Waters Parks

Pump it Up indoor bounce house arena

Tandem bike rides on Hollywood Beach

Walk the Palm Beach Zoo (Not too big and mostly shaded)

You know your child best, so choose activities that play to his/her strengths.

Whatever you do, make sure to take tons of pictures. The pictures can be made into scrap books that the kids can enjoy over and over again…. until the next time they venture out.

Supports that Support Fun

There are supports that can be put in place for those “fun in the sun†summer activities that can help our kids with ASD function in a world less structured. Some of these are:

Social Stories (Including first/then visuals)

Video modeling of upcoming events

Surf the web to see pictures of the place you’re planning to visit

Take small steps…. You might just make it into the parking lot on the first visit, or a brief visit just through the entrance. There is no rule to how far your child must go.

If special clothes is required (like a bathing suit), have them wear the suit at home while reading their social story.

Bring familiar items and foods along for the ride

Draw a map or make a list of the things that you’ll do while on your excursion. (Task analysis is great for fun things too J

The more prepared your child is for what they can expect, the more comfortable they will be… and the more fun it will be for the whole family!

Submitted by Stacey Hoaglund, Special Needs Advocate

Family Network on Disabilities and S.H. Consultants, Inc

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Fndbroward.com

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