ABA Therapist-Approved Tips For A Smooth Summer

Summer break is here! With that comes beautiful weather, longer days and a significant change when it comes to daily schedules. While the new flexibility can be nice for some, for children with autism the change of routine can be problematic. The structured routine of the school year, along with regular ABA or other therapy appointments, brings consistency and predictability to their days, reducing anxiety and supporting goals. The change in - or lack of - structure can make kids and their caregivers feel overwhelmed and stressed. Luckily, with a bit of preparation and the implementation of ABA-based methods, summer can still be a good time while still supporting your child’s growth and mindset.

Consider the following ABA therapist-approved tips to help keep your summer running smoothly.

1. Stick To A Sleep Routine

When some people think of summer break, they think of late nights and lazy mornings. While the idea of that sounds fun in theory, the reality is quite the opposite. For autistic children, inconsistent sleep can cause a ripple effect of dysregulation, contributing to new or increased behavioral challenges. It’s more beneficial to stick to a steady bedtime and wake-up time to keep your child regulated and energized for activities throughout the day. You can, however, adjust the times from the typical school year schedule - just do it mindfully. We suggest shifting times gradually, changing it by 15 minute intervals over several days until used to the new routine.

2. Utilize Visual Schedules

Visual schedules are a vital tool when it comes to autism, reducing anxiety by helping kids know what to expect in a way that makes sense to them. Using a picture-based schedule or a checklist provides structure, cements expectations and supports independence. To work within the flexibility of summer, laminate your schedule and use dry erase markers or velcro-based images to update it easily as plans are made.

3. Prioritize Structure with Flexibility

While the idea of structure can seem limiting to some, it doesn’t have to be! There is room for a bit of predictable flexibility within the summer schedule, using consistent blocks of time for necessities such as meal-time, ABA sessions, skill building, and so on. Along that, build in more flexible blocks for free play, creativity or planned outings. To make things run more smoothly, consider offering choices within that structured time, for example choosing between one outdoor activity or another.

4. Implement Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement remains a pillar of ABA principles, even through the summer season. Continue your normal reinforcement strategies to motivate your child to follow their new summer routine, especially during more challenging moments like transitions. Feel free to keep your reward system the same or mix it up for some seasonal fun - think water play, popsicles, family movie night, etc.

5. Prepare For Transitions

With more time and more opportunities, summer tends to be filled with the chance to try new activities or attend new events. While these can be fun, the adjustment or uncertainty can be tough to handle for an autistic child. Prepare for transitions or new atmospheres with ABA tools such as social stories, visual prompts and first/then language to convey expectation. For example, “first we’ll put on sunscreen, then we’ll run through the sprinkler.”

6. Combine Fun with Skill-Building

Even without school in session, learning can continue through summer break - it may just look a little bit different. Every day summer activities are perfect for growth and learning opportunities in natural ways that seem more fun than anything. Helping cook dinner can help with direction following and sequencing, summer chores reinforce responsibility (example: watering the flowers, weeding the garden), and water play encourages sensory exploration.

7. Communicate With Support Systems

If your child is continuing with ABA Therapy over the summer, communicate your family’s schedule changes to your therapist so everyone is on the same page. Your ABA therapist can help reinforce the new routines, adapting goals to fit the season. On the flip side, if your child is taking a break on sessions over summer, be sure to ask about specific ways your family can continue working on skills at home.

8. Take Care Of Yourself

Summer break is a big change for an autistic child used to certain routines, but it can also feel like a big change for parents and caregivers, too. Make sure to take small moments for yourself to recharge - even something as simple as a quiet cup of coffee, a solo walk or a long bath. Your well-being is important for both your own mental health, and for being able to support your child more effectively.

Need Help Maintaining Structure Through The Summer?

Summer can be a fun-filled season while still maintaining routine, building skills and enjoying meaningful connection - it just takes a bit of extra intention and support. Bloom Behavioral Healthcare LLC is here to support your child and family every step of the way, through every season and challenge. If you’re looking for a compassionate ABA therapist to work with your child through the summer and beyond, contact us today!