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How Can Parents Plan for an Autism-Friendly Summer?
Summer is often a season for relaxation, natural exploration, and fun for many families across the nation. For many families with loved ones who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, it can also be a challenging time. Changes in routine, sensory overload, crowded spaces, loud noises, summer heat, and communication obstacles with others can make it difficult for individuals with ASD and their families to enjoy their summers more fully.
These concerns around autism-friendly summers can keep many caregivers questioning the best summer activities they can plan for children and teenagers with autism.
Fortunately, there are many autism-friendly summer activities families can enjoy that aren’t expensive, easy to deliver, and incredibly engaging. These activities can include movie nights, outdoor sports, and even crafting, which can be fantastic activities for the entire family! Furthermore, by including some ABA insight, these programs can also be excellent opportunities for ASD learning in new environments for better outcomes in life.
In this blog by ABA Centers of Georgia, we will discuss some tips for planning summer activities that will help unlock joy for individuals with autism. Additionally, we will explore some popular autism-friendly activities and their benefits for those with ASD.
For more information about autism and ABA, please read our other blogs here. Visit us here to explore more about ABA Centers of Georgia and how we serve the autism community in regions such as Atlanta and Alpharetta.
Why Planning Autism-Friendly Summers Matter for Neurodiverse Families
According to Autism Speaks autism refers to conditions with challenges that often relate to social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, and sensory sensitivities. The CDC estimates that 1 in 36 children in the United States alone has an autism diagnosis.
These features of ASD can sometimes make everyday activities more challenging for neurodiverse families, especially during summer when new events, gatherings, and unfamiliar faces may feel disruptive or scary.
However, with a better understanding of ASD and some simple accommodations, individuals on the spectrum can fully participate in summertime activities. Best of all, they can have a blast safely and with some control.
Understanding Autism Struggles during the Summer Season
When summer comes, with its long breaks and opportunities for boredom, those on the spectrum can feel isolated and disconnected from their community. Additionally, individuals with ASD can become overstimulated by the summer variables we explore here.
Planning autism-friendly activities can help break down these barriers and limit triggers by providing opportunities for inclusion, socialization, and a sense of belonging. These events can also create environments where individuals with autism and their families can feel supported and understood.
Therefore, it is helpful to plan autism-friendly summers to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience without feeling overwhelmed or excluded due to their condition.
How ABA Supports More Manageable Summers for Kids With ASD
Applied Behavior Analysis, more prominently called ABA therapy, is a scientifically supported therapy model that focuses on teaching daily living skills and addressing maladaptive behaviors through positive reinforcement and other ABA techniques.
ABA focuses on highlighting the strengths and passions of every client on the spectrum so they can focus on what they love!
By incorporating ABA strategies into summer activities, caregivers can establish structure and create predictable environments during challenging times, like the summer for some.
4 Tips for Planning Autism-Friendly Summers
When planning summertime activities for your loved one with autism, it’s essential to keep their individual needs and preferences in mind. Here are a few ideas to make autism-friendly summers more manageable:
Stick to a Routine: Maintaining some level of routine during the summertime can help minimize tension and provide a sense of stability for individuals with ASD. A routine may also include consistent mealtimes and incorporating familiar activities into each day despite other changes to the routine.
Plan: Before committing to any summer activities, do some research and plan accordingly. Consider your child’s interests, sensory needs, and level of support they need to participate in summer activities successfully.
Prepare for Potential Sensory Overload: Outdoor activities like pool parties or trips to amusement parks can be overwhelming for those with ASD due to the increase in noise, crowds, and stimulation. To prevent sensory overload, consider bringing noise-canceling headphones or finding a quiet space where the neurodivergent individual can take breaks, if necessary, whenever they are.
Seek Out Autism-Friendly Activities: Look for summer programs designed specifically for individuals with ASD or those that offer inclusive operating hours. These experiences ensure a safer and more supportive environment while also allowing children to socialize and learn new skills.
5 Autism-Friendly Summer Activities
Here are some summertime activities that are enjoyable for many with autism:
1. Summer Movie Nights
Summer evenings can be the perfect time for some relaxation and family bonding through movie nights, which you can host indoors or outdoors during the summer. Some tips for making movie night autism-friendly include:
- Choose movies that cater to the individual’s passions, interests, and sensitivities or offer them the option to select.
- Set up a comfortable and calm viewing area with pillows, blankets, and dim lighting.
- Include fidget toys or other sensory items that can help regulate emotions during the movie to enhance focus and more appropriate behavior.
ABA principles can make summer movie night even more teachable by:
- Encouraging conversation and social skills during movie discussions.
- Practicing turn-taking by sharing snacks or popcorn.
- Utilize visuals to describe the movie’s plot and characters, and then ask questions to check if they understand.
2. Outdoor Adventuring
Summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, and there are endless possibilities for outdoor autism-friendly activities that are custom to an individual’s needs and strengths. Some ideas include but are not limited to:
- Going on nature walks and scavenger hunts
- Camping in a backyard or visiting a local campsite
- Visiting a nearby park or beach for sensory play with sand, water, and other natural elements.
To include ABA in changing these summer activities, caregivers and providers can:
- Bring along comfort items like weighted blankets or sensory toys to help with transitions and regulation between or before activities.
- Use social stories or visual prompts to prepare and explain new outdoor experiences
- Role-play outdoor safety measures, like reading signs and describing their directions
3. Therapeutic Music Play
Music therapy proves to have many benefits for those with autism, including reducing anxiety and improving communication skills. Summer is a great time to explore different music-related activities with their time off, including:
- Learning an instrument or participating in group music lessons
- Creating a playlist of calming or favorite songs to listen to. This playlist can also be summer-themed to explore more about what makes summer special
- Plan dance parties
To include some ABA in this activity, caregivers or providers can:
- Use various prompts to help the individual learn, understand, and remember songs.
- Incorporate movement, gestures, and dance as a form of communication during music activities.
- Reward participation and progress with positive reinforcement techniques, such as breaks or more songs, depending on the child.
4. Board Gaming
Board games can be an engaging, enjoyable, and easy activity for families to do together during summer evenings in both indoor and outdoor spaces. You can also bring them to events if you know they are a hit with your children. Board games help encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills for many with ASD. To encourage autism-friendly board gaming, try the following tips:
- Select games that you feel your child will grasp and enjoy.
- Aim for cooperative games where players work together to achieve a shared goal rather than compete against each other.
ABA can support better experiences with gaming by:
- Using visual schedules or timers to structure the game and prevent frustration
- Practicing turn-taking and sharing skills
- Incorporating social stories or role-playing beforehand to prepare for potential challenges, like losing or waiting for a turn.
5. Outdoor Sports
Simple sports like swimming, biking, or playing catch can be excellent for physical development and motor skills for some with ASD. However, it is essential to ensure that the environment is safe and not overly stimulating. Consider the following when planning autism-friendly outdoor sports:
- Starting with simple and familiar activities before introducing more complex sports
- Teaching basic rules and safety skills in a structured manner
- Providing extra support or accommodations, such as using a flotation device for swimming or training wheels for biking.
ABA can enhance this by:
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage and reward participation throughout the sporting event.
- Breaking down skills into smaller, achievable steps for individuals who struggle with coordination or following instructions
- Create social opportunities by encouraging your child to join a team or play with peers.
Happy Summer Adventures!
Summer can be a time of joy and growth for individuals with autism. By incorporating sensory-friendly activities, utilizing visual schedules and ABA techniques, and finding accessible outings, summer can be a fantastic season of adventure and connection. So, Remember to plan, have fun, and make accommodations as needed.
Have a happy, autism-friendly summer with us!
More about Having Amazing Summers with ABA Centers of Georgia
Ready to make the most of this summer?
At ABA Centers of Georgia, we understand the distinct needs of children and teens with autism and their families. Our mission is to provide personalized, top-tier ABA and autism diagnostic support to children and teens experiencing ASD. Our expert team of ABA professionals works closely with families to incorporate ABA seamlessly into daily routines, ensuring continuous development, expansion, and support.
With the right approach and resources, you can create a memorable and autism-friendly summer for your child.
Call (855) 929-5058 or via this online link by ABA Centers of Georgia and discover how we can support you and your family on your ABA journey.
Children on the spectrum and their families deserve to enjoy incredible summer breaks, too!
