Autism and Summer Break: Managing Routine Changes

How Summer Break Impacts Autistic Kids: Tips for Smooth Transitions

It’s Summer! As we count down the final days of the school year and get ready for summer break, it is important to consider what summer break can mean for families of children with Autism. It is a very exciting time, with warmer weather, sleeping in, and more time to spend with family and friends. However, summer also means that schedules may differ and routines may have to be adapted in order to accommodate these schedule changes. For families with autistic children, this change in routine can be very disruptive. People thrive on routine and structure, especially autistic children. This blog will explore the impact of this change and some possible strategies to assist families during this transition.

Autism, Summer Break & Routine

For autistic children, routines are not only comforting, but necessary as they provide structure and stability. Routines give children a sense of confidence in knowing what is expected and what is to come next. When school lets out for summer break, this routine and daily schedule can be disrupted. This transition into summer can be stressful and overwhelming for a child at first and they may have difficulty adjusting to the “new” routine. During this transition time it is important to be understanding of the effects it can have and provide as much support as possible until settling into a summer schedule.

Strategies for the Transition to Summer:

In order to help children navigate this transition into summer, it is important to create a sense of predictability and structure. Ideas to help with this transition are listed below:

• Visual schedules: creating visual schedules or calendars to outline the day’s activities can provide a sense of security to a child as they are able to anticipate what is next and know the expectations of the day.
• Gradual transitions: Try to ease into summer by gradually making small adjustments in the days leading up to the end of school. Making gradual changes rather than changing everything at once can assist with minimizing the anxiety associated with this transition.
• Maintain familiar rituals: Maintain familiar rituals and routines where possible, this can include breakfast routines, bedtime routines, etc.
• Structure Activities: Encourage structure activities such as summer camps, classes, or daily outings. This may also include things like structure reading time at home, set playtime outside, organized games with the family, etc.

Summer break for Parents of children with Autism:

During the transition to summer break, it is important for both you and the child to have patience and flexibility. Be understanding of the fact that change can take time and that there may be setbacks or challenging days along the way. Give yourself grace and have patience with your child as you both navigate this time together. Each child and experience is unique and some strategies may work for some families while different strategies work for others.

Summer break is an exciting time for everyone but the unknown can be stressful during the transition. Autistic children may process this change in schedule differently and may need more time to adjust. By understanding the impact of schedule changes and implementing strategies for support, we can help autistic children navigate the transition to summer with more confidence and ease. With patience, flexibility, and a focus on maintaining routines and predictability when possible, summer break can be a great opportunity for children to grow and explore.

If you’re interested in learning more about supporting your child during the transition into summer break, give Therapeeps Occupational Therapy a call at (605)-204-0677 or complete our intake form. Check out how Occupational Therapy can help neurodivergent individuals here!

More information and resources:

• https://therapeepsot.com/great-ideas-for-insuring-a-great-summer-with-your-sensational-sweetie/
• https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/preparing-your-child-with-autism-for-summer-break/
• https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/summer-here-four-tips-smooth-transition

Written by: Taylor Giglio OTR/L