The things that make summer so appealing for many – a break from the school routine, more downtime, and summer vacations – can bring anxiety for families of children with autism. Without the familiar structure of classrooms, scheduled activities, and consistent expectations, many autistic children experience increased stress, behavioral challenges, or regression in mastered skills. There are some things families can consider doing to support their autistic child through the summer break and increase the chances of some relaxing and fun summer family time!

• Create a modified summer routine and schedule. Consider keeping similar morning, meal, and evening routines as much as possible. Break each day into manageable and predictable chunks of time. Use visual schedules, daily planners, and wall calendars to communicate the routine to your child in whatever way works best for them (words, pictures, etc.)
• No matter how much you try to establish a predictable routine, summer is a time of special events. Family picnics and holiday celebrations may be times when autistic children struggle, which can be hard if the rest of the family enjoys these experiences. Thoughtful preparation may help. Creating social stories about what to expect, pictures of unfamiliar people who may be there, bringing familiar comfort items, and fun activities for distraction can all help support your child. Allow your child to take breaks or engage in coping strategies and explain to others how necessary they are!
• Travel can be particularly challenging for families with autistic children. Schedule disruptions, unfamiliar expectations, people and situations, and new sensory experiences can all cause increased anxiety for someone with autism. Consider a practice run or virtual tour if you’re traveling via train or airport. Many airports and airlines around the world participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network or have other autism and sensory friendly accommodations. And call ahead to your destination – many places are taking steps to be more autism-friendly! 
• Embrace the sensory-friendly activities that summer can bring! Waterplay and lots of outdoor movement at parks and playgrounds can be particularly rewarding and calming for autistic children. 
• If your autistic child has siblings, plan ahead for some together time and some alone time. Neurotypical siblings often develop remarkable empathy and patience, but they need to have a fun and relaxing summer with friends as well. Schedule regular “sibling-only” times when each child gets one-on-one attention with a parent or trusted caregiver. Consider enrolling them in different activities some days of the week, allowing them to develop their own interests and friendships away from the family dynamic. 
• Remember that summer can also bring safety risks for children with autism. Spending time near water, campfires, or simply more idle downtime with decreased supervision can unfortunately result in tragedy. Consider adaptive swimming lessons if your child can’t swim and conduct a safety assessment of your home and surrounding areas. If your child has an in-home therapist, ask them to specifically address safety skills in your their treatment plan.
• Preventing academic and developmental regression requires intentional planning well before summer begins. Start by discussing Extended School Year (ESY) services during your child’s IEP meeting—these services are specifically designed to maintain critical skills for students who show evidence of regression after breaks. Look for specialized summer camps or programs designed for children with autism that blend structured learning with fun activities. Many speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy providers offer summer social skills groups or “camps” that maintain therapeutic goals while feeling recreational.
• Finally, while summer offers opportunities for engagement and learning, remember that it’s also a time for rest. Balance therapeutic activities with genuine downtime where your child can engage in preferred activities without demands. This balanced approach helps maintain skills while acknowledging that everyone—children and parents alike—needs a break to recharge for the coming school year.

Just a reminder: Suggestions outlined in this blog are not individual-specific. Always connect with your child’s healthcare and educational providers before implementing any new programming.

Want to know more about ABA therapy and how Totalis Behavioral Health can help your child succeed, not just in the summer but year-round? Contact us today!