Autism Behavior Ways to Beat The Summer Blues!

Given the nature of autism behavior, summer can actually be more difficult for kids with autism than most. In fact, many parents with kids who have autism dread the start of summer. Why? Summer wrecks with kids' routine. Summer is full of endless days with nothing to do and no plan, no routine, no schedule. If there is one surefire thing you could possibly do to cause tantrums and bad autism behavior in kids with autism, it is to remove their schedule.
Beat the Summertime Blues
All year long, kids with autism can at least rely on a few simple things. The yellow school bus which takes them to school, their classes and activities during school, and the yellow school bus to take them home. Love them or hate them, at least they're there. And having your day structured in some way, for a child with autism, is so much infinitely better than doing nothing.
So what do you do? Well, you have several options.
1. Extended School Year
Some schools will offer extended school year programs to those at risk for falling behind or those who need the extra enrichment and learning that extended school year programs provide. Many kids with autism need consistent learning or else they will start the school year way behind where they left off. They might even end the school year ahead, but they will forget all they learned during the summer and often regress without the structure that school provides.
Often, autism behavior that is problematic masks problems underneath - in this case, that the child needs more stimulation and engaging activities. Ask your special education teacher or principal about this option.
2. Summer Camps
There are, of course, also summer camps. There are dozens of different kinds of summer camps you could send your child to. Decide what is most important for you and your child. Do you want to work on social and communication skills in an autism focused environment? There are camps for that. Do you want to send your child to camp focused on his interests, such as a Lego camp, sports, or arts and crafts? There are camps for that.
Your local Town Recreation department usually has a selection of camps for kids in the summer at relatively low-cost. Often, they will even have summer camp programs designed for those with special needs. You can often get an aide to help your child participate in these activities. The key is planning ahead. Start early. Find out as early as possible in the year whom you will have to talk to and get permission from to get your child the services they need over the summer.
Doing so gives you the best chance of taking the negative autism behavior symptoms you often see in your child during the summer and turning them into positive ones.
Summer Camp Options
You can look at a site like autism.about.com/od/schoolandsummer/tp/camplistings.htm camps to find autism related summer camps that might be good for your child -- or just talk to your local autism society chapter or doctor. Sometimes you can find a great program locally, and sometimes you have to travel for it. Such programs usually incorporate therapy, academics, social skills learning, fields trips and just plain fun into a smorgasbord for autism learning and increasing positive autism behavior.
3. Create a summer learning routine for your child
Learning does not have to stop just because school has. Many experts will recommend that you develop units of learning during the summer to enrich your child's learning. In other words, make your home into a part-time school. Have theme weeks, such as learning about sea creatures with a trip to the aquarium. Learn about mammals and take a trip to the zoo. Take advantage of Internet lesson plans and learning resources.
Try to build a routine for your child over the summer so they will know what to expect. Designate some time each day for learning about a topic of interest to your child, then some time for an activity in the community like the swimming pool, the movies or a museum.
Community activities
The nice things about museums are they often free or low-cost, and some have special programs for kids with special needs. Kids' museums in particular sometimes have autism only days where kids with autism and their parents can have the whole place to themselves. This means they won't have to explain autism behavior to others and can be free to express themselves however they want.
Get into arts and crafts, or develop new hobbies. Summer is a time for learning and exploring interests that there wasn't time for during the school year. Just make sure there is some routine to all this, and you'll be all set. Your child will be enriched, happy, and you will see positive autism behavior (less or no meltdowns, more engagement) if you find a way to engage your child in a routine this summer.

And for further tips and techniques to help children with autism live a happy and fulfilled life, go to the web site AspergersSociety.org and www.AutismParenthood.com. There you will be able to sign up for the free Asperger's and Autism newsletter as well as get additional information to help your loved ones thrive on the autism spectrum.

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Back to School for Those With Autism Spectrum Disorders

When it's time to take your child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to school, it can be quite a turbulent time, to say the least. All routine is thrown out the window and replaced with sheer and utter chaos. New overwhelming sights, sounds, smells, and touches will all be experienced in the first day of class. In order to make this transition a little more peaceful there are a few steps you can take ahead of time to prepare your child for success in a mainstream environment.
1. Take your child to the school a couple of times before the start of the school year. Walk them around the halls. Let the feel the walls, adjust to the lighting, and get used to the pattern of the tile on the floor. This might be a good time to map out their routes, if they will be changing classrooms. Show them where the restrooms are in relation to their class room/rooms. Let them see their classroom and become familiar with it as well. I understand you can't do this to far in advance, but the more visits you can get in the better.
2. Introduce yourself and your child to the teacher. Communication between you and your child's teacher through out the school year is going to be key in their success. You might as well make your self known right away, and let then know you are an involved parent. Let the teacher know you are their to help however you can. During this time your child will be able to become familiar with the teacher as well. This should help the transition if there is a recognizable face among all the craziness.
3. Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse! Devote a little time each day to going over scenarios that your child might encounter while they are at school. What to do when you get upset at a student/teacher is a good one. What do you do if you get lost trying to find your room. Who do you go to if someone is picking on you or bullying you. For that matter make sure your child knows what bullying is and understands that it is not OK.
This is just a general guide. You know your child, if preparing them ahead of time will only make them perseverate on it, then this will not work for you. I hope this has been a help[ to some.
I have more resources on my website at http://autismspectrumresources.blogspot.com

Robert, http://autismspectrumresources.blogspot.com

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Autism 101 - How Changes In Structure And Routine Can Negatively Affect Your Autistic Child

Structure and routine are two common things that are needed in an autistic child's world. They have difficulties adjusting to changes and can become quite upset, and even angry when things don't go as they should. And these melt downs can make the change in routine even harder to handle.

An autistic child survives on things remaining the same.

Something as simple as day light savings time, when the external time is an hour off of their internal time, can create a nightmare for parents. Bedtime is now an hour different, meal times as well. Your child's body will be telling him one thing, while you're contradicting it, and telling him it's a different time. End result, a week or so of meltdowns as they readjust to the time.

Another thing that can disturb them and cause a meltdown is something like a field trip in school. Instead of the regular routine they are expecting, the whole day turns upside down. While the other children are excited and happy over the field trip, your little one is stressing and fretting over the change.

And these are just two examples of many things that can change the structure and routine of the daily life of your autistic child. Which leads us to the question, how can we minimize or prevent the meltdown from happening?

Dependent on your child's level of communication and understanding, this can be a difficult to almost impossible task.

In the case of day light savings time, you can try a week ahead of the change to slowly change the time for your child. Instead of them having to adjust to an entire hour difference, you start slowly, changing the schedule 10 minutes at a time over the course of a week.

In terms of things like field trips, all you can try to do is communicate to them the change that will be taking place and prepare them as far in advance as you can, so that it doesn't come as such as shock to them.

Life will always bring changes we cannot avoid. Knowing this ahead of time, and understanding the turmoil and upset it will create in our little ones is an integral step in making their lives run a little smoother.

Changes in routine and structure can be alarming and disturbing to autistic children. Doing our best as parents and caregivers to prepare them for that change is all we can do. From there all we can do is be there for them and supporting them when the meltdown ensues.

Autism affects the world around us. For more tips on parenting an autistic child, click here!

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Establish a Summer Routine For Your Child With Sensory Issues Or Autism

Kids love having a break from school, but the shift in routine can be very difficult for kids with sensory issues who struggle with transitions. They may be more anxious and have more trouble self-regulating their behavior because they don't have a sense of predictability as they usually do. Of course, kids need down time, but those with sensory processing disorder, or who have SPD and autism, also need more structure during vacations than other children do.

Stick to the usual bedtime. Sleepovers and late nights can be fun for some, but not all, children with sensory processing disorder. Kids with milder sensory issues and better self-regulation may be able to enjoy them as long as they are followed by several days of being eased back into the regular bedtime before school starts. Some sensory kids can't handle these huge changes in routine, however, and react very badly to such a disruption. If you do allow for late nights or sleepovers, host them at your house to ensure that the child doesn't stay up too late or wake up too early.

Keep them in the loop. If family will be visiting, mealtimes will be different, your child will be sleeping in a different bed, or you'll be attending a gathering of people, let your child know. Answer her questions about exactly what will be happening as this gives her a sense of predictability.

Make them a part of the decision making. While your child can't take charge of making the larger decisions, let her participate in decisions that directly affect her. Does she have to participate in every activity you have planned, or can she skip some or "put in an appearance" at others before retreating to a situation she is more comfortable in? If you are traveling, can she pick which bed she will sleep in and bring her own pillow? The more of a sense of control she has, the easier it will be for her to tolerate the unpredictability in your plans and the unfamiliarity of new places or rare activities.

Get them outdoors. The transition to milder weather may feel strange to the child with sensory issues, and if he is used to staying indoors he may resist playing in the sunshine. Allow him to overdress for the weather if that makes him more comfortable, with the stipulation that getting sweaty means having to bathe or shower. Find fun reasons to be outside. Go ahead and take him to the movie he has be wanting to see, but follow it with a visit to a playground, woods, beach, river, or field where you can kick a ball around. Schedule a regular time for walking in nature if only for 20 minutes (in fact, studies have shown that a short nature walk has a calming affect on children with ADHD).

Structure the days and make a To Do list. Have your child awaken and eat breakfast at the usual time, then follow a written or picture To Do list of activities.

Explain sensory issues to caretakers. If someone else will be taking care of your child during the break, whether it is a relative, friend, grandmother, or someone else, fill them in on your child's sensory needs and what to do if your child becomes very uncomfortable and begins to show signs of distress, withdrawing or acting out.

Your child may not need a rigid routine, but a simple one that provides predictability and a sense of control can help her to be much calmer and relaxed this summer.

copyright (c) 2010 Nancy Peske

Nancy Peske is an author and editor and the parent of a child who at age 2 was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and multiple developmental delays. Coauthor of the award-winning Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, available from Penguin Books, Nancy offers information and support on her blog and website at http://www.sensorysmartparent.com She has been active in the SPD community since 2002.

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Autism Care For Toddlers

Many parents are frightened upon finding out that their child is autistic. The prospect of raising a child who has autism is intimidating, and having an autistic child is an exercise in patience, certainly. However, it can also be just as rewarding an experience for parents as raising a normal child. Toddlers at any age and of any abilities can be a challenge, but there are some great ways to make it easier on your child as well as yourself.

Do Some Research - With the internet, this is easier than ever. Don't let the internet be the end of your resources, though. While there are many websites and forums online for parents of autistic children - and it is helpful to join some of these to network with other parents - it's also important to pick up a few books. Keep in mind that all children are different and every method suggested will not work for every child.

Get to Know Your Toddler - Autism is not a disorder that is the same from person to person. It is called the 'autism spectrum' because severity and forms vary from minor symptoms to very significant problems. A professional diagnosis can give you an accurate idea of your child's position on the spectrum, but it is up to you to learn who your child is as a person. Keep a Diary This is more for record-keeping than for a sounding board. Write down everything from foods to reactions to certain colours, textures, and environments. You can learn a great deal about which things agitate or upset your child this way. Also make note of any new symptoms you notice. Having a record of symptoms and reactions to environmental factors can help when contacting your child's doctor, as well.

Stay Attentive - It is important to pay attention. Every parent knows this, but it is all the more important when caring for a child with autism because many don't understand or have the ability to express their feelings and emotions. Children who have autism can seem cold, standoffish, and indifferent even to their parents. Don't make the mistake of assuming that they do not have those feelings, though. Many toddlers who have profound autism are unable to hug and kiss their parents and find it distressing when forced to do so. Take your child's feelings into account when considering any activities.

Create a Routine - Routine is everything to an autistic child because it gives them feelings of safety and calm. Most are frustrated very easily by a small change in routine that seems like nothing at all to you. Try to arrange for naps, meals, playtime, and outings to occur at the same time each day. It can also be helpful to create routines for certain times of day, such as bedtime. Many children who have autism are very high-strung. By removing stimulation, such as foods and television, a couple of hours before bed and performing more calming activities can help get an autistic toddler to fall asleep.

Please click here for information on autism care.

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How to Help Your Child With Autism Begin The School Day

The beginning of the school year, and the start of each school day, can create potentially stressful situations for you and your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Most children with Autism not only need routines, they require them in order to cope with an ever-changing environment. This article is designed to help prepare your child for the transition to a new year and for the beginning of each school day.

For children with autism, who typically have difficulty with transitions, the daily requirement of getting up and ready for school can cause tremendous stress and frustration. Starting school can present extreme difficulties for children with autism because children with ASD are required to conform to unpredictable and demanding schedules, rules, behaviors, and social norms.

As you prepare your child for a school year, begin by introducing new school supplies gradually. When purchasing clothing attempt to keep within the parameters of what fabrics, colors, and textures are suitable for your child. Tags may need to be cut out of clothes and all items should be clearly labeled. Depending on your child's specific needs, select materials that will appeal to his or her unique interests. For example, your child may want a certain cartoon character on his or her lunch box. For another children, this might pose too much of a distraction. Item can be purchased, set aside out of view, and introduced gradually. By the time school begins, however, your child needs to have the chance to become acquainted with each new item.

Visit the school, discuss, and walk through routines. For example, pack your child's lunch box and have a picnic in the lunch area at the school prior to the beginning of the year. As teachers begin to set up their new classrooms plan to visit the school. If possible take your child to see the classroom, the nurse's office, the library, etc. You also have the right to arrange a meeting before the school year starts. This is a good opportunity to get to know the team members and to make certain that your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is up-to-date. Discuss concerns with the support staff and let the school know what your child needs in order to be successful. Request a follow-up meeting a week or two after the year begins to iron make adjustments.

Many children with autism respond well to visual stimuli and are comforted by what is familiar; establishing and maintaining a daily routine helps your child feel secure. Create a daily picture schedule to help your child prepare for the day and to transition between home and the external world. You may want to use picture cards. These cards can be laminated and attached with Velcro to laminated cardboard. This daily schedule will help your child with transitions. The picture schedule includes photos in chronological order that represent key transitional activities. Pictorial schedules may, but do not have to, include captions. If a picture schedule is used at home it may readily be adapted into the school setting. A picture symbol, such as a question mark, can indicate when an unexpected or unpredictable event may occur. Becoming familiar with such a symbol will help even the unexpected become more predictable. Another idea is to use timers and alarms to indicate the time for a transition from one activity to another. Your child's temperament will help in determining which schedules and devices will alleviates rather than promote anxiety.

Social stories that explain procedures and routines may also help your child to understand events and behavioral expectations.

Keep an open line of communication with the school, particularly the principal and teacher(s). While email is helpful, communication logs provide a hands-on method for relaying information between home and school. A small notebook for daily comments can eliminate hours of frustration for your child and his or her caretakers/teachers. Any change in routine can be documented in order to facilitate an understanding of unsettling events or changes in your child's routine.

While every child with ASD is unique the suggestions listed above have proven helpful in preparing for a smooth transition to a new school year and, with minor adjustments, to the daily school routines.

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