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 Anxiety - Helping Your Autistic Child Transition Back to School

There is nothing better than a break from work and time to enjoy a week or two of summer vacation. Whether it is sitting on the beach with your favorite book, hiking up a mountain and breathing in clean mountain air, or finally getting to that new home project you've been planning to tackle, the change of pace is always refreshing. As parents, you appreciate any time off from work that you can get and welcome such schedule changes as an opportunity to experience a freedom from routine and a time to recharge your batteries. Unfortunately, time off is temporary and we eventually have to transition back into the workplace.

Children experience their summer school vacation break in a similar manner. Therefore, one can empathize with the reluctance they may express to "go back to work" after an extended period of free time. Children on the autism spectrum take even longer to adjust to a change in schedule and many may just be getting comfortable with their new summer schedule when suddenly it is time to make yet another shift in routine. Recurring change is the enemy of most autistic children and can cause stress levels to rise and anxieties to increase causing much friction and unrest in their households.

On the other hand, there are a few autistic children who actually look forward to going back to school, and transition well despite having to adjust to another new schedule. Regardless of the category your child falls into, planning ahead, being prepared and knowing your child will help guarantee a smooth transition. Understanding how your child adjusts to change will help you decide how soon you need to begin the process. As that time approaches, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Make scheduling adjustments to daily routines, such as bedtime, well in advance. Ease into any new adjustment by starting with small increments of time.
• Hold a family meeting weeks before school starts to discuss and plan for the transition. If you've never held a family meeting before this is a great time to start.
• Begin to curtail screen machine privileges at least two weeks prior to the start of school. Establish TV, video and computer use rules and stick to them.
• Set up a positive attitude when discussing the upcoming school year. If your child is not enthused about returning, focus on events they find interesting such as, sports or music.
• Increase trips to the library or start now if you haven't been yet. Reading is key to any child's school success and extremely important to maintain. Daily reading with your child will give him/her a boost.
• If your child is anxious about the new school year contact the school and make an appointment to visit and meet with the new teacher. The opportunity to go over schedules and expectations as well as the chance to ask questions without other students around can provide an autistic child a great sense of relief.
• Involve your child in the planning and purchasing of school supplies, with their own money if possible. Make a list of school supplies together; estimate a budget and shop within it.

Just acknowledging the anxiety is the first step to making the transition easier for your child and your family. Planning ahead, being prepared and having a positive attitude will help you and your child have a smooth sail back to school.

I invite you to receive a free copy of "Parenting a Child with Autism - 3 Secrets to Thrive" by visiting http://www.parentcoachingforautism.com. Connie Hammer is a licensed social worker who focuses on supporting parents of young children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

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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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8 Ways to Survive (and Maybe Even Enjoy) A Family Holiday With a Child With Autism

Work has become tedious. The walls of your home seem to be closing in. You NEED a vacation. But the thought of traveling with your children, especially your child with autism, is less than enticing.

Families need vacations: time to escape the regular chores, schedules and routines of home and family. Holidays mean a chance to break away from routine, a change of pace, new setting, food, people and activities; not exactly autism friendly! Traveling with children is always more challenging, but planning a vacation with a child with autism can seem downright daunting.

There are ways to alleviate some of the stress and create a getaway that is enjoyable for every member of the family. Some simple guidelines and smart planning will make a big difference!

1. Start small

Children with autism do best with small steps. If your child has never had time away from home it is wise to take a "mini vacation" for a few hours, build up to a whole day and soon after that a night away. The more familiar a child is with a new activity the less anxiety they will experience. A few hours spent in an activity close to home that is similar to what you plan to do on vacation, will be worth the time and energy. You may choose to visit a local beach, shop, sight - see in your town or spend some time on a boat. The closer the "mini holiday" matches the real thing, the better.

2. Take time to preview

Our anxiety levels typically increase when we have no clue what to expect about an upcoming event. Many people have a difficult time with the "unknown." This is particularly true of kids with autism! As adults, we may choose to browse a travel guide, read rating scales and look at photo galleries of places where we plan to visit in order to preview where we are going and what we can expect. Our children who live with autism will benefit from these activities as well. Browse the Internet, peruse travel brochures and maybe even visit a bookstore and/or library to allow your child to read about a specific place that you plan to visit. There are numerous books about traveling on an airplane, visiting grandparents, ocean life or life in big cities. Whatever you decide to do with your family, reading about it is an awesome way to acquaint your children with the idea.

3. Pack a map

Individuals with autism gain a sense of calm from predictability and familiarity. When planning a trip, highlight the route on a map and if you know where you plan to stop, mark those spots on the map. Maps are often appealing to children with autism and they provide a visual tool that the child can hold and manipulate as they travel. For children that can read you may consider providing a list of some of the towns or cities through which you will travel. Children can check them off as they go or just use them as a reference when they want to know, where they are. Maps and trip itineraries are useful tools to reduce anxiety because they provide a tangible reference point and predictability. Route changes can also be made quickly on the map or just written on a piece of paper.

4. Pack a calendar with Velcro

Not knowing how days will be filled and what will happen next is unnerving for individuals who live with autism (and for many non autistic people)! Many of us rely on electronic gadgets or day planners to keep us feeling directed, calm and in control. When planning your family trip, bring along a calendar or a day planner of some sort. Attach a strip of Velcro on each day of the trip and bring along pictures of activities or places.

Photographs, brochure cut outs, or homemade pictures will work. If the child is able to read, then writing on the calendar may be just as useful. By attaching events and activities to specific days we give our children the opportunity to see what is coming and to organize the time in their minds. The Velcro gives us the flexibility of changing plans if necessary. It also demonstrates to our kids that events are not always fixed; plans change. The key is to teach the child to refer to the calendar when they are feeling uneasy. Reward them when they do so. The alternative is to listen to a constant barrage of questions.

5. Plan time fairly

Each person needs to know that their needs will be met. Children with autism need time away from the hustle of holidays. Holidays by nature, tend to be very social, unpredictable and novel. If we want to set up the experience to be enjoyable we need to try to create "downtime" for the child with autism. This may mean allowing that child to participate in a favorite activity for a portion of time; whatever activity the child truly enjoys doing that helps him to unwind. It may mean that the child spins, jumps, twirls a sensory toy or just sits in a chair.

Watching the history channel while the family is down at the beach may be just what the teen with autism needs. The activity is driven by the child and NOT the parent. Using a timer or visual clock helps to set parameters around the activity. Using cell phones or Walkie Talkies allow parents and kids to communicate when they are not in direct contact.

6. Avoid over planning

Choose a few favorite activities rather than trying to cram everything into the day. A trip to Disneyland can be a sensory nightmare for a child with autism. Limiting the amount of activity that is done in a day will go a long way to making the trip more pleasant for the whole family. Do you really have to visit all of the theme parks? Is it necessary to shop in every mall? Must you participate in all of the resort activities? Your child with autism may not be capable of managing the sensory, emotional and social stimulation that more typical children are able to cope with.

7 Plan for unstructured time

Children with autism may not be able to entertain themselves and parents shouldn't have to be entertainment directors. Some simple tools will make unstructured times like travel time and waiting for flights much more bearable. Start with a written or picture menu of all of the available items to play with. Be sure to show only the choices that ARE available! Fidget toys, digital toys, magnetic travel games, iPods, handheld games, a whiteboard with markers and magnetic puzzles are invaluable when down time is non negotiable. "Wait cards" and "Unavailable cards" are invaluable when we need to let a child know that an activity or item is either delayed or not available. These cards must be part of the child's daily life before the vacation so that they are tolerable for the child during the holiday.

8. Don't leave home without the Visuals

Visual supports are an absolute necessity when traveling with children that have autism...even if you are away from home for a day! Pictures, calendars, maps, brochures, photos and short scripts provide individuals with autism a priceless gift of predictability and order. Holidays can be filled with distractions, changes of plans, new events and unknown people. Sensory stimulation, emotions and expectations are on overload and the potential for meltdowns is high. Visual supports can act as an anxiety reducer and a welcome relief. A social script can be quickly written on paper or a whiteboard before the child is expected to participate in an unfamiliar social situation.

For example, the rules of hanging out on the beach could be written as a social script and reviewed each time a child goes to the beach:

People like to play on the beach and some people like to lie down on the beach.

We are careful not to kick sand on people when we walk in the sand.

We can lay our towels next to each other in the family.

We can lay our towels 1 or 2 big steps away from someone that we do not know.

When we lift our towels we are careful not to shake sand on other people.

The beach is fun.

The most important item to make sure you bring along on a vacation is the expectation to enjoy it. Our thoughts control much of what we experience so it is worthwhile to affirm in your own mind that this time away will be fun. Remind yourself to really watch your children as they experience new things; smile, breathe deeply and laugh often. When plans don't quite work remind yourself that "it is what it is" and your reaction to a situation is really what determines the outcome. Choose to be cheerful and positive and your mood will likely rub off on the rest of your family.

Plopping your children in a car, driving for six hours and telling them to stop whining will not likely result in a great vacation! Planning ahead will play a huge role in creating a holiday that is fun filled. There are little things that we take for granted about traveling that we must be aware of so that we can create a great vacation. You need it. Your family needs it. Go ahead and have fun!

Jennifer Krumins is a full time teacher in Ontario, Canada with 19 years of experience in special education and the regular classroom. A mother of three (one of which has autism), she is currently teaching severely challenged teenagers with autism. She is the author of two books:

Been There. Done That. Finally Getting it Right. A Guide to Educational Planning for Students with Autism: Lessons from a Mother and Teacher.

and

One Step at a Time: ABA and Autism in the Classroom; Practical Strategies for Implementing Applied Behaviour Analysis for Student with Autism

Please feel free to visit Jennifer's website at http://www.autismaspirations.com or email her at krumins@autismaspirations.com

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