July 21, 2025

Summer Fun with Your Child with Autism: The Complete Expanded Guide

I’ve shared tips before, such as in “Summer Break Is Fast Approaching” and “No Meltdown Outings”, but this post brings everything together and expands on key areas, including allergy safety and handling dogs. Think of this as your ultimate summer resource!

Keep Predictability in Play

You’ve heard me say it before: kids with autism do best with structure—even in summer. In “Summer Break Is Fast Approaching,” I outlined how maintaining a visual schedule, consistent wake-up/meals/bedtimes, and preparing them for outings reduces anxiety. This remains true for all children, and especially children with Autism. This extended version includes:

Visual timers for effective transitions (e.g., five minutes left before pool time ends).
Seasonal checklist ideas: sunscreen, water bottle, EpiPen, noise-canceling headphones.

Your Extended Summer Checklist:

☀️ Sensory-Friendly Activities

Low-noise water options - Not all kids can handle squirt guns or splashing in a pool. Try to include things like misting bottles and small water tables.
Creative stations - Quiet crafts areas are a sure win for all kids who might get overstimulated. You can include sensory bins (rice, beans, sand) and nature craft tables.
Calm zones: Everyone needs a break from time to time. Set up shade umbrellas and comfort items and teach your child they can use these proactively.

🛡️ Allergy Preparedness: Always Carry an EpiPen

Always bring an EpiPen or allergy kit outdoors. Even if bee stings or environmental allergens haven’t been an issue before, unexpected reactions can happen. Ensure:

It’s up to date.
Back-up pens are also with caregivers.
Everyone knows how to use it.
Keep syringe training practical with caregivers.

This step brings peace of mind and keeps the family's summer carefree.

🐕 Handling Encounters with Dogs

In past posts, I’ve talked about managing meltdowns, public behavior, and using social stories to prepare for outings. Something that can be scary or exciting for any child is meeting new friends of the four-legged variety. A little bit of preparation can help these encounters stay safe and fun. Here are some dog-specific ways to prep before an outing:

Talk ahead: explain that dogs will be on leashes; everything is under control.
Practice calm response: teach standing still, turning to you, or walking away.
Use social stories: include pictures/photos of dogs approaching.
Ask for space: politely request extra room—most people are understanding.
Model friendly behavior: let your child observe you calmly acknowledging a passing dog.

🚶‍♂️ Breaks, Backups, And Calm Exits

It's always good to have an exit plan or backup for any activity, especially for younger children or children with Autism. Here are some options to prepare:

A quiet corner or car-ready retreat for decompression.
Letting your child choose when they’ve had “enough.”
A "surprise bag" of favorite snacks, fidgets, and toys for quick self-regulation.

🎉 Celebrate Small Wins

Summer success isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality:

Note little victories: a full minute in the pool, three steps on a trail, or social sharing of a snack.
Use praise, stickers, or a visual progress tracker to reinforce confidence and boost morale.
Snap photos to remember these moments (and share pride!).

🛠️ Flexibility = Summer Freedom

Remember: even the best-laid plans may shift. Whether it's weather, fatigue, or mood, it’s okay to adapt.

Redirect calmly: offer a “Plan B.”
Keep flexible options in mind: quiet art at home, backyard spray bottle, sensory bin fun.
Focus on connection over routine.

Quick-Reference Summer Safety Checklist:

I've included a quick reference checklist to keep track of the tips and recommendations I shared today. This guide can be used for any outing year-round, and is helpful for all children.