Establish a summer routine for your child with sensory issues or autism

Kids love a break from school, but the change in routine can be very difficult for children 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 as much of a sense of predictability as they often do. Of course, children need downtime, but those with sensory processing disorder, or who have SPD and autism, also need more structure during the holidays than other children.

Stick to your usual bedtime. Sleepovers and late nights can be fun for some, but not all, children with sensory processing disorder. Children with milder sensory issues and better self-regulation may enjoy them as long as they are followed by several days of going back to their usual bedtime before school starts. However, some sensory children cannot handle these big changes in routine and react very badly to such an interruption. If you allow long nights or sleepovers, write them down at home to make sure your child doesn’t stay up too late or wake up too early.

Keep them informed. If family will be visiting, meal times will be different, your child will sleep in a different bed, or you will be attending a gathering of people, let your child know. Answer their questions about exactly what will happen, as this gives you a sense of predictability.

Make them separate from decision making. While your child can’t be in charge of making the most important decisions, let him participate in the decisions that directly affect him. Does she have to participate in all the activities she has planned, or can she skip some or “show up” at others before retreating to a situation in which she feels more comfortable? If she is traveling, can she choose which bed she will sleep in and bring her own pillow? The more sense of control she has, the easier it will be for her to tolerate the unpredictability of your plans and unfamiliarity with new places or unusual activities.

Get them outdoors. The transition to a warmer climate can be strange for the child with sensory issues, and if they are used to staying indoors, they may resist playing in the sun. Allow him to overdress for the weather if that makes him more comfortable, with the stipulation that sweating means having to bathe or shower. Find fun reasons to be outside. Go ahead and take him to the movie he wants to see, but follow it up with a visit to a playground, a forest, a beach, a river, or a field where he can kick around a ball. Schedule regular time to walk in nature, even if it’s just for 20 minutes (in fact, studies have shown that a short walk in nature has a calming effect on children with ADHD).

Structure the days and make a to-do list. Have your child wake up and eat breakfast at the usual time, then follow a written or illustrated to-do list.

Explain sensory issues to caregivers. If someone else will be watching your child during the break, be it a relative, friend, grandmother, or someone else, let them know about your child’s sensory needs and what to do if your child becomes very uncomfortable and begins to show signs of distress , withdrawal or misbehavior.

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

copyright (c) 2010 Nancy Peske