Lazy Summer Days
“Sometimes the summer seems to drag during the month of August,” commented one parent of a youngster diagnosed with autism. Another parent observed that those “dog days” of summer seem to magnify the task of 24/7 care giving that her teen-age son with autism requires. A grandparent who cares for her pre-teen grandson with autism during the summer while his parents work echoed those sentiments. So, how can caregivers break the monotony of the long summer days?
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SOME IDEAS. Because most individuals diagnosed with autism thrive on structure, the abundance of unstructured free time in the summer can be frustrating for our friends and for folks around them. Here is a worry-free way of blowing some cool air into long, hot days without too much trouble: Set aside 30 minutes each day for a special summer adventure. Talk about the adventure for several days in advance and remind everyone at breakfast of the upcoming “Adventure for the Day.” The adventure, of course, depends on the interests of your youngster, but here are some ideas for simple, inexpensive activities to get you started: + Visit the library. Even non-readers find books galore! + Visit the zoo or a local farm or even a pet store. Nearly all kids enjoy looking at animals. + Visit a nursery. Enjoy the variety of plants in the greenhouse. + Pot a heat-tolerant plant and watch it thrive in the summer heat. + Visit the mall to enjoy window-shopping while getting some exercise walking in the air-conditioning. You can also check out happenings at your city parks – free concerts, softball tournaments, festivals, and fireworks.
The keys to success are simple: (1) Make plans in advance when possible, but keep a few ideas in your pocket for those “dog days” when advance planning is impossible; (2) Select activities that don’t require too much planning, equipment, or money; and (3) Introduce each activity as a big adventure – even if it is a modest activity like walking around the block or swinging on the porch swing. Remember that investing a little time in summer activities – even 30 minutes a day – reaps HUGE benefits!
NOTE TO LISTENERS AND READERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com
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