As the school year comes to an end, many families look forward to a slower pace, family vacations, and more time together. While summer can be an exciting season, it can also bring unique challenges for autistic children. Many autistic individuals thrive on routine, predictability, and structured schedules. When school ends, the sudden loss of daily routines can create uncertainty, anxiety, and challenging behaviors.

At Thrive ABA Therapy, we encourage families to proactively plan for the transition from school to summer break. With thoughtful preparation, summer can become a wonderful opportunity for learning, growth, relaxation, and fun.

Why Routines Matter

School naturally provides structure. Children know when they wake up, attend classes, eat lunch, complete assignments, and participate in activities. During summer break, these predictable routines often disappear overnight.

Many autistic children benefit from:

• Consistent daily schedules
• Predictable expectations
• Visual supports
• Planned activities
• Clear transitions between tasks

Maintaining some level of structure throughout the summer can help reduce stress while creating opportunities for continued development.

Create a Summer Schedule

You do not need to schedule every minute of every day. However, having a general routine can help your child feel secure and successful.

Consider including:

• Wake-up time
• Morning hygiene routine
• Reading time
• Outdoor play
• Educational activities
• Meals and snacks
• Free choice activities
• Exercise or movement breaks
• Relaxation time
• Bedtime routine

A visual schedule can be especially helpful. Use pictures, words, or a combination of both to show your child what to expect throughout the day.

Many families also find success using a checklist that allows children to check off completed activities. This promotes independence and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Start with Your Child's Interests

Summer is the perfect time to build learning opportunities around what your child already loves.

Ask yourself:

• What activities does my child enjoy most?
• What topics capture their attention?
• What motivates them?
• What skills could be naturally incorporated into those interests?

For example:

• A child who loves animals can practice reading using animal books.
• A child who enjoys cooking can work on following directions and measuring ingredients.
• A child who enjoys swimming can practice communication and social skills during lessons.

Learning becomes more meaningful when it is connected to a child's interests.

Build in Relaxation Time

Summer should not feel like school all over again.

Every child has different ways of relaxing. Consider what helps your child regulate and recharge:

• Listening to music
• Swinging
• Sensory activities
• Playing with favorite toys
• Water play
• Walks outdoors
• Time alone in a calm space

When planning summer activities, intentionally schedule downtime. Balance structured activities with opportunities for rest and self-regulation.

Who Will Be Caring for Your Child?

Many parents continue working throughout the summer. Consider who will be caring for your child and how routines can remain consistent across caregivers.

Will your child spend time with:

• Grandparents?
• A nanny?
• Summer camp staff?
• Family friends?
• Older siblings?

Share important information with caregivers, including:

• Daily routines
• Communication preferences
• Sensory needs
• Reinforcement strategies
• Visual supports
• Behavior support plans

Consistency across caregivers often leads to greater success.

Continue Building Skills

Summer provides a valuable opportunity to maintain and strengthen skills learned during the school year.

Before school ends, talk with your child's teachers and educational team. Ask:

• What skills should we continue practicing?
• What academic areas need reinforcement?
• What social goals would be helpful to target?
• Are there resources we can use at home?

Even small amounts of practice can help prevent skill regression over the summer months.

Reading Matters

One of the most important things families can do over the summer is encourage reading.

Reading helps support:

• Language development
• Vocabulary growth
• Listening skills
• Comprehension
• Academic readiness

Visit your local library regularly. Many libraries throughout King County offer:

• Summer reading programs
• Story times
• Special events
• STEM activities
• Sensory-friendly opportunities
• Community engagement programs

Libraries are often free, welcoming, and highly accessible resources for families.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Some summer activities may be difficult for your child. New environments, schedule changes, social interactions, and unfamiliar expectations can be challenging.

Positive reinforcement can help increase participation and motivation.

Examples include:

• Verbal praise
• Stickers
• Extra playtime
• Preferred activities
• Special outings
• Earning points or tokens

Focus on recognizing effort and progress rather than perfection.

For example:

"Great job trying something new today!"

"I love how you followed your schedule."

"You worked really hard during reading time."

Positive reinforcement helps build confidence and encourages continued success.

Summer Activities and Programs in Washington State

Families in King County and throughout Washington State have access to several wonderful programs designed to support children with diverse needs.

Cast for Kids

The Cast for Kids program provides children with special needs opportunities to participate in fishing and boating experiences. These events create memorable outdoor adventures while building confidence and community connections.

Learn more: https://castforkids.org/find-an-event-2/?event_location=Washington

Nurturing Water Therapies

Nurturing Water Therapies offers adaptive one-on-one swim lessons designed to meet each individual's unique abilities, goals, and needs. Swimming can support physical fitness, water safety, confidence, and recreation.

Learn more: https://www.nurturingwatertherapies.org/

Theater of Possibilities

Led by Lauren Marshall, Theater of Possibilities fosters creativity, resilience, communication, and social connection through acting, improvisation, and original theater productions.

Learn more: http://www.laurenmarshall.com/

We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym

We Rock the Spectrum provides an inclusive gym environment designed for children of all abilities. The gym offers opportunities for movement, sensory exploration, social interaction, and play.

Learn more: https://werockthespectrumfederalway.com/

Make Summer Meaningful

Summer does not have to be perfectly planned to be successful. The goal is to create a balance between structure, learning, recreation, and relaxation.

By maintaining routines, utilizing visual supports, building on your child's interests, and incorporating positive reinforcement, families can help autistic children navigate the transition from school to summer break with confidence.

At Thrive ABA Therapy, we believe every season presents opportunities for growth. With thoughtful planning and support, summer can become a time for building independence, strengthening skills, creating joyful experiences, and making lasting memories.

About Thrive ABA Therapy

Thrive ABA Therapy provides compassionate, BCBA-led ABA therapy services in the comfort of your home throughout communities in King County, including Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Kenmore, Montlake Terrace, and surrounding areas. We specialize in early intervention, parent coaching, skill development, and individualized treatment designed to help children and families thrive.