Tips by School Psychologists for Parents During Summer with Children with Learning Disabilities, Autism or Mental Health Issues
Summer is often a challenging time for parents of children with learning disabilities, autism or mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Summer often sees increased childcare responsibilities placed on parents as the school structure and routines get removed.
Without the regular structure of school, children may struggle with anxiety, behaviour issues, and maintaining routines, all while parents might have to negotiate their ongoing work commitments and other responsibilities.
We’re not here to diminish these challenges. Instead, we want to provide some tips and guidance on how you can make summer a positive and enriching experience for both you and your children.
Maintain a Consistent Schedule (Where Possible)
Routine provides some semblance of predictability for children with learning disabilities, autism or mental health challenges. It’s something that provides a useful grounding and something to rely on.
That’s why it’s key to maintain a consistent daily schedule that can help children feel secure and reduce any potential anxiety associated with unpredictability.
So, stick to some regular aspects of the day if possible:
Meal times
Bedtime
Wake-up time
Other elements of the school day you can replicate
If your child usually wakes up at 8:00 am during school time, try to maintain this element of their routine through the summer. Using visual aids can also be helpful in managing this routine. Create a daily schedule with pictures or symbols to represent different activities to help children literally picture their day. Planning this ahead of time and for a week ahead also works to remove some of the anxiety-inducing unknowns of the summer days. Try to adhere to the schedule you’ve collectively agreed on for most of the time and plan for any changes or alternative dates.
Plan Activities in Advance
We just touched on this idea in reference to scheduling. Planning and scheduling activities in advance adds to this structure; children with anxiety, autism or learning disabilities typically prefer structure over spontaneity. A surprise event can, in fact, lead to dysregulation or anxious episodes.
Knowing what’s coming up in your plan (say, a trip to the park tomorrow or a visit to grandparents on the weekend) can offset these issues.
Exploring local programs and camps in Ontario that cater to children with special needs can offer this structure for you. Organizations such as the Ontario Camps Association offer various options, and, as experts in the field, they have fully scheduled activities that children and parents can mentally prepare for.
Of course, these camps also lighten some of the childcare burden for you and offer the support you need.
Encourage Outdoor, Physical Activities
We all intuitively know (but it is also proven by research) that physical activity is crucial for managing anxiety, improving mood, and burning off excess energy. Research also shows that nature based experiences improve both physical and psychological well-being. These facts are especially pertinent to your children.
Activities like biking, swimming, hiking, and visiting parks can work wonders to help kids stay active during the summer. Try to skew these activities to something your child enjoys; we shouldn’t see this as exercise for exercise’s sake but as something fun to look forward to and to relish being in the great outdoors.
Of course, ensure children understand safety rules and are supervised during outdoor activities to prevent accidents.
Create a Behavioural System
Part of the school structure relies on agreed upon rules, clear expectations, consequences and reinforcement schedules for expected and unexpected behaviours. This is how great teachers with the support of school psychologists implement effective behavioral strategies to manage a classroom.
Look to replicate this at home. Again, this creates a safe and secure environment for your child because they know what to expect. Rather than being stifling, these rules provide a handy scaffold that shows them how to behave.
Using reward systems like sticker charts or points for good behaviour, as positive reinforcement can be more effective than punishing negative behaviour. Consistency is key; be consistent with rules and rewards to help children understand the connection between their behaviour and the outcomes.
Address Any Sensory Needs
If needed, plan some activities that cater to your child’s sensory processing issues. This can look different from child to child, and you’ll know best here:
Quiet time
Sensory bins
Activities that provide deep-pressure input
Create a quiet space that is very much their own at home. This is a place they can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed, and it is critical to help them manage any sensory overload they experience.
Manage Transitions and New Experiences
As a parent, you have to be mindful of the potentially destabilizing nature of new activities or environments. As such, always introduce these gradually to reduce the risk of anxiety.
For example, if your child happens to be anxious about attending a new camp, visit the camp location beforehand to familiarize them with the surroundings.
Communicate with your child ahead of time about any known upcoming events or changes (part of the planning ahead/scheduling process we mentioned earlier). When you do this, use open-ended questions to understand their concerns and address them accordingly. Reassure them in the way that you, as their loving parent, know how to.
If you’re struggling to manage these transitional moments, engage with local support groups in Ontario for shared experiences and advice. Online forums can often also be great sources for useful insights.
Travel Tips
If you are heading out on vacation anywhere, then it’s imperative you try to maintain those routines where possible. Bring familiar items (like blankets, favorite toys, or particular drinking cups) as these can offset feelings of being overwhelmed. Again, if possible, stick to your usual meal times, bedtimes, etc. All of this can provide much-needed stability.
Of course, some changes are unavoidable so it's important to discuss travel plans and what to expect with your child to prepare them for any changes in routine and environment. Look for family-friendly accommodations and activities that cater to children with special needs. Websites like Airbnb can offer accommodation options that allow for cooking and maintaining routines.
Find Support and Resources
Join Ontario-based support groups for parents, such as Parents Engaged in Education, which offers resources and support. Seek help from school psychologists when necessary, as early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. School psychologists can work in collaboration with parents prior to the end of the academic year to help them prepare for summer breaks. Utilize financial assistance for camps and activities. Programs like FSAs can help cover the cost of caregivers and specialized programs.
Don't Forget Self-Care
We always like to remind parents about the importance of self-care. Taking care of yourself means you can be the best version of yourself as a parent.
Becoming overloaded with your own stresses and anxieties will directly impact the childcare you provide.
So, what do you do?
Find time for relaxation and support from family and friends, giving yourself breaks when needed. This is going to look different from person to person as we all face different circumstances. What’s critical to remember is that:
All parents face difficulties
There’s support out there in various forms
You shouldn’t feel guilty
You must set up boundaries so that advocating for your child doesn’t consume all your energy. Make time for you, too.
Final Thoughts on Summer Breaks
The watchword here is structure. However, supporting your child with mental health issues or learning disabilities and providing this structure requires patience and organization.
It is also important to do your best to communicate well.
There’s no point pretending that all of this isn’t a significant challenge. By maintaining routines, planning activities, encouraging physical activity, and leaning on support wherever possible, you can help your child thrive during the long summer months.
And, of course, remember to check in on your own mental health.
For more information and resources, take a look at the rest of our blog posts.