- Virtual Summer Camps

Camps across the country offer specialised support and programs for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These camps make a big difference in the lives of children, helping families who are dealing with ASD or related disorders. This is a fun activity you can enjoy with your child. During these online summer camps, neurodiverse 6-21 year olds with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs will be provided a safe and enriching atmosphere to engage, experience, and explore.

- Create a Sensory Cave:

Grab all your blankets and create your own sensory cave! Put some flashlights inside and have at it! Toss some pillows in and make it a family fort! The key to making the pillow cave is to be sure it is STUFFED, you then simply fluff it up in the corner of a room and your sensory kiddo can climb in it, on top of it and get cozy in it like a nest, they can go under it for some deep pressure and weight, or it can be used as a landing pad! It is also fun to add some sensory tools inside (for when it is not being jumped on) such oral sensory tools, a vibrating pillow or toy, fidget toys, etc. 

-Family Games 

This is a proper parenting technique that encourages the development of social skills. It also teaches how to win to lose and how to be attentive. It also builds a bond between family members.

While the type of adaptations used for a game will depend on the child’s individual needs and the game being played, some general guidelines may be applied to ensure a successful outcome with any social play situation.

• It is wise to prepare the child as much as possible for what they will experience in a game.
• The child should have a clear understanding of what they are being asked to do before beginning the game.
• The child needs to have an opportunity to express any anxieties or ask questions (to the best of their ability) ahead of time.

- The Woods are Calling you

This is among the favorite activities for children with special needs. A hike aids in many auditory, visual, tactile, smell, and spiritual lifts. Finding places to hike with creeks and waterfalls is advisable because of the experience it brings to the sensory organs.

-Recycled Art

Art therapy works to promote emotional and mental growth. This activity encourages creativity and is friendly to the environment.  Art is an outlet for self expression, imagination, and creativity. The visual arts are very important in the improvement of cognition, visual and spatial discrepancies, fine motor skills, and coping. Collecting tossed out toilet rolls, plastic tops, and old magazines to make constructive art is a good parenting strategy to encourage creativity.

As parent and child bonds formed in the early years, art therapy can be a great way for parents to bond with their child and understand his or her perceptions.

-Chef Nights

Cooking is a wonderful activity for autistic kids. Cooking can enhance a kid’s appetite for trying new foods and is an important life skill that can improve confidence, independence, and math, communication, and social skills. When you manage sensory triggers and start with fun cooking activities that align with your child’s interest and skill level, cooking will be a success.

This is a great time to teach several skills like making smoothies, favorite cake, and new supper creations. It is also recommended to let your kids help by giving them mix, measure, and shop for ingredients. This will help significantly in the future.

Without the routine of the school year, summer can feel like an extra burden to parents as they try to keep their children occupied and happy. Remember that summer is for everyone, so try to include activities that are interesting to you, too, and can hopefully be enjoyed by the whole family.