How do I support my child’s neurodevelopmental differences and needs this Summer?
When you have a “differently wired” (neurodivergent) child, or a child who is dealing with mental health concerns or medical differences that make it difficult to fit in with the majority of children their age, it’s important to base your summer schedule on the needs and developmental capacity of your child, rather than on your culture’s expectation of what a “good summer” looks like.
It’s possible that summer camps designed for neurotypical kids are just not an option, or due to other reasons such as work and finances, you’re uncertain of how to support your needs and also make sure your child is safe, nurtured, and supported during the summer months. There are many pressures from the neurotypical world to travel, engage in summer camps, or do other exciting activities, and there is also pressure on many of us to keep our jobs and find childcare for our kids during these months. It can feel exhausting and overwhelming. Since all of our situations are unique, let’s start with some general mindset questions that might inform how you plan based on your unique needs.
The following questions will get you started in planning out the "best fit" approach to summer season based on your child's needs
Pay attention to your child's neurotype when planning your summer. Summer already represents a season of change and is followed quickly by another school year. This can cause underlying anxiety for many.
Ask yourself: what's my child's relationship to change? Do they adjust quickly or quite slowly? They may need extra help adjusting to the sudden schedule and demand change.
Ask yourself: does my child need a lot of downtime, play easily alone, and desire solitude? If so, they may benefit from a less-structured summer schedule.
Ask yourself: does my child enjoy being on the move, having a predictable daily schedule, and need a lot of socialization and stimulation? Do they struggle to play alone? If so, a structured schedule of activities and social events will be a better fit.
You can get the full neuro-affirming summer planning kit/sample schedule plus printable schedule as well as a ton of other resources inside my membership!
