Autism Friendly Summer Activities- Sensory Friendly Outings for a Fun Summer!

As summer approaches, families with autistic children often seek inclusive and sensory-friendly activities that cater to their loved ones' unique needs. In this blog post, we delve into a variety of engaging summer activities specially designed to provide a fun and comfortable experience for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism Fun at the Beach

Embrace the sun and sand with a sensory-friendly beach day! Many beaches now offer special access points, quiet areas, and beach wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the waves. The sound of crashing waves, the touch of sand, and the sight of vast horizons create a holistic sensory experience.

But let's be real—when you have a child with autism, the thought of water activities can be nerve-wracking. The fear of something happening to your child in the water is all too real. However, with a few precautions, this can be one of the best opportunities for sensory-seeking kids. Think about it: sand everywhere, water splashing, and the freedom to be as loud as they want. It's a sensory playground waiting to be explored.

Transitioning into water activities might seem daunting, but with a well-crafted social story (you can craft your own with personalized photos or purchase this one I have written) about water safety, and gradual desensitization techniques, children with autism can learn to navigate the beach safely. Introducing the concept of wearing a life jacket whenever around deep water becomes a part of their routine, ensuring both safety and comfort in aquatic environments. It's about turning what might seem like a barrier into an enriching experience for the whole family.

Explore Nature

Try a walk in nature. Do you have any parks or nature reserves nearby? Pack a sensory-friendly picnic with favorite snacks and enjoy the sounds of birds chirping, the feel of grass underfoot, and the sight of vibrant flowers in bloom.

What makes this option so great is the sheer range of sensory experiences it offers and the freedom it provides from strict behavioral expectations. Unlike indoor settings where kids are expected to sit quietly, nature invites them to explore and be themselves. Encourage your kids to get their hands dirty playing in mud, feeling the textures of dirt, grass, and leaves.

For autistic kids who might not be used to spending time outdoors, getting them out can be tough. Start with short outings and bring along snacks they love to make it more appealing. With a little patience and some snacks in tow, even the most reluctant nature explorers can learn to enjoy the outdoors.

Autism Friendly Movie Night

Consider an outdoor movie night in your backyard. Choose a film that caters to your child's specific interests, whether it's their favorite movie or something related to their passions like bugs or Pokémon. Set up comfortable seating with sensory-friendly blankets or chairs and bask in the magic of a movie under the stars.

This option is especially wonderful for children with limited play or leisure skills who still deserve a fun experience with their siblings or family members. Since it's in your backyard, they can run around or be as loud as they want without you having to stress out about disturbing others, creating a relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy.

Remember to give them plenty of warning ahead of time so they understand that the movie will be in a different setting than usual, preventing any surprises that might disrupt their enjoyment. With a little preparation and consideration, you can create a memorable movie night that delights everyone involved.

Summer is the perfect time to truly immerse yourself in your child's special interests. Whether it's borrowing books or DVDs from the library about their latest passion or visiting a museum that features their interest, like a bug museum or civil war expo, there are endless opportunities to explore and learn. Look for events, workshops, or camps tailored to their specific interests, providing hands-on experiences that foster both creativity and learning. It's essential to strike a balance between encouraging exploration and respecting their need to simply enjoy the topic without feeling pressured to complete assignments or write about it. Embrace the freedom of summer to delve deep into their passions, creating enriching experiences that leave lasting memories.

Autism Community Opportunities for Special Interests:

• Space: Attend a stargazing event at a local observatory, visit a planetarium, or build model rockets.

• Bugs: Explore nature trails with a guide focusing on insects, visit a butterfly conservatory, or attend an insect-themed workshop.

• Animals: Volunteer at an animal shelter, visit a zoo or aquarium, or participate in a wildlife photography workshop.

• Video Game Characters: Attend a gaming convention or cosplay event, join a video game design workshop, or create fan art.

• Anime: Organize a themed anime movie marathon, attend a manga drawing class, or participate in a cosplay contest.

• LEGO: Join a LEGO building competition, attend a LEGO robotics workshop, or visit a LEGO-themed exhibition. Many libraries also now off free Lego events.
  

These activities cater to diverse interests, ensuring a summer filled with fun and learning tailored to your child's passions.

Fun for Everyone!

As a champion for fun that includes everyone, I've discovered that sensory-friendly summer activities aren't just a win for kids on the spectrum—they benefit the entire family.

These tailored experiences aren't just about having a good time; they're about making sure every kid gets to dive into summer fun with fewer meltdowns. Plus, let's be real, who doesn't love a good excuse to get out of the house and forget mundane tasks for a bit. Embrace these summer adventures, creating opportunities for all our kids to jump in and soak up the sunshine together. After all, the more, the merrier!

Conclusion

Summer offers so many sensory-friendly activities that can appeal to the diverse needs of autistic individuals. Whether enjoying the calming effects of nature or the excitement of outdoor events, these inclusive experiences foster engagement, comfort, and a sense of belonging for all. Let's embrace the warmth of the season by embracing sensory-friendly summer activities that celebrate diversity and create lasting memories.

Autism Talk is an Educational Blog dedicated to fostering understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum through informative content and community engagement.