Summer holidays are often seen as a fun and relaxing time – but for many parents, they can also bring a sense of dread:

While summer offers opportunities for exploration, play, and family bonding, it can also present challenges – especially for children with additional needs. From transitioning away from preferred routines to managing crowds, travel, or sensory sensitivities (such as sand at the beach), these changes can feel overwhelming for both parents and children.

The good news? A little preparation can go a long way.

Here are some easy-to-implement strategies to help you and your child navigate summer with more confidence and calm.

1. Travel Made Easier: Preparing for Flights and Trips

   Air travel can be exciting, but also overstimulating or confusing for some children. Here are some ways to ease the stress:

   • Talk about it ahead of time: Show photos or videos of airplanes, airports, or your destination. Talking through what to expect can help reduce anxiety.
   • Pick a child-friendly flight time: When possible, choose a flight time that fits in with your child’s usual sleep routine.
   • Practise airport routines and teach key skills at home:
     • Role-play going through security, waiting in queues, or sitting still. You can even turn this into a game in the weeks leading up to your trip – make it fun!
     • Create a “Travel with Me” kit: Include favourite snacks, toys, sensory items, sticker books, and calming tools like chewy necklaces or fidget spinners. These can go a long way in keeping children entertained during flights and while waiting in queues.
     • Make the plane feel safe and cosy: Bring along a travel pillow, familiar blanket, or noise-cancelling headphones for children who are sensitive to loud noises. Set up the seat so it’s easy for both of you to access the activities and items you’ve prepared.

   

2. Throughout the summer, establish and maintain a Predictable Daily Routine

   Many kids, especially those with additional needs, thrive on routine—even during the more relaxed summer months.

   • Plan in advance: Sit down and plan your child’s summer activities, including any important camps, chores, school readiness tasks, even relaxation and downtime.
   • Keep daily structure consistent: Try to keep their daily schedules generally consistent as much as possible with similar wake times, meals, and transitions when possible.
   • Offer choices: Let your child help choose parts of the day. For example, if chores are non-negotiable, allow flexibility in choosing when or how to do them. You can even use visual aids to make this a smoother process.

   *Using daily visual aids, charts, or picture-based “choice boards”, can be a really good way to help your children make more informed choices by visualising the possibilities they can choose from. Visual aids are also a strong tool that can help children understand their daily routines by seeing what they have in store for them that day, helping them to prepare for the next activity.
   

   

3. Incorporate ABA Strategies into Daily Life

   Learning doesn’t have to be limited to structured therapy sessions—it can happen naturally throughout your day. Summer, with its slower pace and flexible routines, is the perfect time to weave ABA strategies into everyday life and help your child generalise their skills in real-world settings.
   Here are some practical ways to do that:

   • Build communication and social skills during outings: Whether you’re at the playground, the beach, or a family barbecue, encourage your child to greet others, make simple requests, or engage in short conversations. Even practising turn-taking on the swings or asking a cousin to play can be great learning moments.
   • Work on life skills at home: Involve your child in daily routines like setting the table, picking out clothes, brushing teeth, or packing a snack. These tasks help build independence and confidence—and they’re also chances to teach sequencing, following instructions, and making choices.
   • Use positive reinforcement consistently: Praise or reward your child when they engage in helpful, appropriate behaviours—like cleaning up their toys, sharing with a sibling, or using words instead of tantrums. Reinforcement doesn’t always have to be a toy or treat; a high five, hug, or special activity can be just as motivating.

While summer can bring its fair share of challenges, it also offers countless opportunities for connection, growth, and joy. With a bit of planning, structure, and creativity, you can help your child feel secure, engaged, and successful—even outside their typical routine.

From preparing for travel to maintaining a consistent daily rhythm and weaving in ABA strategies during everyday moments, you’re not only reinforcing what your child learns in therapy—you’re also helping them apply those skills in meaningful, everyday ways. These small adjustments can make a big difference.

Remember: you don’t have to do everything perfectly. Progress over perfection, and connection over control. Your presence, patience, and preparation are already powerful tools in helping your child thrive this summer.

You’ve got this— and the ABA team is here to support you every step of the way.

Sources:

• https://www.fullspectrumaba.com/post/essential-aba-strategies-for-boosting-summer-activities-for-autistic-people
• https://westsidechildrenstherapy.com/summer-tips-from-our-therapists/
• https://agbehavioralservices.com/preparing-for-summer-transitions-with-aba-strategies-to-maintain-progress/