This Autism Journey

It’s March so it’s time to plan for Summer! If you dread Summer Break you are not alone. I start my plans in September but usually put more effort into it around this time of year. Summer presents the greatest challenge to keep a schedule and create as much structure while leaving room for more spontaneity. I usually end up failing.

June is the best month. Kids have about 2 to 2 ½ weeks off from school and being out of school is still exciting, so they’re not yet bored.

In July, they have ESY (Extended School Year) for 4 weeks and I only have to fill in the afternoons with activities. We plan to do family things on the weekends.

August and I have a love-hate relationship. It’s always too hot, and the kids get tired of the heat. They’re also tired of me trying to get them to do things, while simultaneously being completely bored with anything we have planned – even the things they want to do. The one beautiful thing about August is that school starts at the end of the month, so it’s not all bad.

What to do?

Every year around this time, I start thinking about what to do. We have several pool clubs around the area, but they can be expensive, and some just don’t cater to different types of families. We have been attending a lovely, small pool club in Baltimore City that has been extremely welcoming toward us over the past 2 years. It’s not fancy but it’s affordable and very diverse. Feeling welcome in a shared space is very high on my list.

That open feeling goes a long way when a hiccup occurs. I had an experience last year that turned into quite the scene. My younger son was in full crisis mode and decided to dash toward the street. I started running after him in my cheap $15 bathing suit that I bought from Amazon, which did nothing to keep my boobs from trying to make a public appearance. While this was happening, my older son started having a meltdown.

When I signed us out of the pool, 4 minutes later, we were sent off with a friendly “See you next time!”. Management, Lifeguards, and other patrons didn’t even bat an eye. It was nice not to be seen as a spectacle even when we made such a spectacle.  

There is always traveling. Wait, maybe not. Last year we traveled a lot, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went but I don’t know if I want to deal with that stress level again this year. It was a lot.

There are Summer Camps to consider. My oldest son wants to experience this. This is the toughest. It must be the exact right one that particularly caters to your child’s needs. Not every camp for Autistic kids is for all Autistic kids. I have found that a lot of them cater to high-functioning Autistic’s and my kids aren’t quite there. It’s hard to find a camp that can accommodate the nuance of my children’s particular form of Autism. If your child has a co-morbidity, it can be even more challenging. There are camps out there, but sometimes it feels like you need a master’s degree in research to find them. Good luck if you do and let me know!

My Options

So, every year I find myself feeling a little unmoored when it comes to planning for Summer. Every year I come up with big plans that mostly don’t happen. Every year I fantasize about advocating for a 12-month school year.  Every year I search for a pair of competent helping hands to help my husband and I get through these months. Every year I wonder if it will be the year when my kids want to just sleep in and watch movies all day.

This year, I want to approach Summer differently. I want to keep an open mind and acknowledge that it will be a good year. I want to challenge myself and my children by trying new things. I want to learn from the obstacles of the past Summer to try to avoid them. I want to enjoy spending time with my kids and make the most of our summer together. I say this now with all sincerity because it is March after all and it’s good to have a plan. A plan for Summer.

What are some of your plans? Have you started thinking about Summer yet? Let me know!

Take Care.