GPS Blog

With summer officially here, it is a wonderful time to engage your children with summertime activities. Summer offers many meaningful opportunities for children with special needs, especially while enjoying the outdoors! Here is a list of ideas you can do with your family during this lovely summer. Scavenger Hunt Turn your walk into a fun mission for your kids to accomplish! A nature-themed scavenger hunt can make an ordinary walk outside full of amazing discoveries. It is a great way to tune into our surroundings with our five senses and be present in the moment with our loved ones. A scavenger hunt will give children the opportunity to express and describe what they are experiencing, whether it’s cloud-watching, smelling the flowers or listening to all the unique animal and insect sounds. Make your own list or find many printables available online, such as this one: https://www.freekidscrafts.com/summer-scavenger-hunt Homemade Popsicles An easy way to get your children involved in ma...

While summer break can be an exciting time and needed break for many children and parents, for children on the autism spectrum, the end of the school year can be a challenging time. The sudden change in routine, from structured school days to unpredictable leisurely days, can make for a stressful transition into summer. To help families better navigate this transition, here are some tips and ideas: Make a Summer Schedule Providing structure and routine is helpful in easing the anxiety often felt by children with ASD. While it may be helpful to maintain a regular daily schedule, it may not always be realistic. We recommend aiming to prioritize keeping mealtimes and bedtimes consistent, as these contribute to children’s overall mood. You may also consider creating a written or picture schedule for each day, similar to how a school may provide this visual tool. This allows the child to know what activities or events to anticipate. Most importantly, set flexible and reasonable expectations...