For parents of children with special needs, the summer months bring an end to the predictable routine of school. Parents are left to piece together all the components necessary to keep their child safe, engaged, and practicing the skills they’ve learned during the school year so they don’t regress.
Many students with special needs require predictability to function. The lack of structure can cause anxiety and regression. Many parents must juggle their own work schedule while trying to patch together childcare and specialized support. Summer camps that might meet their child’s needs may be too expensive or not have openings.
All of these challenges can be isolating and exhausting. Think of all the moving parts: the need for sensory-friendly venues, medication schedules, the financial squeeze of childcare and programs, and worry over the social exclusion such children often face.
What’s a Parent to Do?
- Marshall Your Resources: Take stock of who and what is available to you.
- Stay At Home Parent. In a two-parent family, is one parent able to be home with the children for the summer to provide childcare and transportation to educational, social, and therapeutic activities?
- Ask For Help. For single parents or parents who both work, do you have local friends or family whom you can ask for help?
- Financial Assistance. If you need financial assistance, contact The New Jersey Child Care Subsidy Program, which prioritizes those with special care needs to ensure they receive appropriate childcare services. Simply click the link: New Jersey: Help for Disabled People | Disability Resources.
- Services. New Jersey provides some services:
- Contact PerformCare New Jersey which provides services through the Children’s System of Care (CSOC). CSOC offers support for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including in-home care and respite services for eligible families. Click here: New Jersey: Help for Disabled People | Disability Resources.
- The Arc of New Jersey offers community-based services, including childcare options and respite care, for children with developmental disabilities. Click here: New Jersey: Help for Disabled People | Disability Resources.
- Maintain a Routine:
If you haven’t already, establish a predictable daily schedule. If they’re able, let your kids help you create it. Add in structured breaks, activities, and mealtimes. This can provide relief to parents and children so everyone knows what to expect, thereby minimizing the stress and anxiety that ensues when the rigid school year schedule changes to the casual summer one.
- Engage in Learning Activities:
Work with your kids to create a list of activities they like and which you know will help build and maintain skills. Consider board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, and educational apps. Try to incorporate reading, writing, and math activities into everyday routines.
- Encourage Social Interaction:
Organize social activities by scheduling individual and group playdates, other group outings, and community events. Talk with your youngster in advance to help them identify and practice social skills they can use in these environments.
- Seek Summer Programs: Find summer camps, workshops, or recreational programs that offer structured learning and social interaction. Suggestions include:
- Amazing Summer offers a Social Skills Program for children with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs between the ages of 6 and 14, facilitated by certified special education teachers, behavior analysts, and ABA therapists. Find it here: Top Autism Summer Camps in New Jersey | Golden Care Therapy
- Camp Marcella is an inclusive camp designed to help children with special needs socialize with peers in a traditional camp setting, with staff specially trained to work with children with disabilities, including autism. Find it here: Top Autism Summer Camps in New Jersey | Golden Care Therapy
- Camp Sun ‘N Fun offers overnight and day summer camps for kids with autism and other disabilities, with dedicated counselors and full-time medical staff on site. Find it here: Top Autism Summer Camps in New Jersey | Golden Care Therapy
- Camp Fatima provides a free week-long sleepaway session for children with autism and other disabilities 6 years old and above. Find it here: Top Autism Summer Camps in New Jersey | Golden Care Therapy
- Harbor Haven offers a 7-week summer day camp for 3-to-18-year-olds with mild special needs, including swimming instruction, athletics, creative arts, music, and nature/science programs run by adult specialists. Find it here: Special Needs Camps In and Around New Jersey | NJ Kids.
- Make Learning Fun:
Have your children help you with activities of daily living like grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, cooking, or gardening. Children who engage in regular chores have a better sense of self, mastery, and belonging, and they learn valuable skills as well. Gauge the activities to your child’s level. Make sure to reward positive behavior and skill development with praise and small treats.
- Prioritize Self-Care:
Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Caring for a child with special needs can be demanding and stressful. When you take the time to recharge and engage in activities that you enjoy, you have more energy and enthusiasm to give to your child. Don’t be afraid to seek support from family, friends, or therapists.
- Adapt Activities to Individual Needs:
Consider your child’s specific strengths, weaknesses, and interests when planning activities. Make adjustments as needed to ensure that your child is challenged and supported.
- Communicate with Professionals:
Maintain contact with important supportive professionals—think teachers and therapists—during the summer to discuss and implement strategies for skill maintenance.
- Focus on the Positive:
Whether large or small, your child’s successes and accomplishments deserve to be celebrated …and so do yours! If you stay positive, your child is more likely to feel supported and confident.
- Be Flexible:
As much as possible, allow yourself and your child to enjoy the less demanding summer days. Rigid schedules will return soon enough; use those sunny summer days for some relaxation and fun and adapt your plans when situations require it. Keep an open mind. Embrace the unexpected.
Need help with your child’s IEP or 504 Plan? Call an SGW attorney today at 609-409-3500.