Helping Your Child with Autism Thrive This Summer: Practical Tips for a Season of Growth and Joy
Written by Behavior Frontiers as a part of their Bright Futures series.
Summer is a time of sunshine, exploration, and memory-making—but for families of children with autism, it can also bring new challenges. Whether your child is in school or still at home full-time, summer introduces a different rhythm—one filled with changes in routine, sensory environments, and social expectations.
Fortunately, with a little planning and support, summer can be a time of meaningful growth, connection, and joy. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to support your child during the warmer months—from heat sensitivity and sleep disruptions to vacations, water safety, and the often-overlooked transition into fall. And throughout it all, ABA therapy provides a steady, supportive structure to help your child thrive.
1. Keep ABA Therapy Consistent
The beauty of ABA therapy? It continues year-round. While schools may close for summer break, your child’s ABA sessions remain consistent, providing much-needed structure and continuity. ABA therapy gives your child:
A predictable daily rhythm during a time when other routines change
Ongoing practice with skills, such as communication, social, and emotional regulation
Protection from regression by keeping momentum going
A source of comfort and familiarity in an otherwise flexible season
A recent meta-analysis found that children who received high intensity ABA (26–40 hours weekly) made significantly greater gains than those who received fewer hours. So, even during summer, staying consistent matters.
If your family has travel planned, talk to your clinical team to plan ahead.
2. Support Water Safety with Visuals, Prep, and Supervision
Water is a big part of summer—whether it’s a backyard pool, beach day, or splash pad. But it also presents a safety concern for families of children with autism. Children on the spectrum are at higher risk for drowning, especially if they tend to wander or struggle with danger awareness. To support safety near water:
Use social stories to teach water rules before your outing
Clearly label “safe” and “off-limits” areas with visuals if possible
Always have a designated adult supervisor (without phones or conversations)
Look into adaptive swim lessons in your community
Practice putting on life jackets or goggles at home beforehand
For more water safety tips, read our full blog post on water safety for children with autism here.
3. Be Mindful of Summer Sensory Triggers
Summer brings new sensory inputs—sunlight, heat, crowds, noise, AND textures like sand or sunscreen—and that can be overwhelming. To help your child feel more comfortable:
Pack a “sensory go-bag” with items like sunglasses, noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and cooling towels
Choose quieter times for outings when possible (early mornings, weekdays)
Allow for breaks and quiet spaces when available during events
Let your child opt out of overstimulating activities—observing is okay too!
If your child is sensitive to sunscreen, try applying it with a sponge or trying scent-free brands.
4. Sleep Schedules Can Shift—Help Them Stay On Track
Later sunsets, vacations, and relaxed routines can all disrupt sleep—a common challenge for children with autism. You can help by:
Keeping bedtime and wake-up times consistent
Using blackout curtains or white noise machines
Creating a predictable bedtime routine (bath, book, lights out)
Avoiding screen time or stimulating activities before bed
Good sleep supports mood, focus, and daily regulation.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished in the Heat
Warmer weather can impact appetite and hydration—especially for children who are selective eaters or may not recognize when they're thirsty. To help your child stay hydrated and nourished, it’s important to maintain consistent mealtime routines while making small, sensory-friendly adjustments when needed. Here are a few tips:
Keep meal and snack times predictable and consistent, even on weekends or travel days
Offer hydrating snacks that your child enjoys, like fruit, yogurt, or smoothies
Use fun cups or straws to encourage water intake
Practice small, incremental exposure to new summer foods as part of a feeding plan
Use a visual hydration tracker your child can help check off
Your Behavior Frontiers ABA team can help customize hydration and nutrition strategies that work with your child's routine and reinforce independence and self-regulation over time.
6. Make Everyday Moments Learning Opportunities
Even without school, summer is full of natural learning moments. You can use real-life experiences to build communication, independence, and problem-solving skills:
Practice asking for help during outings or errands
Encourage daily routines like dressing, hand washing, or packing a bag
Practice independence, like putting on shoes, washing hands, and setting the table
Role-play social scripts before outings or family events
Reinforce social skills through peer play, greeting neighbors, or even errands
Use pretend play to stretch imagination and cognitive flexibility
Your ABA therapy team can help you align these experiences with your child’s goals.
7. Plan for Vacations with Autism in Mind
Vacations can be exciting—but can also be overstimulating. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a week at grandma’s, prepare ahead. Here’s what can help:
Preview the trip with a visual calendar or story
Bring comfort items (blankets, snacks, toys)
Maintain familiar rituals (same pajamas, story, song)
Give your child a break plan—even five minutes of quiet time can help
Call ahead to airlines, hotels or destinations to ask about accommodations
If flying, you can also request TSA Cares or early boarding for extra support.
7. Explore Our Center-Based Summer Program (Ages 2–6)
If your child is enrolled in center-based ABA services with us, they are eligible to enroll in our center-based summer program at Behavior Frontiers—designed specifically for children ages 2–6. Enrolled in home-based services or not enrolled in ABA with Behavior Frontiers? Contact us to speak with a specialist about your options. Behavior Frontiers’ Summer ABA Camp blends fun with personalized therapy, including:
Theme-based weekly activities that spark creativity and fun
Peer interaction to support communication and social growth
Individualized goals aligned with your child’s ABA treatment plan
Guidance from experienced ABA professionals in a warm, encouraging environment
Exclusively available at Behavior Frontiers centers (must be enrolled in center-based ABA services with us to participate). Call us or fill out the form below for more information and how to enroll!
8. Ease into the Transition Back to Fall
It may seem early, but summer is a great time to start gently preparing for back-to-school changes, especially for children who need extra time to adjust. You can begin by:
Create a visual countdown: Use a calendar or visual schedule to count down to the first day of school or a new routine
Practice “school day routines” by introducing morning routines, lunch packing, or transitions out the door in the weeks leading up to fall
Use social stories to help your child understand what to expect from a new environment, teacher, or schedule
Do dress rehearsals: Try on school clothes, use the backpack, or visit the school/playground to build familiarity
Gradually adjust routines: Shift wake-up and bedtime earlier if needed to align with the upcoming schedule
Talk about changes early and often by using simple, clear language and repeated conversations over time
Coordinate with school teams by sharing your child's goals, preferences, and communication strategies with their teacher
School readiness skills—like following instructions, building attention span, adapting to changes, and engaging with peers—are already a key part of Behavior Frontiers’ comprehensive ABA therapy. If your child is preparing for a transition this fall, your clinical team can help ensure these goals are supported and adjusted based on their needs.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Possibility
Every child deserves a summer that’s enjoyable, enriching, and supportive of their unique needs. With the consistency of ABA therapy, preparation for seasonal challenges, and compassionate routines, your child can experience real growth—while feeling safe and celebrated.
If you’re looking to start compassionate ABA therapy with Behavior Frontiers, call us at 888-922-2843 or fill out the form below, and a specialist will be in touch with you for your free consultation.