Ah, summer. No school, days spent on the beach, and nights spent eating ice cream way too close to bedtime. Summer is what every kid spends the year looking forward to (only to spend complaining they’re bored the second school gets out). But for a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, or anyone on the spectrum or with sensory issues, summer means loss of structure and routine, and the loss of therapies and support. Fortunately, if you prepare with the right tools and products, you and your kid with sensory issues can survive, and even enjoy, the summer.
The warmer weather brings with it a whole host of sensory nightmares, from the harsh sun to the fireworks on July 4 — the list goes on and on. Something that’s a treat for one kid, like a trip to the beach, could be a nightmare for someone with sensory issues. And if your child is one of those kids, you know firsthand the trials and tribulations that summer brings. Those parents and kiddos dread the longer days, because no parent wants their child to have a hard time — and if you have multiple children, it’s also really difficult when some kids are having a great time, and others are having a terrible time.
Don’t fret; there are ways to have an amazing time with the whole family, so before you resign yourself to avoiding all travel, beach days, and classic summer activities, check out these must-haves for surviving summer for kids with sensory issues. From noise-cancelling headphones to beautiful visual schedules, and sensory toys on the go, these items are sure to make your summer fun and enjoyable, with no meltdowns in sight (except their popsicles!).
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Create a Visual Schedule
Routine is so important to kiddos on the spectrum, and summer too often means their relied-upon schedule goes out the window. Keep it up with these visual schedule cards from Fairari Print Shop on Etsy. It has all the cards you need from morning to night, and the beautiful watercolor illustrations make it so you don’t hate looking at it either. She also has expansion packs for Health and Wellness, Homeschooling, and Chores! Keeping your kiddo on a schedule will help them to feel independent, make sure they aren’t surprised by anything unexpected, and let’s them know predictably what is happening throughout the day (for example, if your child isn’t a fan of showering, seeing it on the schedule at the begining of the day keeps lets them work up to it all day, and avoids them feeling like you’re springing it on them.)
Take a Break From the Sun
Every kid needs a place to take a break from the sun and surf, or your backyard, or the splash pad, (or grandparents’ nonstop kisses) where they can hang out without so much sensory stimulation, and avoid a sunburn to boot! This sun tent from Bblüv is anti-UV, pops open in one easy toss, and has a mosquito net to keep all those pesky bugs *cough* and grandparents *cough* out.
Swim Safely
A lot of children with sensory issues have trouble learning to swim, so water safety is hugely important. This life vest is neon yellow, so it’s easily spotted, has a fun dino spike down the back, and is the perfect pal for helping to build water confidence and help develop their abilities. Not to mention it doubles as a snug compression vest, which helps to regulate your tiny tot and provide the input they’re looking for.
Pause for Popping
Whether it’s long car rides, plane trips, or long lines, there are going to be times when patience has run thin and your child needs something quickly to distract and entertain while providing sensory stimulation. It’s a good idea to keep a few small sensory toys in your bag, or even a small container of them in the car for a “go bag” of sensory items — not only for killing time, but as a plan B if the beach becomes overwhelming or the playground was just too much. That way if you have multiple kids, everyone doesn’t have to go home when your sensory kiddo is starting to show signs of a meltdown. Sitting with some familiar sensory toys can really help calm them, so these pastel pop it toys are great to have on hand or tucked your bag.
Cool Off Anywhere
Regulating their body tempeture can be really hard for kids with sensory issues, especially in the summer, and physical discomfort can often be expressed as emotional distress. Keep meltdowns at bay by making sure your tiny human has the ability to cool down or warm up quickly, especially if they’re getting in and out of the water. Keeping a portable fan within reach is perfect for cooling down quickly, and this adorable pastel pink bear fan (peep those tiny ears) is rechargeable, ultra quiet, and has 46 hours of runtime.
Swim Comfortably
Lark Adventurewear has the best, most comfortable swimsuits for my son, who is autistic and nonverbal. Their rashguards are unisex, made from quick-dry breathable UPF 50+ nylon that is super soft, have an extra wide neck for easy changes (so unbelievably helpful when trying to pull a wet suit over a distraught toddler’s head!), and are Oeko-tex 100 certified. Having quick drying swimsuits that fit well is incredibly important for a child with sensory issues, and Lark Adventurewear has the added benefit of being super soft and breathable.
Swing Inside
If you’re going to be traveling, make sure you have a backup plan that you know your child will love, because you never know when an unexpected storm means you’re stuck inside all day, or when the hotel you’re staying at had a “code brown” in their pool and is now closed for the afternoon. The unplanned and unexpected can be really hard for kids with SPD, so it’s always a good idea to bring somthing easily portable, but fun and active. This indoor swingset from B4Adventure can be set up in any doorway in mere minutes, has a traditional swing, a sensory swing, and even monkey bars. So your little monkey is guaranteed to have a good time, anywhere there’s a door.
Let Them Watch Themselves
You might wear a smart watch as a parent, but have you ever thought about putting one on your kids? Kids with sensory issues often have trouble sleeping, drinking enough water, eating well, and managing their stress levels. This watch does all of that and more. And if your child is on the spectrum or nonverbal, a watch like this could be invaluable in communicating things your child can’t. And not just for summer, they could wear it year round as a helpful tool in better understanding their body and emotions.
Apply a Sunscreen Kids Don’t Hate
Sunscreen and bug spray can be super tricky for all kids, but especially kids with sensory issues. I’ve seen kids opt to stay inside rather than be rubbed down with greasy, heavy sunscreen. Enter Hello Bello. A fan favorite, they have all kinds of different sunscreens for whatever application you prefer; aerosol, non-aerosol, mineral, stick, spray, you name it, they’ve got it. This mineral sunscreen spray is 30 SPF, dries quickly, soaks in fast, and is water resistent and reef friendly.
Get a Towel They Can Wear
Some kids with sensory issues have a hard time going from wet to dry and back, and if you’ve ever had to swim in middle school gym class, you know the pain of trying to pull clothes on when you’re not totally dry. Coupled with the heat of summer and the grit of the beach, altogether it can be a really uncomfortable experience. Make it a little bit easier by having a quick drying towel that they can wear around like clothes, like this terrycloth cover up. It has a hood, pockets, adorable rainbow stripes, and long sleeves, so your child can transition from wet to dry while being comfy and cozy.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key for any kid in the summertime, but especially for kids with sensory issues or those on the spectrum. It’s really easy to get behind on your water intake, but especially in summer, and children are more vulnerable to dehydration than adults. When your child is dehydrated, something small can seem really big and overwhelming, so staying hydrated can help keep those feelings at bay. Let them pick out a water bottle or cup they really like, and make sure you clean it often. These silicone cups are fantastic, because they transition from sippy cup, to cup with a straw, to an open cup as your child ages. They’re also machine washable, and come in muted neutral colors.
Cancel the Noise
Summer means a whole bunch of new and potentially overstimulating noises like drive-in movies or concerts, fireworks, even everyday noises can cause distress for sensory sensitive kids. Enter noise cancelling headphones. These headphones are super cute, and offer your child a quiet respite from all the noise buzzing around their ears. They’re comfortable, padded and breathable, so no sweaty ears or headaches after long wear.
Look Cool
Summer is when the sun gets serious, so the brightness might be aggressive to your little ones sensitive eyes. These glasses from Weefarer actually stay on your kid’s head *gasp* with a silicone strap, and look just like classic Ray Bans. Mommy and me twinning anyone?
Protect Sensitive Feet
The feeling of sand or grass on their feet can be unbearable for some kids with SPD, so make the transition easier for them with water shoes that keep their feet covered, but are also safe, flexible and slip resistent. They’re also ultra light, quick drying, and they float, so even if one does come off, it won’t get lost in the water.
Stay Home & Play
At the end of the day, if your kiddo is just too stressed out by classic summer adventures like the beach or the water park, there’s no need to force it. Don’t feel like you’re not giving them a fun summer if they don’t enjoy things that other kids do. There is so much pressure put on parents to provide entertainment and adventure for their kids over the summer, but every kid is different, and you know what’s best for yours. Staying at home is sometimes the best place to be, where things are more familiar and predictable. And by putting out a sensory activity like a ball pit, trampoline, or sprinkler, your tiny tot can still have amazing summer adventures from the comfort of their own safe space.
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