Navigating Summer

Tips for Enjoying Summertime Activities With Your Loved Ones

The transition from school to summer can be hard on children and teens with Autism. They worked hard to master the challenges and routines of the classroom, only to have them disappear. And, while many of our loved ones would prefer to be home year-round, we all know that a fresh school year is just three months away. 


My best advice is to establish and maintain a summer routine, particularly with bedtime. Build in some academic time— daily reading (or books on tape) time counts, as do some art activities to build fine motor skills. Ensure that at least some of their screen time is focused on academics. All of these practices will make going back to school much more accessible.


As the parent of a 34-year-old with Autism, I still have to remind myself to prepare Kieran for the transition from his everyday world to the world of vacation, even though he is now an excellent traveler.


Here are some of the things I do:

  • Discuss vacation plans with him in advance so he knows what dates we will be gone, where we are going, and what we will be doing. 
  • Let him know the rules in a new environment, i.e. may he leave the hotel room to go to breakfast alone, or does he need company? ALWAYS reinforce that he should NEVER go near water unaccompanied.
  • Maintain his routine, ensuring he has meals and gets to bed at the usual times.
  • Make sure he has the time and space to unwind wherever we are.
  • Build rewards into the day (ice cream, time on the beach, a new tee shirt, etc.) and make sure I listen to his verbal and nonverbal cues. I also recognize and praise his patience and good manners and sympathize with his stress.
  • Remind me that just because “everyone” loves something does not mean that Kieran will. I remember a trip to the beach with a three-year-old nephew who completely freaked out when we arrived. The sensation of sand shifting beneath him was so aversive that he had to be carried and held on a lap. So much for “all kids love the beach.”
  • Pack Kieran’s preferred foods to take along, even though he will eat various foods now.


Extra precaution: Consider purchasing an Apple Air Tag or Samsung Smart Tag to pin on your child’s clothes. We have used the Life360 App since Kieran got an iPhone. These options can help you feel secure about your child or adult’s well-being and location without being right beside them. 


Most of all, remember to treasure the memories! I remember Kieran as a four-year-old stepping into a rented motorboat with a smile and a “B-O-A-T, boat”. Hidden reading skills revealed!


Warm regards,

Kathi J. Machle, President | kathi@autismohio.org


PHOTO: Kieran, age 3, on a camping trip to Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park.

FEATURED PROGRAMMING

Sensory Break Space in Attica

The Attica Independent Fair will be a more welcoming place this August, thanks to creating a sensory break space. When Autism guests need a break from all the excitement, this quiet, air-conditioned space will provide various low-tech and mid-tech solutions to support sensory needs, including fidgets, weighted lap pads, and other sensory supports. The equipment purchased will be used for this event and others in the area, thanks to the receipt of an ASO Programming Grant.


Autism Ohio established the up to $750 grant opportunity to empower local initiatives. They offer financial assistance to foster community-driven solutions in counties without direct coverage from one of our affiliate offices. 


If you want to establish a support group, organize seasonal events, or assist families in your community, please get in touch with us at 614-495-7551 or email info@autismohio.org. Let's make a difference in the lives of individuals with Autism and their families across Ohio and their families across Ohio!


AUTISM SOCIETY NEAR ME

UDouble the Fun

ASGA's Annual Walk In Two Locations This Year

Autism Society of Greater Akron's Step Into Autism is more than a fundraiser for ASGA programs and services. It is an opportunity for individuals with Autism, their families, and those who support them to connect with each other and the community. The event is being offered at two locations this year: The initial event was on June 8 at Cuyahoga Falls Downtown Amphitheater. On June 22, a similar event will be held at McKinley National Memorial in Canton. 


Akron Children’s is sponsoring a Health Corridor with information about health and vaccine accessibility, along with Sensory Bags. FirstEnergy is sponsoring a Safety Zone with safety decals and information on elopement and water safety.

To sponsor or participate in this event, please visit this link.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Looking for a fun and impactful way to support those with Autism in your community or throughout the state? Consider hosting a third-party fundraising event! Whether you're an individual, business, or organization, there's something for everyone to get involved in. These events raise vital funds, spread awareness, promote inclusivity and can significantly impact families living with Autism. 

Let's make a difference together!"

LEARN MORE

ADVOCACY

LETTER CALLS FOR AUTISM TRAINING IN LAW ENFORCEMENT


Autism Society is urging Governor Mike DeWine and state legislators to mandate Autism education for law enforcement following the tragic death of 19-year-old Isaiah Trammell. The ASO's letter highlights the need for an improved understanding of the mental health system, further advocating for mandatory police training on individuals with Autism and the inclusion of non-law enforcement teams to respond to mental health emergencies. Read the full letter here.


Trammell, who had Autism, experienced severe anxiety before a job interview, leading to headbanging (a coping mechanism) and loud phone conversations with his uncle. A neighbor called the police, and instead of being hospitalized as he had been in previous incidents, Trammell was arrested due to an outstanding warrant. While in custody, police actions aggravated his condition, violating Ohio's policy against using restraints for convenience. Trammell was eventually taken to the hospital unconscious and died three days later. Read more here

From the Statehouse

Standing for Improved Quality Assurance

Autism Society of Ohio recently joined OPRA, The Arc of Ohio, APSI of Ohio, and Elevate DD to provide feedback to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities on Draft Rule 5123-2-03 regarding Quality Assurance. The collective letter urges the DODD to adopt a stakeholder-informed quality assurance system that aligns with national standards and measures for system performance. ASO remains committed to enhancing the services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and promoting greater accountability and transparency within the DD system. 

On Capitol Hill

AACCENT Act to be reintroduced  

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey Jr. is set to reintroduce the "Augmentative and Alternative Communication Centers to Establish the National Training Act" (AACCENT Act). This bill aims to create three national resource centers to enhance access to communication tools, technology, and services for individuals with limited or no verbal speech. Constituents are urged to contact Sens. Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance to co-sponsor this vital legislation.

Follow us!

Facebook  Instagram  X

P.O. Box 545, Worthington, Ohio 43085

Email: info@autismohio.org 614.495.7551 autismohio.org