1. Teacher Tips Summer Planning! May/June 2016

2. Routines Routines are Important Supports comprehension Explain directions Clarify expectations Order events Increase independence Teaching Flexibility Schedules typically change during the summer months. Students with ASD need ample warning before making a change so they understand what is coming their way. The unexpected triggers anxiety. Be sure to clarify exactly what will happen and what is expected. Address every detail. Leave nothing to interpretation!

3. Fun Summer Activities Swimming I Spy outdoors Baseball Basketball Rollerblading Catch Playing at the park Going to the beach Bubbles Volleyball Eating ice cream or special treats Summer Camps Soon it will be summer vacation. Summer vacation is time away from school. The last day of school will be ________. School will start again at the beginning of September. By: Carol Gray

4. How to Plan for the Summer Months! Prior to the end of school, have students generate a list of activities they would like to do during the summer months. Consult with the family and create a calendar with visuals to help them plan for upcoming activities. Create social stories to prepare for new events. Task analyze new activities Task Analysis Getting Ready for the Beach 1.Put bathing suit on 2.Put cover up on (beach jacket or shorts & t- shirt) and a hat 3.Get a towel 4.Get sunscreen 5.Get a chair or blanket 6.Pack water & a snack 7.Pack a game or toy At the beach 1.Decide where you will sit on the beach. 2.Unfold chair or lay blanket on the sand. 3.Remove beach jacket or t-shirt & shorts 4.Put sunscreen on 5.Take game or toy out and play.

5. Summer Social Story by Carol Gray There are many different things I might be able to do during a summer vacation: Go to the beach Go swimming Go to the park Go to the mall Go to the movies Play games with friends Listen to music Visit the library Go on a trip Most people like to do outdoor activities in the summertime because the weather is usually so nice. It is might be fun to be outside on a sunny day. Wearing sunscreen and a hat are good ideas.

6. Parent’s Corner Be Adventurous! Its great to try new places and new activities. We know that change is difficult but it is important to teach children with autism to be flexible. The best way to accomplish this is to… BE PREPARED Be ready for the new setting. Show your child pictures/information about where they will be going. Bring a transition object for your child to offer comfort and security when venturing into new territory. Encourage your child to try new things. Model first and then do it together. Maybe by the third or fourth time your child may attempt it on their own! Plan a schedule. A visual or written schedule will alleviate some anxiety-knowing what is coming next may make all the difference! Repetition-it gets easier the more you do something. The unknown causes anxiety. Estimate how long activities will be. When embarking on a new adventure you may want to limit the time you spend doing it. Prioritize what you want to accomplish! You may not accomplish everything you set out to do. Prioritize the activities. Be sure to warn your child if you know the schedule may change. Arrange for an alternate plan in case the first one fails. Always have a back up plan. Reinforce your child’s accomplishments! Embrace the teachable moments! Don’t give up! A new adventure may be challenging but each time you will learn how to prepare for the next time. And your child will learn each time they try something new!