Summer Challenges for Special Needs Families
For some families, summer brings fun, but for others, it presents challenges. Specifically, families with medically complex, neurodivergent, or special needs children may find summer particularly tough. Here are some common difficulties you may encounter:
1. Travel Logistics: Traveling requires extensive planning, and financial resources, and can be logistically challenging. Whether traveling by road or air, it can be difficult for these families to manage.
Solution: To prepare effectively, plan well in advance to sort out logistics and secure tickets early for discounted rates. If traveling poses difficulties for any reason, consider the option of postponement—flexibility is crucial. If your child cannot travel, explore alternatives such as arranging a couple-only trip with a trusted babysitter or organizing a family trip involving other relatives and your other children to ensure inclusivity. The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't suit families with special needs, as you wouldn't want your other children to feel excluded. Additionally, keep in mind that the summer season can be overwhelming for sensory-sensitive and immunocompromised children due to increased crowds. While summer marks the peak season for travel, it may not be suitable for all children facing unique challenges.
2. Scheduling Conflicts with Treatments: When a child requires ongoing therapies and treatments, it can be hard to fit other activities into the schedule. Prioritizing medical needs often means other plans must take a backseat.
Solution: Ask yourself this question - Are therapies truly necessary for my child during the summer, or if they would benefit more from taking a break? Every child is unique—while some may regress without regular therapy, others may thrive with time off. Remember, you can always adjust the frequency of therapy sessions, such as reducing it from twice a week to once a week, to fit your summer schedule. If you're busy with necessary medical appointments and therapies, it's important to schedule some enjoyable activities for yourself and your family. Don't forget to accommodate your other children too; strive for balance so they don't feel overshadowed by their sibling's appointments all summer.
3. Finding Adequate Childcare: Working parents face the challenge of securing appropriate childcare or respite care. Finding someone experienced in handling the specific needs of a medically complex child is not easy, and you can’t leave your child with just anyone.
Solution: If your child is part of the Regional Center, you qualify for respite care—reach out to your coordinator for details. Consider checking out various summer camps in your area, as there are more options becoming available for children with special needs. Lastly, ask a trusted family member or friend well in advance if you need extra support—don't hesitate to ask, as you won't know until you do.
4. Lack of Structure: When children are home all day, the absence of a structured routine can be difficult for both mothers and caregivers. This lack of structure can lead to increased behavioral issues and added stress within the family.
Solution: It's beneficial to establish a daily schedule for both your child and yourself, providing structure and routine. Start with a casual schedule, but if your child requires more detail, consider planning hour by hour. Involving your child, who's older in creating their summer routine can empower them and boost their confidence. This also sets the tone for the summer and some children need to know what lies ahead, and it alleviates their anxiety.
5. Limited Self-Care Time: During the school year, parents might find a few hours for self-care while their children are at school. However, when children are home all day during the summer, it becomes challenging to find any personal time, making self-care difficult to prioritize.
Solution- Hey, don't forget about yourself this summer—it's your break too! Here's how you can sneak in some self-care: plan a self-care session ahead of time for the weekend, listen to your favorite tunes while waiting in the therapy waiting room, set up a playdate with your friends and their kids for some park fun or a cozy picnic. Time to treat yourself!
6. Focus on Therapies Over Fun: Summers can often be dominated by ongoing therapies and medical appointments, leaving little room for relaxation or fun activities. Instead of feeling recharged, parents and children may feel more burnt out by the end of the summer.
Solution- Here's the deal: mix up those medically necessary appointments with some fun events too. You want your kids and family to remember summer as a blast, not just a series of boring doctor visits. Seriously, finding that balance is key!
If you face similar challenges as a family/ caregiver please take time to evaluate your summer plans and try to balance medical commitments with enjoyable activities. Incorporating fun and light events into the schedule can help alleviate some of the stress and create a more balanced and rewarding summer experience.
