We’re officially in the begging throes of summer — and if you’re parenting a child with a disability, you know that “school’s out” doesn’t always mean “stress is out.” Reality may be setting in: there are still months to go, lots of free time to fill, and a whole new summer schedule to get used to — not to mention figuring out how to make summer activities, community events, and even your own home feel comfortable and sensory-friendly for your child.
From sandy beaches to Fourth of July fireworks, summer can hit a little differently for our kiddos. But a little prep goes a long way, and this week we’ve pulled together everything you need to make summer actually work for your family (including two brand new and super cute summer visual stories!). Sensory-friendly summer — here we come!
For the parent who…
✔️ Wants a one-stop guide for surviving everything summer throws at them, like summer parties, at-home activities, summer socialization, and sensory surprises. → Summer survival guide
✔️ Wants to ease the transition to summer by helping their child know what to expect. → Printable visual stories for summer break & ESY
✔️ Has “sensory-friendly home” on the summer to-do list but has no idea where to start. → How to create a sensory-friendly home
✔️ Knows summer vacation is coming for their child’s sleep routine. → Keeping sleep on track when school’s out
✔️ Wants to learn why OT Dr. Marielly tells Undivided that a sensory diet is “food for the nervous system.” → Sensory diets explained + examples
✔️ Is ready for sensory-friendly rooms, spaces, culture, and IEPs at school. → Sensory rooms and school spaces
Dive deeper
- 25+ activities to keep kids moving & learning all summer
- Help your kiddo have a stress-free medical appointment
- 10 tips for for an easier dentist visit
- 10 tips to make that haircut sensory-friendly
- 8 ways to practice OT at home this summer
- 7 ways to add physical activity into your daily summer routine
NUMBERS TO NOTE: 8
Most of us grew up learning about the basic five senses, but there are actually eight! The three you might not know: proprioception (body awareness), vestibular system (balance and movement), and interoception (understanding what’s happening inside our bodies). When any of these senses are overwhelmed, kids with developmental disabilities may have difficulty processing information, which can contribute to emotional dysregulation and challenging behaviors. Find out more about creating a sensory-friendly environment.
Office hours
Wednesday, June 17, 12:00 p.m. PT
If your child is a Regional Center client in California, are you making the most of the Self-Determination Program? Whether you’re new to SDP or your child is already enrolled and you need help troubleshooting, join us for office hours with Iris Barker, our Self-Determination consultant. Office hours Zoom sessions are open to Undivided members only, so if you’re not a member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week. If you’re not a member, sign up here to participate→
Undivided Conversations
Streaming on Facebook and YouTube:
- Creating Effective Sensory Diets for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder → Saturday, June 13, 10:00 a.m. PT. Tune in to hear our experts explain how a personalized sensory diet can help your child with a sensory processing disorder. Plus, expert tips on creating an effective sensory diet tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Get Undivided Navigator Jen’s top tip for a smooth transition to summer with kiddos. Watch on our YouTube channel→
Are you new to our private Facebook group for parents? We’d love to hear how we can help you! Join the discussion→
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hi at the Bee-Yond Limits Resource Fair hosted by spedCAUSE! Check it out on Instagram→
Check out Undivided CEO Seth Besse on the Autism Resource Project podcast! Find it here on LinkedIn→
