I didn’t always love the summer. In fact, for many years, it was my least favorite season. I know. That’s weird, right? I mean, most kids love being out of school, spending days with their friends, and going on vacation. But for me, summer always means a break from the norm where I feel most comfortable.
I thrive on structure and routine, and when summer rolls around, all that goes out the window. And while most kids love spending time by the pool with their friends, going to camp, and joining their families on vacation, when I was younger, all those experiences made me very anxious.
But a couple of years ago, all that changed. Here’s how:
Swimming. Many of my feelings about summer changed as I became a better swimmer. When my parents put me in swim lessons just before I went to middle school, I was very nervous about it. I liked being in the water if I could just stand by myself in the shallow end. I didn’t feel safe when there were a lot of other people around. But as my swimming skills improved, I began to really love it.
As this guide on aquatic therapy for kids with autism supports, swimming and other water activities have multiple benefits for kids with autism. For example, it can help with motor skill development, improve mental health, and most importantly, keep us safe. And I’ve certainly benefited in all these areas. Swimming has been a great form of exercise for me and it has given me a mental health boost because it has provided a gateway for me to form friendships. And while I get to swim almost year-round as a member of my high school swim team, now I view summer as an opportunity to swim even more.
Working through my Sensory Processing Disorder. For many families, summer is the time of beach vacations. And of course, being at the beach means sand, lots and lots of sand. A lot people like the feeling of sand between their toes, but when I was younger, I hated it. In fact, I’d wear socks and tennis shoes any time I had to be on the beach with my family. The reason sand was so unpleasant for me is that I have sensory processing disorder. It’s fairly common in kids with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. And for me, it means I’m sensitive to how certain things feel on my skin.
But as I became a better swimmer, I wanted to try spending more time in the ocean. And in order to do that, I had to walk in the sand. I expressed my desire to my Occupational Therapist and she began working with me to help me be able to manage walking in and touching the sand. I still don’t like the way the sand feels on my feet, but I’m able to get through it so that I can spend some time in the ocean.
Finding a comfortable way to travel. Usually, a family will go on at least one vacation during the course of the summer. And the same is true for my family. While, for the most part, I liked our vacations once we arrived at our destinations, getting there was always unpleasant. Air travel made me anxious and antsy. There were too many people and the noises were too loud. But I worked with my parents to develop an air travel routine.
As this article on traveling with a child with Asperger’s notes, knowing each step of the process is helpful. So, before our trips, my parents always give me a rundown of what’s going to happen at each stage of the process—from arriving at the airport to going through security to the flight itself. I also discovered how helpful using my iPhone and iPad can be. Listening to music on my phone helps me block out the loud plane engine and playing a game on my iPad helps keep my mind occupied.
I think it’s important for other kids with Asperger’s Syndrome to understand that if you find some aspects of summer upsetting, you aren’t alone. I felt the same way once, too. But also know that there are steps you can take to make the season an enjoyable one.
Allie Gleason, a teen with Asperger’s Syndrome, is part high school student, part volunteer-intern-extraordinaire at EducatorLabs, part cheerleader for all those affected by ASD. Writing articles to help other teens and kids with AS and ASD has become a huge outlet for her.
My Asperger’s Syndrome And The Summer
While iPads and other handheld devices seem to be taking over the world, I find comfort in the fact that there are learning opportunities with these devices. Not only for children but adults as well.