A Neurodivergent Summer
Supporting Neurodivergent Children in the Summer: Structure, Sensory Needs, and Self-Care
Summer break can bring a sense of relief from the daily hustle of the school year—but for families of neurodivergent children, it often brings a new set of challenges. At Birch Therapy, we recently hosted a webinar featuring therapists Erin Garrett, LCSW, and Kate Bridgers, LCSW, to dive deep into the realities neurodivergent families face during summer—and how proactive strategies can make all the difference.
Why Summer Can Be Tough for Neurodivergent Kids
Routine changes, unpredictable schedules, and sensory overload can turn summer into a minefield for children who rely on structure and predictability to feel safe and regulated. During the school year, many neurodivergent children thrive with consistent reinforcement, routines, and supportive environments. In contrast, summer often lacks these key elements, leaving kids feeling dysregulated and families overwhelmed.
Understanding the Inner World: Masking, Executive Function, and Sensory Sensitivities
One of the first concepts discussed was masking—when a child hides or suppresses their neurodivergent traits to "fit in." While they may appear to be coping, masking can be mentally and physically exhausting. It's not uncommon for a child to manage well at school and then melt down at home due to this pressure.
Summer also demands heightened executive functioning—planning, transitioning, initiating tasks—all of which can be incredibly difficult for kids with ADHD or autism. Combined with auditory processing challenges and general sensory sensitivities (like heat, crowds, or noise), it becomes clear why summer can feel chaotic for some kids.
Structure Is a Support, Not a Constraint
Routine provides a sense of safety. Recreating even a simplified version of the school routine at home can offer neurodivergent children much-needed predictability. Some helpful tools include:
Visual schedules or Velcro boards
Timers and countdowns for transitions
Social stories to preview new activities
Reinforcement systems (like token boards or “first/then” charts)
When Kids Say "No" to Summer Activities
Resistance to camps or structured outings is common. It often comes from anxiety, uncertainty, or a need for autonomy. Instead of pushing through resistance, Erin and Kate recommend:
Getting curious: What’s behind the “no”? Past experiences? Sensory concerns?
Offering choices: Empower kids by letting them have a say in their summer plans.
Sharing visuals: Pictures or videos of camps or activities can ease anxiety.
If attending an activity is necessary, incentives and “summer kits” (with comfort items or fidgets) can ease transitions.
Supporting Parents and Caregivers: Your Wellbeing Matters
Let’s be honest: parenting in the summer can be exhausting. For single parents or those balancing work, the pressure intensifies. That’s why support systems are essential—neighbors, friends, family, and community resources can lighten the load.
Also important? Giving yourself permission to slow down. Build downtime into your family’s routine. That doesn’t mean no structure—it means rest that’s intentional and restorative. For some families, screen time can serve as a tool for connection or decompression, as long as it’s balanced with other types of engagement.
Sensory Needs: Movement Matters
Physical activity, especially “heavy work” (pushing, pulling, climbing), helps regulate the nervous system. Consider:
Ninja gyms or swimming
Five-minute sensory breaks every 1–2 hours
Input from occupational therapists to build a “sensory diet”
Every child’s sensory needs are different, so observe what helps them reset and re-engage. It’s not always about becoming “calm,” but becoming regulated enough to access their “thinking brain.”
Rethinking Summer Play and Expectations
It’s not developmentally appropriate to expect kids—especially neurodivergent ones—to independently entertain themselves all day. Kids may need help remembering how to engage in free play after a highly structured school year. Keep activities visible, reduce clean-up pressure, and rotate toys to maintain novelty.
Also, redefine what counts as a “productive” summer day. Playing in the sand, building a fort, or rewatching a Disney movie might be exactly what your child needs—and it might be exactly what you need, too.
Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone
Summer parenting is hard work, especially when your child’s needs are complex and ever-changing. Prioritize your own regulation, even if that means adjusting your expectations. Sometimes, “good enough” really is enough.
And when in doubt? Reach out. Whether it’s a therapist, a support group, or another parent walking a similar path, you deserve support, too.
Need help navigating the summer with your neurodivergent child?
Birch Therapy is here to support families with consultation, therapy, and parenting tools tailored to neurodiversity. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make summer smoother—for you and your child.
Webinar by Kate Bridgers, LPA and Erin Garrett, LCSW