AANE Tips to Enjoy (and Survive) the Summer

Sonia Janks, Contributing Editor, with AANE Staff

A woman is holding a white plate with five watermelon slices. She is outside, you can see the grass behind her.

From the first pitcher of homemade lemonade to the last mosquito bite, there are things we love and loathe about the summer. We decided to ask AANE staff members what they enjoy most and what tips they have to navigate some of the drawbacks.

Here’s what we love…

“My family enjoys taking hikes on local trails and having firepits in the evening. I also personally really enjoy sitting outside on my deck in the mornings when it is not too hot, reading a book and listening to the early birds chirping while having my morning coffee!”
     –Jessica

“Just existing outside; walking or hiking; watching the sunrise and sunset; camping; being barefoot on the grass; free outdoor concerts; lawn games and bbqs.”
     –Anonymous

“Sitting in the backyard and listening and watching the birds, bike riding, going to festivals.”
     –Anonymous

“Local concerts in the parks! As soon as the schedules are out, I add them to my calendar! Something to look forward to! And sometimes I get there!”
     –Leslie Feinberg

“Summer fun doesn’t have to be outdoors anymore. Indoor pools, movies, seasonal foods, and sandboxes can create a feeling of a tropical summer without the mess and heat of the outdoors. Watching a summer movie indoors while dressing up in beach wear can set the mood for summer fun without the sunburn or travel time. Make it a party by adding in an award or small prize for best-dressed for the beach theme. Adding in seasonal food like pineapple popsicles can add to the experience.”
     –AANE Staff

“Walking barefoot on cool grass, walking barefoot period, late nights with lightning bugs, naps in the fresh air.”
     –Becca Lory Hector

“The beach with family and friends brings me joy!”
     –Anonymous

“Reading while I listen to the birds outside in the evening walks after dinner, photographing sunsets, free summer concerts, farmers markets, eating outside.”
     –Brenda Dater

“Care for my plants, visit the lake, swimming!”
     –Yesica Hickey, AANE Staff

“Free movie nights outside, tending my garden and flowers, looking at the stars each night before bed.”
     –Anonymous

“Relaxing with a water view, taking a walk, going to a public beach, reading at the park.”
     –Stephanie Birkdale, Autistic Adult, AANE Staff

“Plan only one summer activity a week and do more spontaneous activities. Love the ocean beach or being on the water (lake, river), kayaking, hiking, gardening”
     –Nataliya

“Spending a late afternoon at a quiet beach with friends and a picnic basket, watching the sunset. During hot and humid days, going to a museum, taking a day cruise or seeing an indoor movie. Attending a play at a performing arts theatre at the Cape is a nice take in during the evening. Exploring antique shops. Catching a baseball game in Cotuit at Lowell Park.”
     –Cynthia

Here are a few tips to make summer a little easier…

“Our lesson learned over the years is don’t try to force too much “family fun.” We regularly go to NH in the summer, and are very flexible with who wants to participate in what activity, allowing those who just want to sit on the deck all day that option!”
     –Jessica

“Drink lots of water; bring an umbrella to the beach; afternoon nap; plan at least one small activity no matter how insignificant so there’s not unlimited free time.“
     –Anonymous

“Trader Joe’s has fragrance-free sunscreens that are more tolerable than most. Being in the extremely hot weather is what I hate the most, so I try to stay in the shade and go out in the early hours or late evening. We have a routine of eating outside on the back patio which is fun.
     –Anonymous

“Use a calendar…every day!
     –Leslie Feinberg

“If you missed the deadlines to enroll your child in summer camps, set a calendar reminder to begin your search and submit applications in late fall/early winter for next summer. Many specialized camp programs fill shortly after the new year!”
     –Amanda Bailey, AANE Staff

“Beaches can be summer bliss, but they can also mean sensory torture. Sunglasses, a large hat, fragrance-free sunscreen spray or sunscreen mineral water instead of lotion, and water shoes to lessen the feeling of sand on your feet can help. Doing a trial run at home of a sunscreen, swimsuit, and water shoes can help determine if the items are a match before adding in additional sensory loads with beach noise, blaring sunshine, crowds, and tiring travels. Looking in advance for potential places to unwind in less crowded areas can also help lessen the stress.”
     –AANE Staff

“Do things outside in the morning and evening. Rest during mid day for temperature control.”
     –Becca Lory Hector

“Keep kids busy and outdoors!”
     –Anonymous

“Pre planning is everything for activities ahead of time of things around the city to do. My least favorite thing about summer is when it’s too hot and mosquitoes.”
     –Whitney

“Don’t try to do too much, make sure there is time for at least 1 fun thing each day, let people have more choices and “lazy” days to enjoy a break from routine (if that helps!) Build in ‘alone’ time each day for everyone in the family (if safe to do so) – gives everyone a break from each other.”
     –Brenda Dater

“My youngest is heat intolerant and things can go from fine to unbearable very quickly. Most days a neck fan and a spray bottle fan with ice cubes is enough. For the days it’s not I carry an umbrella to use as a parasol, a small lunch box with a bag full of ice cubes and extra water, a few face cloths, and a small ground cover I made by cutting up a reusable shopping bag. If they (or anyone with us) start to show signs of discomfort or distress we always have a clean shady place to sit down and apply a cold wet face cloth to the back of the neck and face until they feel better. It doesn’t take up much room and it allows them to re-regulate on their own terms and get back to having fun instead of packing up and going home, or never leaving the AC in the first place.”

     –ND mom of an ND tween

“Hydration, sunscreen, swimming pool.”
     –Yesica Hickey

“Cut up fruit and have it ready when the kids are hungry and thirsty, pack a wet face cloth in a waterproof bag when going to the beach for quick clean ups and cool offs, keep a bag packed with essentials in the trunk, so you can have less preparation time the day of your adventure, bring the bag in at the end of the day and restock.”
     –Anonymous

“My least favorite thing is the heat (since I don’t enjoy crazy hot weather). To navigate that, I just stay inside with the AC during super hot days.”
     –Stephanie Birkdale, Autistic Adult, AANE Staff

“To keep kids from getting bored — play dates! play dates! play dates!”
     –Nataliya

“Lots of sunscreen and an umbrella at the beach, avoiding travel on a Friday afternoon. I always travel with bug repellent, especially if I intend to walk on trails or attend outdoor events. Making certain to allow for quiet time, continuing with whatever form of exercise you like, whether it’s walking, swimming, pilates, etc. to help maintain a sense of wellness and calm. I personally do not like indoor sports bars or exceptionally crowded restaurants. I try to avoid loud, crowded places as I do not consider these venues to be relaxing or particularly enjoyable.”
     –Cynthia

Sign Up

Receive emails on events, autism info, and Autistic perspectives