The Sensory-Friendly Summer: Activities for Kids with Autism
Discover sensory-friendly summer ideas for kids with autism, from calming activities to inclusive camps and community programs.
For children with ADHD, autism, anxiety or other mental health challenges, school and social situations can sometimes feel like a maze. One where the rules keep changing and it is hard to find the right words to ask for help. That is where self-advocacy comes in.
Self-advocacy is the ability to understand your own needs and confidently communicate them to others. For youth navigating neurodivergence or mental health challenges, it is a skill that can be truly life-changing. It empowers them to speak up when they need a break, when they require accommodations or when they simply want their voice to be heard.
At Pediatric Consultations, we believe self-advocacy is a vital part of helping children grow into confident, resilient adults. And like any skill, it can (and should) be taught.
Before children can advocate for themselves, they need to understand what they are advocating for. This means helping them recognize their emotions, their sensory needs and their learning styles.
For a child with ADHD, it might mean learning to notice when focus is slipping or when movement is needed to reset. For a child with autism, it could be identifying sensory overwhelm or recognizing situations that trigger anxiety. Encouraging this kind of self-awareness can start early, through gentle conversations, modeling emotional language and validating their experiences.
For example:
These small moments build the foundation for a larger understanding of needs.
Understanding needs is one thing, expressing them is another. Many children, especially those with ADHD or autism, benefit from explicit instruction in how to communicate their needs effectively.
This can include:
It is important to remind children that advocating for themselves is not “being difficult” or “causing a problem.” It is a positive and courageous act, one that fosters independence and resilience.
Successful self-advocacy does not happen in isolation. It requires adults who are ready to listen and respond with empathy.
We encourage parents to partner with teachers, counselors and other caregivers to create a supportive environment where children feel safe speaking up. This may involve developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans that formalize accommodations, and ensuring the child understands how these supports are meant to help them.
Just as important is helping teachers understand that a child’s self-advocacy is a sign of growth, not defiance. When a student says, “I need to step outside for a moment,” they are practicing an essential life skill.
Finally, it is critical to remember that self-advocacy is a journey. Some children may readily speak up about their needs. Others may take longer to feel comfortable doing so, and that is okay.
Celebrate small victories:
These moments, though they may seem simple, lay the groundwork for future confidence and independence.
As parents, educators, and clinicians, our role is to give children the tools to understand themselves, and the confidence to communicate those insights to the world around them.
When we support self-advocacy, we help children with ADHD, autism, anxiety and other challenges not only navigate their daily lives, but also build the resilience to thrive in a world that will not always anticipate their needs for them.
At Pediatric Consultations, we are committed to walking this journey with you, helping your child find their voice and their power.
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