As special needs parents, we may be looking at the approaching summer break with both anticipation and fear.

It’s nice not to have to worry about catching that bus, packing lunch, having clothes (and back-up clothes) ready, and especially getting the dreaded problem behavior call from the school.

On the other hand, there are the stressors of childcare and occupying our children in meaningful ways, when they often have more summer free time than we do.

However, with some direction and planning, we can help our students use this time to their benefit.

We may want to use the summer to bridge academic gaps, work on life skills, or strengthen our family relationships. Here are some ideas on how to do this in ways that hopefully won’t leave our kids feeling like we’re forcing more school on them during their break.

Using the Summer for Academic Gains

Some parents choose to use the summer months to narrow academic gaps or to get a head start on the next year’s curriculum. Even if your student qualifies for Extended School Year (ESY), that often only amounts to about 12 half-days of schooling.

There are other ways to keep your student engaged academically without it feeling like more school.

Reading Together Daily

Incorporate reading into a daily routine, even for short periods, to maintain vocabulary and comprehension. You can focus on areas where your student struggles, or some students may enjoy reading ahead on next year’s content—relieving pressure during the coming school year or helping them feel a little extra confident.

The summer can also allow your student to explore or discover a favorite writer or genre, increasing their love of reading and improving proficiency in a more natural, self-directed way.

Utilize Local Library Programs

Access local libraries for sensory-friendly events and adapted story times tailored for children with disabilities.

At the March 24th Salt Lake County Summer Fun Panel, Salt Lake County Librarian Kaitlyn Gundlach shared that regardless of where you live in the state, there is likely a summer reading program available for your kids—and possibly for you.

Libraries also host a variety of events, including All-Abilities activities. It’s worth checking what your local library offers. Libraries are no longer just stacks of books; they’re community hubs with opportunities to meet a wide range of interests and needs. You can find All-Abilities events at the Salt Lake County Libraries at the following link: https://www.slcolibrary.org/events/all-ability

Using the Summer for Life Skill Development

Life skills are the essential abilities that allow individuals to navigate the demands and challenges of everyday life effectively. These fall into three main areas: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and practical skills.

Intrapersonal Skills

These are self-management skills—the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively to achieve personal and long-term goals. This includes time management, goal setting, stress management, self-discipline, and adaptability. These can be worked on at any age.

Interpersonal Skills

These include communication, relationship skills, self-awareness, and empathy. Teens and adults wanting to improve social skills and possibly move into safe dating relationships may benefit from structured programs designed for individuals with disabilities. Want to improve social skills and possibly move into a safe dating relationship? Then consider the Utah Parent Center Tetons Class. https://utahparentcenter.org/program/tetons/

Practical Skills

These are the daily living skills individuals develop over time. While often referred to as “adulting,” young children can and should begin working on these skills as well.

Sally and Tim used a summer lunch program to help their daughter prepare for full-day kindergarten. They practiced going through the lunch line, selecting food options, carrying a tray, and eating in what can be a loud and overwhelming lunchroom environment. This also exposed their daughter to school lunch options and helped them determine whether she would actually eat the food before committing to paying for it during the school year.

If school lunch isn’t an option, you can still bring your own food and use the setting to practice the routine and environment.

Even though the school may be closed during the summer, you can also let your child “practice” playing on the equipment at the school they’ll be attending. This helps build familiarity and can reduce fear when the school year begins.

If you are looking for classes targeted for young adults and adults, consider reaching out to the Utah Independent Living Center. They offer classes across the state to help young adults and adults develop these skills.  https://uilc.org/en/resources/centers

Using the Summer for Experience-Based Learning

One of the best sources of learning can be travel and adventure.

However, for many families, these experiences can feel out of reach—whether due to financial constraints, time limitations, medical needs, or the realities of traveling with individuals with disabilities.

With some flexibility, creativity, and awareness of available resources, meaningful experiences are still possible.

Travel with a Larger Group

Sharing travel with extended family or friends can make a big difference.

Special needs parents Andy and Amber Beck do an annual extended family trip. This setup allows them to focus on supporting their son Gabe, who has severe autism, while their other children spend time with cousins.

If Gabe becomes overwhelmed or needs to step away from an activity, their other kids can continue participating with relatives. It creates flexibility and ensures that everyone still gets meaningful experiences.

Of course, choosing the right travel companions matters—some people are more willing and able to accommodate the needs of your family than others.

Utilize Free and Discounted Resources

The Beck family also makes use of accessibility programs like the Access Pass—a lifetime national park pass for individuals with qualifying disabilities and those traveling with them. This helps significantly reduce costs and opens the door to visiting a wide range of parks.

Consider Off-Season Travel

Crowds and weather can be major barriers.

For example, the Becks visited Death Valley during spring break instead of summer, avoiding extreme heat and large crowds. With free park access, their costs were limited mainly to gas and the food they brought.

Don’t Underestimate the Staycation

Forget Paris for now.

Medical equipment, physical fatigue, sensory challenges, professional responsibilities, and financial limitations (including high gas prices) can make big trips unrealistic.

But that doesn’t mean meaningful experiences aren’t possible.

One family shared that when asked about their summer vacation, their teenage kids responded, “We went to Draper.” They lived in Murray, just 12 miles away.

At the time, it didn’t sound like much.

But 15 years later, those same kids—now raising families of their own—continue creating simple, local adventures. Resources and responsibilities still limit their ability to travel far, but they’ve built strong relationships and meaningful traditions. The siblings remain close, and their children now share those same bonds.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Other forms of hands-on learning include museums, zoos, and libraries. These experiences can be tailored to your child’s interests or used to introduce new ones gently.

Whatever adventures you pursue, consider creating a photo journal. It’s a simple way to revisit memories and reinforce what your child experienced and learned.

Building Physical and Fine Motor Skills

Summer is also a great time to work on the physical, cognitive, and fine motor skills that impact both academic performance and daily life.

When asked what activities might help a student struggling with writing and fine motor skills, occupational therapy professional Mary Pugh emphasized a simple idea: get them moving.

Strengthening the core also supports fine motor development.

She suggests activities like:

• Catching balls
• Swinging
• Running
• Playing tag
• Running through sprinklers or visiting a splash pad

For individuals with limited mobility, helping them move within their range of motion—especially when paired with music—can be both effective and enjoyable.

Fine motor activities like beading, rock painting, and other crafts are also excellent options.

For example, a beading project gives a child like Tabitha the opportunity to build fine motor skills while creating something meaningful—a bracelet she can wear and feel proud of.

Final Thoughts

Summer can feel long. Twelve weeks is no small stretch—especially when you’re balancing caregiving, work, and everything in between.

But it can also be a time of growth, connection, and even a little bit of rest from the pressures of the school year.

With some planning and flexibility, you can create a summer that supports your child’s development without losing the sense of break that everyone needs.

Hopefully, these ideas help your family navigate the weeks ahead.

Wishing you and yours an amazing summer.

 

Additional Resources

• UPC Summer Resource Guide
• UPC Summer Planning Tips
• Surviving Sibling Conflict During Summer Break
• Cultivating Summer Friendships