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The weather is warmer, the flowers are blooming and school is just about done. For most people this means arranging something for the kids to do while the parents are away at work. There's always that hope that the skills learned during the school year will not be totally lost over the summer months.

For the parent of an autistic child, this time of year can be more difficult than planning a trip or getting ready for the holidays. Filling the time in a constructive manner has to include a structure that prevents the loss of both academic and social skills with a price that isn't prohibitive. The adults involved must have a good understanding of the problems that could arise with behavior issues that wouldn't occur at a regular day camp or day care setting. Add the many levels and quirks associated with different levels of the autism spectrum and one needs a flow chart and slide rule to calculate the value any particular program might have for the child along with the family members who will face making sacrifices in favor of this cause that bears no guarantees.

There are a few summer recreation programs geared toward the autistic child. Contact your city and state agencies and never forget to contact your school district for their list of summer programs. Look for national associations that serve the special needs community. Any college or university that has a teacher's certification program will also have access to hundreds of students interested in the special need community. The opportunity for them to work with your autistic child will be invaluable and they will be happy to share new techniques they are learning about while they are working toward their degree. Let their enthusiasm enrich the possibilities for your child's future.

Summer management of your autistic child needn't include their loss of academic and social skills. With a little planning and some focused research, summer vacation can be fun a fun an educational vacation for your special needs child.

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