By Rachel Busman
While it’s just the beginning of spring and most of us are thinking about summer as something far in the future, when planning for kids, and especially kids with SM, it’s good to think ahead. The summer is often seen as a well-deserved break from the stresses that come with school. However, summer can also bring a loss of structure and the routine opportunities for brave talking practice that are really important. Below are some suggestions and tips that you can think about now as you transition into the summer.
1. School: Speak with your child’s school before the end of the year to identify tasks related to transition planning. When possible, finding out which teachers and staff will be working with your child will be greatly helpful. If your child can meet next year’s teacher, or even a few teachers in the next grade, that’s a wonderful opportunity to start the relationship. Often, a school counselor or speech therapist can help your child meet a new person at school. Before the end of the school year, request that your child be placed in a class with 1-2 familiar peers with whom your child is comfortable. If they speak to that peer, even better! Finally, find out if there are opportunities to visit the school over the summer. If the building is closed, plan to have a visit with your child alone with their new teacher before the next year starts (ideally a week before).
2. Summer camps/recreation: Some families consider whether an intensive SM treatment program might be a good fit during the summer. In addition to treatment programs, local summer camps and other structured activities are a great place for your child to have opportunities to interact with same age peers. There are often affordable options through a town’s recreation department, along with private programs. In order for camp to be enjoyable and to help your child maintain gains, it will be helpful to talk with the camp staff in advance, so that you can provide information on your child and how they can best support them. Local camps are often run by older teens or college students and the staffing patterns do not always allow for lengthy conversations or training. However, a tip sheet that highlights specific skills to use with your child may be greatly beneficial (e.g., asking forced choice questions, waiting 5+ seconds after asking a question and using specific praise). Sometimes camps also are open to meeting with a child one on one before camp, which may help your child establish speech and comfort with at least one counselor.
3. Plan activities (exposures) in your community that encourage speaking: It’s important to consider daily activities like going to stores or parks as exposures, or opportunities for your child to practice facing fears. Similarly, playdates, visits to the beach, or swimming at a friend’s pool are all situations where you can help your child continue their brave talking. Here are some examples of things you can do as exposure practice. You can tailor the activity as your child needs; for example, if your child is not yet ready to order directly to a clerk, they can tell you what they want in front of the other person:
Create a scavenger hunt to bring to the pool, beach, park, or other destination
Set up a lemonade stand or yard sale
Play Bravery Bingo using these cards with simple or advanced bravery practices, or create-your-own card using this template
Order ice cream or other food at a counter
Visit the library and have your child practice speaking with the librarian or set up a summer reading group
Set up regular play dates
Schedule a visit with extended family or friends
Attend the local farmer’s market or carnival
4. Get active! Children with SM often become less inhibited when they are behaviorally engaged in high-energy activities. Bring out some bubbles, jump rope, have a catch, or set up a relay race in the backyard or the park with other kids.
It is never too early to start planning for a rewarding summer. Whatever you choose to do, remember to incorporate speaking opportunities. Get creative and have fun!
Comments