After winter, I’m ready to sit in the grass and enjoy the sunshine. My family likes to go hiking and exploring so having the right backpack for our autism summer adventures is a must in order to be successful.
Whatever adventure awaits you this summer, more than likely you want to avoid crisis. No one likes to have the perfect summer outing hijacked by a child’s inability to handle water on shorts, a nagging need for a snack when no allergy-friendly options are available, or a serious medical issue.
The Perfect Backpack For Autism Summer Adventures
- Water. Some special needs kids overheat faster. Make sure everyone has water, even when you don’t think you need it. I speak from experience. If your child won’t drink plain water then some electrolyte tabs to flavor it too.
- Other beverages. Your child may need a nutrition shake. Or maybe you pack a juice treat. We try not to pack anything that needs to be kept cool but if it was the only think Logan would drink then we would pack it.
- Snack. Always bring more than you think your child will eat. You never know when you’ll get stuck somewhere unexpectedly. Food is always a plus. If you have gluten, dairy, or other allergies, definitely pack extra!
- Calming item. If your child has a particular item that helps her calm when overstimulated or anxious, be sure to sneak it in. If you need to, have multiples of the same item.
- Extra clothing. This can be for potty accidents, but you also never know when a child will find a rather large mud puddle. Many sensory sensitive kiddos will not be able to handle staying in wet or squishy clothes.
- Self-stick bandages. Have a variety of sizes. You’ll want extras for your friends, too.
- First aid. Sometimes you’ll feel like you don’t really need the ointment, compresses, or medical tape. You really never know, though. And the old adage is true—“Better safe than sorry.”
- Medicine. If you are going to be gone long enough that your child will need to take some medicine, don’t forget it! You may want to pack it anyway, just in case you get stuck.
- Napkins or wet wipes. Convenient for wiping hands after snacks or any other messes your child creates.
- Tissues. These come in handy for runny noses and scrapes.
- Sun and insect protection. Whether your prefer lotions or essential oils, whatever it is, stick it in!
- Notepad and writing tools. Again, if you get stuck somewhere, you want your child to have something to do. A lot of our kids with autism, especially the younger ones, are still learning patience. Having paper to draw on or play games with will save your sanity.
- Small game. There are lots of travel versions of games. A pair of number dice or letter dice can be turned into lots of games to occupy stranded children.
- Small blanket. If you’re going on a picnic, a blanket or sheet can help sensory sensitive kids be willing to sit on the ground. There are many thin throws that will roll up tight and not take up too much space.
- Spare money. It’s great to have a little cash with you in case you need to purchase something for your special needs child or just want to enjoy an impromptu treat.
- Plastic bag. Grocery bags are easy for this. You can roll them up to a tiny ball and pack them into corners. These come in handy for dirty clothes, trash bags, collecting treasures, and more.
- Phone or Small Device Every parent will be familiar with the feeling of needing to hand your child a phone or tablet to keep them occupied during a picnic, meal or coffee break. The same could be said for your summer adventures. Now, this is completely dependent on your child and your parenting style, but you may want to bring a phone or small device with some games, movies or television programs downloaded to it. Whether they’re keeping their minds busy with an online crossword, or they’re watching their favorite comfort show, this could prove to be a brilliant addition to your backpack should you need it!
The list looks long, but most of this won’t take up much room. The biggest spacehog is food or an ice pack if you’re going to be gone most of the day. Now that my kids are old enough to carry their own packs, mine doesn’t hold as much. We keep a pack in our closet filled with most of these items so we’re ready for autism backpack adventures whenever the mood hits us!
On A Final Note: Prepare Your Autistic Child For Trips In The Car
As a parent, you are responsible for ensuring your autistic child is safe at all times. This includes being prepared for travel in the car. While it may seem like a challenge, there are some simple steps you can take to help make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Some autistic children can become agitated or anxious in new environments. This can lead to a distraction for the driver and an increased risk of an accident. To help avoid this, it is important to take some time to prepare your child for travel.
Explain to your child what will happen during the drive and where you will be going. If possible, take a practice drive to help them become more comfortable with the experience.
Pack some of your child’s favorite snacks and drinks to help keep them calm and happy during the journey. Make sure to stop for breaks often so they can stretch their legs and release any built-up energy.The last thing you need is to traumatize them by having a car crash, big or small. Not to mention the dragged-out processes of dealing with insurance and a car crash lawyer when all you planned was a fun trip with your family.
Would you add anything different for your backpack?
I joined forces with some of my fellow homeschool bloggers to bring you some super fun Summer Ideas and Activities for Kids. Lots of great ways to use your autism summer adventures backpack!
Check them out!
10 Unusual Ways to Homeschool Over the Summer from In All You Do
Do you want to review some content over the summer? Maybe you even homeschool year-round? With a few creative ideas and twists, you can make the most of your summer days while still maximizing summer learning!
How to Use Classic Board Games as School Review from The WOLFe Pack
Whether you take a summer break or school year-round, all kids can benefit from these fun ways to review content while gameschooling!
STEAM Subscription Boxes for Summer FUN! from Homeschool On the Range
The use of hands-on projects is a great way to reinforce concepts learned while having fun! Subscription boxes are a great way to get everything you need in one fell swoop!
Summertime STEM Activities from Hess Un-Academy
This collection of fun summer STEM activities for kids ages 4-19 is a fun way for parents to encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills while also having fun! Play is learning!
40 Boredom Busting Summer Ideas and Activities for Families from Geez, Gwen!
Grab your printable Summertime Bucket List Checklist to stay inspired all summer long! You’ll never hear I’m bored again!
Educational Summer Ideas for Kids from Making Room 4 One More
Even though you might be on summer break from formal school work, you still want your kids to learn, right? Check out these fun yet educational summer ideas for kids + teens to get you through the next few months.
Fun Seashell Identification Activities for Kids from Homeschooling 4 Him
Here is a collection of easy no-prep printables to help your family enjoy learning about seashells together!
Homeschool Schedule: Our Summer Routine from An Off Grid Life
Do you homeschool year-round? Learn about our summer homeschool schedule in Canada’s subarctic as we focus on foraging, northern gardening, homesteading, and self-reliance skills.
21 Fun Summer Homeschool Ideas for Work From Home Moms from Thrive at Home
Looking for fun summer homeschool ideas to occupy your children while you’re working from home?
5 Awesome Ways to Learn Parts of Plants for Kids from Julie Naturally
Learning the parts of plants doesn’t have to be hard or boring. Have fun with these 5 ideas!
7 Ways to Encourage Summer Reading from Heart and Soul Homeschooling
Make it fun, get creative, and watch the pages turn this summer with these ideas to help.
Budget-Friendly Summer Fun (for you and the kids!) from Hope In The Chaos
Summer is coming and if you are looking to have some fun without breaking the bank, look no further than these ideas for budget-friendly summer fun!
Homeschool Summer Bucket List from Whole Child Homeschool
Get this printable Summer Bucket List with 12 fun & mostly free educational activities to do at home.
Life Skills Mega List for Kids from Stand Up, Reach Out
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on practical (but fun) life skills for kids.
Use Morning Time to Beat the Summer Slide! from Everyday Graces Homeschool
The thought of “summer slide” is enough to make any parent cringe. But we’ve got the simple solution to keep your kids engaged in learning over the summer so those wheels stay greased and the cries of “I’m bored!” stay at bay.
Summer Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days from Music in Our Homeschool
You’ll find 12 music lessons in the “Summer Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days” online course–each one only 15 minutes in length and perfect for elementary ages.
Summer Read Alouds for Kids from Simple Living Mama
Summer is the perfect time to cool down with a great book with your kids.
Insect & Bug Activities for Kids from My Joy-Filled Life
This great list of activities and crafts will help you and your child learn about these fascinating little creatures.
Summer Slide Activities for All Ages from The Homeschool Cafe
Summer is the best…time to continue to have fun in your homeschool, create memories and have a blast while learning with this packed Summer Activity Pack.
25 Cheap & Easy Summer Meals for Families from Orison Orchards
Do you want to eat well, but also play.? That’s why I keep this list of delicious, nutritious, cheap & EASY summer meals handy. No stove required!
How to Take Inexpensive Road Trips with a Large Family from With the Huddlestons
Here are my best tips for taking inexpensive road trips, especially with a large family!
6 Summer Family Activities to Keep Learning Fun from This Bit of Life
You can have fun this summer while learning together! Here are 6 summer family activities to keep learning fun.
