Summer is here!

Summertime can be a fun and enjoyable experience, bringing warm weather, travel plans, vacations, and outdoor activities. However, for individuals with challenging communication, it can bring many risks and obstacles. Below are some communication tips to make summer an enjoyable season for all.

• Social Stories – Can be used to explain why summer safety rules are important and can share strategies to stay safe.
• Visual Schedules  – Can represent summer safety reminders such as when to apply sunscreen, put on a hat, wear sunglasses, drink water, or stay in the shade.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – New icons can be added to an AAC device to reflect summer safety gear such as sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, bug spray, or water bottles. Communication Profile – Develop or update an individual’s communication profile so that it accurately reflects plans, challenges, or needs during summer activities.
• Open Dialogue – Summer vacations often bring changes to daily schedules, and it’s important to talk about feelings and concerns to help reduce anxiety that might occur.
• Assistive Technology  – Wearable UV bracelets or sensors (like QSun or Violet Plus) that alert when UV exposure is high or smart water bottles (like HydrateSpark) and hydration apps (like WaterMinder) that provide alerts for drinking water and staying hydrated.
• Emergency Buttons or Pre-Programmed Phrases – Can be added to AAC devicesto reflect safety needs such as “I’m too hot”, “I need water”, “Call 9-1-1”, or “I want to rest”.
• Prepare for Sensory Changes – The following are common sensory triggers specific to summer that may cause discomfort.
  • Visual: Bright sunlight and reflective surfaces may cause visual sensory overload or headaches.
  • Auditory: Lawn mowers, fireworks, crowds, and outdoor events can cause auditory distress.
  • Tactile: Increased heat and humidity can lead to sweaty skin, heat rash, or feeling sticky or damp.
  • Olfactory: Strong smells from sunscreen or bug spray may cause nausea or avoidance.
  • Vestibular: Swimming, water play, or long car rides during travel may lead to overstimulation.