☀️ What Summer Downtime Really Looks Like - And How to Make It Calming
When we think of “downtime,” we might imagine quiet picnics, lazy afternoons, or peaceful moments in the shade. But for families with autistic children, downtime isn’t always that simple, or that quiet. And that’s okay.
We know that rest doesn’t look the same for every child (or every parent). That’s why we’re rethinking summer downtime, not as a rigid goal, but as a flexible, calming space where everyone can breathe a little easier.
💡 What Downtime Can Actually Look Like
Downtime doesn't always mean silence or stillness. It can be:
Spinning in a swing for 20 minutes
Building the same block tower again and again
Watching a favorite show on repeat
Lining up toys or coloring in peace
Listening to white noise or rain sounds
Just being in a space where no one has any demands
For some kids, those moments are exactly what their nervous systems need to reset.
🧠 Why Downtime Matters
Autistic children often take in more sensory and social input than neurotypical peers, and that can be exhausting. Especially in the summer, when routines shift, and outings ramp up, creating intentional downtime is one of the most supportive things you can do.
Downtime helps:
Regulate overwhelmed sensory systems
Prevent meltdowns by giving space before things boil over
Build trust by showing your child they don’t always have to “perform”
Give YOU, the caregiver, a chance to reset too
🛠 Tips to Create Calming Downtime at Home
Here are a few ideas that can help make downtime more doable, and more meaningful:
1. Create a “Cozy Corner”
Set up a simple space with soft lighting, comfy pillows, fidgets, or weighted items. Add books or quiet sensory toys they love. This becomes a go-to space for when they need to decompress.
2. Offer Choices
Some kids feel calmer when they have control. Try offering two low-key options like:
“Do you want to play with your kinetic sand or listen to your music?”
3. Use Visuals
A visual schedule or timer can show when downtime is coming and help it feel safe and predictable, not like they’re being cut off from fun.
4. Lower Your Expectations
Downtime might include movement, stimming, or making noise. The goal isn’t silence, it’s regulation. Tune into what helps your child feel safe and grounded.
5. Be Present - But Not Demanding
Sometimes just sitting near your child, without any agenda, offers the calm connection they need most.
💬 Final Thought
There’s no “right” way to do downtime, especially in the summer. Whether your child finds peace through play, solitude, movement, or sound, trust that those moments matter.
You’re doing an amazing job creating a world where your child can just be.
Want more sensory-friendly summer ideas? Check out our full Summer Survival Guide.
💙 With you every step,
The EmPath for Autism Team