What’s in a Day? Whatever You Want. Make a Summer Plan that Works for You!
This month we explore what accommodations can look like during the summer.
Hello Gifted Guides!
We’re so glad you’re here!
How are you doing?
It is summer break for many of your gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. While summer vacation can be a time for fun adventures, without the pressures of homework or school schedules, that disruption in routine can be hard for neurodivergent learners and their Gifted Guides.
Many families lament the fact that by the time they’ve navigated the “end-of-school to summer” transition, they have to start trying to navigate the “summer to back-to-school” transition. It can be frustrating when allegedly fun summer activities end in tears or fights or tense silence because folks (whether adult or student) are overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Somewhat similarly, when we have super high expectations for how wonderful and fun and magical summer break will be, it’s easy for the realities of summer to fall short, leaving us with big feelings of disappointment and frustration.
As with all things we discuss in Guiding Gifted, there is no one way to do summer. Finding routines and rhythms that work for you and your learner can be the best way to enjoy the summer.
But how do you do that?
Isn’t summer supposed to be filled with vacations and camps and activities? Aren’t some of these quintessential summer activities, such as baseball games, road trips, summer camp, and [insert your favorite summer memory here] key to making great, magical summer memories as a kid?
Not necessarily.
Great memories are made by doing things you enjoy, with people you enjoy.
But what about those unpredictable moments?
Unpredictable moments are easier to enjoy when you feel confident you can support your needs, and you feel safe and empowered to ask for help when needed.
To help you find strategies to keep you and your learner feeling seen, understood, supported, and empowered this summer, check out the following articles:
“Inclusive Summer Activities for Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Children” - Tracey Hobbs
“How to Create a Neurodiverse-Friendly (sic) Summer Routine: A Guide for Parents” - Christina Massari
“Summer Routines for ADHD and Neurodivergent Kids” - Blackbird Health
“15 Comprehensive Summer Activities that Build Stronger Self-Esteem, Independence & Academics for All Neurodivergent Children” - Toby Overstreet
“Top 10 Summer Habits for Neurodivergent Kids (That Actually Work)” - Sophia Whitehouse
“Navigating Summer Break: A Comprehensive Guide to Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals Through Seasonal Changes” - Aspect Autism Consultancy
“Coffee and Books: An Unexpected Homeschool Game Changer” - Cait Curley
As always, some of these resources may resonate with you more than others. Take what you need and leave the rest. Summer is too short to be taking advice that isn’t a good fit for you and your learner!
Conclusion
Whether this is your first issue with us or if you’ve been here since the beginning, we are grateful to be part of your advocacy community, and we’re here to support you how we can.
If you’re in one of our programs already, you know there are lots of resources for you to access via our private, member’s only website.
If you’re not currently participating in one of our programs, there is still a wealth of information and support available to you. Check out our Resource Library or our free resource guides or any of our other curated resources (like our Spotify and YouTube playlists or our Bookshop.org reading lists).
Finally, a fundamental part of advocacy is making sure basic needs—like food and shelter—are being met for both us and our learners. If you or someone you know might need extra support, findhelp.org may be a useful resource. It can also help you find organizations to support, if you’re in a position to help others.
We hope you can find new accommodations and strategies to help you enjoy your summer and make some wonderful memories. We’ll see you in July!
What’s New at the Davidson Institute?
Apply to Young Scholars!
If you’re interested in joining the Young Scholars program, you can learn more and start your application today! Get started by visiting our How to Apply page!
If you want to learn more about our program, explore our website, or register for our upcoming virtual Application Q&A. Our next Q&A is taking place on July 6 at 11 am (Pacific). Does that time not work for you? Don’t worry. If you register for the event, you’ll receive a recording of the Q&A.
Testing Opportunities – Join the Fall Waitlist!
Through our partnership with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, throughout the year, we are able to offer low cost, remote testing for students in grades 3-10.
This testing can be used to apply to the Davidson Institute’s Young Scholars program, along with the Davidson Academy, Reno and Davidson Academy Online.
To learn more and join the Fall testing waitlist, check out our Eligibility Assessment page today!
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We’ll see you next month. Stay well, Gifted Guides!