My Summer Safety Guide For Non-Verbal & Semi-Verbal Children with Autism

 ☀️ My Summer Safety Guide

For Non-Verbal & Semi-Verbal Children with Autism

By Urszula Glogowska, MEd., CCC-SLP, TSHH

 

🌈 Why This Guide?

Summer is full of new places, routines, sounds, and feelings, which can be exciting and overwhelming for kids with autism, especially if they are non-verbal or semi-verbal. Let’s get started!

This guide helps caregivers support safety and comfort using:
✅ Visual supports
✅ Predictable routines
✅ Sensory-friendly strategies
✅ Simple, child-friendly activities

✅ 1. Use Visual Rules & Schedules

Why it helps: Predictability reduces anxiety and builds confidence.

What You Can Do:

• Use pictures or icons to show the plan for the day.
• Include clear “yes” and “no” safety visuals.
• Use First/Then boards (e.g., First sunscreen, then swings!)

📋 Try this: Make a simple 3-step schedule using pictures:
🧴 Sunscreen → 🏊 Pool → 🍎 Snack
✔️ YES: Wait for grown-up, stay on path
❌ NO: Run away, touch hot grill

🖍️ Let your child help choose or color icons!

🧍‍♂️ 2. Practice “Stop” and “Help” Signals

Why it helps: Safety depends on communication, even without words.

What You Can Do:

• Teach simple signs (e.g., ✋ for “Stop”, 👆 for “Help”)
• Use visuals, AAC buttons, or gesture-based cues.
• Practice safety words in play - repetition = readiness!

👋 Try this: Create a safety card with just 2 pictures:
                                     🔴 STOP          🟢 GO
✅ Practice crossing the street or walking in parking lots using the card.

✋ Make a family signal for “Come back” or “Danger!” and practice daily.

🌊 3. Water Safety is #1

Why it helps: Pools and beaches are exciting and unpredictable.

What You Can Do:

• Always supervise - assign a designated adult (with a visual tag if needed).
• Use bright swimwear for easy spotting.
• Have a non-verbal “check-in cue” like waving or pointing.

🛟 Try this: Create a “Swimming Social Story” with steps:

1. Wait for OK
2. Walk, don’t run
3. Wear floaties
4. Ask for a break

✍️ Add photos of your child in each step for extra meaning!

🎧 4. Prep for Sensory Overload

Why it helps: Summer sounds, smells, and textures can be intense.

What You Can Do: Pack a Sensory Toolkit for outings:

🎧 Headphones
🧸 Fidget toy
🧴 Unscented sunscreen
👒 Hat and Sunglasses

🧠 Try this: Let your child pick items for their sensory bag. Create a “My Comfort Tools” page with photos or drawings of calming tools they can choose from.

🗣️ For semi-verbal kids: pair tools with words or visuals like “quiet,” “too loud,” or “need break.”

🛑 5. Make a Safety ID for Outings

Why it helps: If a child gets lost or overwhelmed, quick info is key.

What You Can Do: Create a wearable ID (wristband, tag, badge) with:

👤 Name
📞 Parent’s phone
🔊 “Non-verbal/autistic”
💬 “Uses pictures to talk”

📎 Try this: Make a DIY badge your child can decorate. Use Velcro or a necklace holder for outings.
🧩 “Hi, my name is _____! I need help finding my grown-up.”

🍉 6. Stick to Sensory-Friendly Routines

Why it helps: Predictable rhythms prevent meltdowns and burnout.

What You Can Do:

• Use timers or visual countdowns for transitions.
• Build in rest breaks before and after outings.
• Rotate high-energy and calming activities.

🕒 Try this: Sensory-Friendly Day Plan
✔️ Swing time → 📖 Book time
🧺 Picnic → 😌 Break in tent
💦 Water play → 👂 Quiet cuddle

✍️ Let your child help match icons to parts of their day!

✋ 7. Teach “Break” and “No More” Choices

Why it helps: Gives children control and prevents escalation.

What You Can Do: Use icons or AAC buttons. Respect their use of these buttons/signals to build trust.

🔄 “Break”
✋ “No more”
🙅 “I’m done”

📦 Try this: Make a “Break Box” with quiet fidgets, books, and a soft toy.
Show your child they can go there anytime and praise them for using it!

🎉 I’m a Summer Safety Star!

🏅 Draw your “Safety Star Badge”!
👑 “I’m ready for a fun, safe summer!”