The End of Summer: Transitioning Without Losing Our Minds

Ah, summer. The season of late bedtimes, popsicles for breakfast (oops), and days that blur together in a haze of sunscreen, splash pads, and maybe a few too many hours of screen time. And then suddenly—it’s over. School supply aisles appear overnight, calendars fill back up, and we’re all supposed to snap back into routine like we haven’t been living in swimwear for two months.

For many families, this transition is bittersweet. For autism families? It’s more like a full-blown strategic operation.

Routines vs. Reality

Summer often loosens up our daily schedule—bedtimes drift later, meals happen whenever hunger strikes, and mornings are blissfully slower. But as the school year looms, it’s time to reintroduce structure. Which sounds lovely in theory… until you’re actually trying to convince a kid who’s been living in pajama shorts for 10 weeks that yes, pants are now required.

The Supply Showdown

Back-to-school shopping always feels like a battle between “Here’s the list” and “But my kid will only use the blue crayon.” Add in sensory-friendly clothing hunts, headphone upgrades, and labeling every single item (seriously, why so many glue sticks?), and you’ve got yourself an Olympic event.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Transitions aren’t just about routines; they’re about emotions, too. For our kids, the shift from summer freedom to school structure can bring anxiety, excitement, or both at once. And let’s be honest—parents feel it too. Part relief (“YES, structure is back!”), part guilt (“Did we do enough this summer?”), and part worry (“How will they handle the change?”).

Tips That Actually Help

• Start the routine early. A week before school starts, we try to move bedtimes and mornings closer to school mode. (Keyword: try.)

• Visual calendars. A countdown to the first day helps make the abstract idea of “back to school” more concrete.

• Practice runs. Sometimes we do a “fake” school morning just to rehearse the chaos. It’s never smooth, but it helps.

• Celebrate the small stuff. Got dressed before noon? Victory. Packed the backpack without tears? Confetti moment.

The Truth

Transitions are tough—period. But they’re also a chance to remind ourselves (and our kids) that change doesn’t have to be scary; it just takes time, patience, and maybe a little bribery (hello, ice cream run).

So here’s to the end of summer: the chaos, the meltdowns, the tiny victories, and the reminder that even when routines shift, our love and support stay the same.

💙🌞🎒🍦✨