Summer has definitely made its appearance. Whether you’re in various regions of the US experiencing record high temperatures or in the Vancouver, Canada area where I am located, enjoying temperatures in the mid-20s to 30 degrees Celsius, we are clearly in the midst of summer. Some may already be vacationing, while others have plans throughout the season.

If you have a neurodivergent child, this may come with some concerns about how to manage time away from home. Or you may be neurodivergent and have your own discomforts. As some of you may know, I move around between Vancouver, Washington, DC, and Newcastle, England. Each trip becomes easier as I become more familiar with the locations, but there are also moments when I question what I am doing. This usually occurs when I’m feeling overstimulated, overwhelmed, tired, or facing something new for the first time. Although I would never push a client to do something they are not comfortable doing, for me, it’s beneficial to occasionally push myself beyond my comfort zone. Having a diagnosis, unmasking, and becoming comfortable with my neurodivergence has come with something unexpected—needing to relearn how to do some things that I was once very capable of doing while masked.

When my children were growing up, we would vacation each summer. My husband at the time and I worked together as building contractors, and we found it important to have time away as a family due to our busy work life. We often went to the same place, stayed at the same VRBO rental, cooked our usual foods, and tried to keep things as similar on vacation as they were at home. One thing we learned early on was that Josh felt much better if he always had the same comforter that was on his bed at home, so that went with us for years. I think it finally disappeared after he started living on his own, but that black plaid comforter with a bit of red was a constant in our lives for many years.

So, when you’re planning and packing for vacation, remember that it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone, knowing you can always come back and re-regulate. Look at the constants in your life and your child’s, and consider whether it might be worth bringing some of those things along with you. Familiar items can provide a sense of stability and comfort in new environments.

Summer adventures can be a wonderful time for growth and connection. With a little planning and understanding, you can create memorable experiences while honoring the needs of yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy the season and all the opportunities it brings!