Why Summer Is Funner—but Tougher—for Autistic People?
This title was a question from Matt and Meg’s autistic son, Beckett
There’s something about summer that feels like freedom.
School’s out, the days stretch on forever, and the world opens up: beaches, splash pads, barbecues, late nights, fireworks, road trips, family reunions. It's funner. It’s messier. And for autistic people, it’s often both at the exact same time.
Here’s why summer can be such a mix of magic and meltdown—and how we can show up with more support, patience, and understanding.
☀️ The Funner Side: What Autistic People Might Love About Summer
Not every autistic person is the same (we probably don’t have to tell you that), but many folks genuinely love parts of summer—sometimes with a passion most people don’t understand.
Here are a few reasons why:
No school: For many kids and teens, school can be overwhelming: the noise, the social rules, the transitions, the fluorescent lights. Summer is a big exhale.
Water time: Pools, lakes, beaches—so many autistic people love water. The deep pressure, the weightlessness, the sensory joy of splashing can be incredibly regulating.
Special interests: Without a rigid schedule, there’s finally time to dive deep into passions—be it insects, trains, animation, or Minecraft.
Freedom of routine: This one can go either way (we’ll get to that), but for some, the lack of a packed school day brings relief and a chance to reset.
Outdoor movement: Hiking, biking, swinging at the park—some bodies just crave movement, and summer gives room to roam.
🔥 The Tougher Side: What Can Make Summer Overwhelming
Even with all that joy, summer can be a lot. And when the world’s telling you this is “the best time of year,” it can be hard to speak up when it’s also the hardest.
Here’s why:
Unpredictability: School may be hard, but it’s also predictable. Summer days can feel chaotic with no routine or structure, which can increase anxiety.
Sensory overload:
Heat and humidity can feel unbearable to sensitive systems.
Sticky sunscreen, rough sandals, itchy tags, or wet bathing suits can be a sensory nightmare.
Fireworks, crowds, loud music—these things that “make it summer” for some are exactly what others dread.
Social expectations: BBQs, campouts, family reunions, playdates—summer is very social, often with unspoken rules and fast-moving conversations that are exhausting to navigate.
Sleep disruptions: Longer days and changing routines can mess with sleep, which in turn affects everything else—mood, regulation, communication.
Missing out: When other kids are doing things that aren’t accessible or enjoyable (like camp, sports, or spontaneous road trips), it can bring feelings of isolation—for both the autistic person and their family.
💡 So What Can Help?
The best summers are the ones built around what actually works for your person. Not what’s typical. Not what looks good on Instagram. Just what feels safe, doable, and joyful—even if that means skipping the beach and building a cardboard city in the basement.
Some things that can help:
Build a loose routine or visual schedule
Find sensory-friendly events (some splash pads now offer quiet hours!)
Prep for outings with photos, stories, or videos
Pack sensory tools: headphones, fidgets, weighted items
Let go of the pressure to “do it all”
💬 You’re Not Alone
If summer feels like a bittersweet season—one full of moments you’ll never forget and challenges you never expected—you’re not the only one. A lot of families feel this way, even if they don’t talk about it out loud.
So here’s to the popsicle-sticky, noise-sensitive, sunshine-and-shadows version of summer. The one that’s real, messy, and yours.
And remember: you don’t need to have a “perfect” summer to make it meaningful.
