Losing His Normal

Summertime is different for some kids…

So many of you are asking me about Cooper’s summer plans. A valid question. He finished up school yesterday. He is now officially a 5th grader.

He absolutely understands that school is done for the year. I know because yesterday when we walked him to the bus he held up one finger the entire way and had us repeat…’one more day.’ He likes his reassurance that one.

Summer breaks are different for kids like Cooper. Or maybe it’s just him. I guess I’m not sure.

While my middle son is planning sleepovers, day camp, baseball, and figuring out the ice cream trucks neighborhood schedule, Cooper’s schedule is less full.

There are no kids knocking on the door to play with him. He is signed up for Miracle League Baseball, and asks us to go hit home runs daily, but typically refuses to participate when the time comes. He does have what’s called ‘Extended School Year’ but it doesn’t start until July and even then it’s a couple hours a day for a few weeks.

Where we live, there are really no programs for him to attend. He falls in this unique place on the spectrum where he would need a lot of help to make a program work and simultaneously does not like many activities. He also doesn’t like to be away from mom or dad.

He loves structure. He loves routine. He loves going places but needs two people to help him be successful. He needs someone with him at all times. Usually his dad or I.

I did my best this summer to fill up his schedule. We are going to see Thomas the Train, visit a few train museums, going boating, and I have two amazing young ladies coming daily to keep him active.

But it’s hard on him. Losing his normal. He doesn’t quite understand. His once social daily life is now suddenly not. For him, school is his world. And it ends for 3 months.

Summer is just different for kids like my son.

We do our best though. And hope to have a lot of fun!

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.