Building a Summer Behavior Support Plan

While summer brings opportunities for relaxation and family connection, it can also be a time when behavior challenges become more frequent. Without the routine, supports, and environmental cues that come with school, many autistic and neurodivergent children struggle with regulation. Outbursts, refusals, aggression, or emotional shutdowns may increase—not as intentional misbehavior, but as a sign of unmet needs or overwhelmed nervous systems.

This article guides caregivers in building a proactive behavior support plan for summer. Instead of reacting to behavior when it becomes unmanageable, you’ll learn how to anticipate challenges, support skill-building, and create a consistent framework to help your child thrive.

Understanding Behavior as Communication

Every behavior tells a story. Children who have difficulty expressing their needs verbally or managing their emotions may use behavior to communicate discomfort, confusion, fear, or a need for control. Common reasons for challenging behavior include:

  • Sensory overload or under-stimulation

  • Difficulty with transitions or unpredictability

  • Frustration with communication

  • Need for connection or attention

  • Anxiety or fear of new environments

  • Desire to escape or avoid an unpleasant task

By understanding the function of a behavior (the “why”), we can develop more compassionate, effective ways to respond.

Step 1: Identify Patterns and Triggers

Start by tracking behavior incidents over a few days or weeks. Look for patterns:

  • What happened before the behavior? (Was there a transition, demand, or sensory trigger?)

  • What was the behavior itself? (Yelling, throwing, refusal, elopement?)

  • What happened after? (Did the child get space, avoid a task, receive attention?)

Use an ABC chart (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) or behavior journal. This helps you identify the function of the behavior and tailor your response accordingly.

Step 2: Create a Predictable Environment

Unpredictability increases stress and emotional dysregulation. Consistent routines, clear expectations, and visual supports can help reduce uncertainty:

  • Use daily visual schedules

  • Offer countdown warnings for transitions

  • Provide visual rules or behavior charts with pictures

  • Use consistent language (e.g., “First this, then that”)

Step 3: Teach and Practice Coping Skills

Coping skills are learned through repetition, co-regulation, and modeling. Build them into your daily routine—not just during meltdowns. Ideas include:

  • Deep breathing exercises with visuals

  • Movement breaks (jumping, wall pushes)

  • Sensory play as a daily reset

  • Storybooks or videos that teach emotional regulation

  • Practicing scripts for problem-solving or asking for help

Create a coping skills menu for your child to choose from during dysregulation. Practice when calm, not just in the moment of crisis.

Step 4: Develop a Summer Behavior Contract

Older children may benefit from a behavior contract or plan that outlines expectations, supports, and rewards. Key elements include:

  • Specific behaviors to work on (staying safe, using kind words, trying a coping skill)

  • Supports you’ll provide (reminders, visuals, calm-down tools)

  • Reinforcement plan (praise, tokens, privileges, preferred activities)

Make the contract visual and collaborative. Let your child have input on goals and rewards.

Step 5: Reinforce Positive Behavior

Positive reinforcement strengthens desired behavior by providing something the child values:

  • Verbal praise (“I love how you used your words when you were frustrated!”)

  • Tangible rewards (stickers, tokens, screen time)

  • Social attention (special one-on-one time)

Be specific. Tell your child exactly what they did well and why it matters. Reinforce consistently, and don’t forget to catch them doing well—even in small moments.

Step 6: Plan for Hard Moments

You won’t prevent every behavior episode—and that’s okay. Plan how you’ll respond in ways that de-escalate rather than punish:

  • Stay calm and present

  • Use minimal words and a calm tone

  • Offer choices or coping tools

  • Give space when needed, then reconnect when calm

  • Reflect later with your child when they’re ready ("Next time, what could help?")

Final Tips for Caregivers

  • Don’t take behavior personally—it’s not about you

  • Your calm is the most powerful tool during chaos

  • Focus on progress, not perfection

  • Prioritize connection over correction

Key Takeaway Behavior support isn’t about controlling your child—it’s about empowering them with skills and supports to feel safe, understood, and capable. A summer behavior plan can be the anchor that helps your family enjoy more calm, connection, and confidence this season.