I was on my phone, adding things to my Target and Amazon carts for back-to-school, when it hit me: my middle child—my son on an IEP—is heading to a brand-new school this year. I think I turned those thoughts off over the summer on purpose, but now they’re back. New building. New teachers. New people who don’t know him yet. And as proud as I am of how far he’s come, starting over feels big—for both of us.

I didn’t expect to stumble onto a phonics lesson while casually listening to a pop-punk anthem — but as soon as I heard the chorus of "APT." echo “Ahh, Puh, Tah,” something clicked. The beat, the chant, and the way the sounds broke apart felt oddly familiar… and then it hit me: it sounded like a phonics warm-up. That’s when I realized: even in a K-pop-infused Bruno Mars collab, there’s learning gold if you know where to listen.

Some kids refuse to do even the simplest things: picking up a pencil, saying “hi,” or getting ready for lunch. They might run, cry, freeze, or even lash out. At first glance, it can look like defiance or stubbornness—but often, it’s anxiety or trauma showing up in disguise. For kids with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) or a history of trauma, even normal, everyday requests can feel overwhelming.

For many families, summer brings later bedtimes, lazy mornings, spontaneous outings, and a looser structure to the day. After weeks or months of this, the idea of switching back to early mornings and structured school days can feel like a shock to the system for kids and adults alike. But here’s the thing: routines are powerful. A predictable schedule helps kids feel prepared and focused.

Your child just turned 3, and you’ve received a diagnosis — or strong suspicion — of autism or developmental delays. The next question hits hard: ✨ Now what? For so many families, this is the moment they realize they’re entering a whole new world of services, therapies, and decisions. Do you enroll in the public school’s Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program?

In today’s fast-paced, convenience-obsessed world, struggle has become something to avoid at all costs. We pave over it with instant gratification, apps that solve problems in seconds, and systems built to remove discomfort. But in doing so, we risk removing something far more important: the opportunity for growth. Some struggle is good. Not just tolerable. Not just necessary. But good—as in, healthy, transformative, and even healing.

Summer is marketed as a season of freedom—sunshine, splashing, fireworks, and endless playdates. But for families raising children with sensory processing differences, it can also be a season of overload, resistance, and unpredictable meltdowns. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to skip summer fun altogether—you just have to reframe it. Sensory-friendly summers are possible, and with some thoughtful preparation, your child can thrive in the warmth and wonder of the season.