Summer can be a lot — loud noises, social demands, disrupted routines, and way too much sun. If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, exhausted, or unmotivated, you're not alone. But let’s not overlook something that’s way too easy to forget: hydration.

💧Many neurodivergent adults struggle with interoception (body awareness), which means thirst cues can be missed entirely. That brain fog, headache, or irritability? It might not be burnout. It might be dehydration.

Summer break is a time for rest, play, and family memories—but for many parents of neurodivergent children, it can also bring challenges like disrupted routines, increased sensory needs, and a lot of “I’m bored” moments.

Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or struggles with transitions, the lack of structure during summer can quickly lead to meltdowns or shutdowns—for everyone. At Path2Growth, we believe summer should feel safe, supportive, and fun. That’s why we’ve pulled together a few tried-and-true tips to help keep your neurodivergent child regulated and meaningfully engaged all summer long.

What Is Masking?

Masking is the act of camouflaging or suppressing neurodivergent traits in order to conform to social expectations. It can be conscious or unconscious—and while it might help someone "fit in" temporarily, it often leads to burnout, identity confusion, anxiety, and depression. Masking isn’t about faking who you are. It’s about protecting yourself in environments where being authentic has felt unsafe or misunderstood.