My son (11, nonverbal) is going crazy. Massive behavior problems because there isn't a routine until early evening. Summer school doesn't start until July, and is only half day. If anyone has any ideas on how to keep him busy, and his school work into a routine, I would love to know.
If you can get him into a day camp,(local park districts)( Summer camp) or extra activities with kids like him, (local agencies) and if you cant afford this then try starting a (play group) in your area, I have found this to be extremely helpful for my 7 year old nonverbal daughter to have things to do at all times! She is high energy but by the end of the day she comes home exhausted and sleeps wonderful through the night! :) Good Luck!
Milwaukee has a program through the therapeutic recreation department called Club Rec. It is like a day camp type program for kids with special needs. They go all the way up to 21 yrs old. My son is 14 and I have not had any success in trying to establish schedule and routines at home outside of bedtime. This is a god send to me. They do various activities such as cooking, music, science, art, gym, special events throughout the day. it runs prior to the ESY or summer school and after that is finished. It does cost money but is more reasonable than most summer camp type things. Unfortunately, I am not able to manage my son and his behavior issues without this during the summer. My son has been diagnosed as PDD-NOS and has severe ADHD combined form (inattentiveness, distractability, hyperactivity but most problematic impulsivity).
Hi, I'm going through the same thing and am making my own routine for Ellie Bean. It's helping. She doesn't talk either. Ellie likes it if I vary what we do from day to day but she likes that there's still a routine to it. We do "times" even if it's just 5 minutes. Like coloring time, water play time, balloon bouncing time, dancing time, blowing bubbles time, music time, reading time, and so on. For longer "times" we have tv or dvd time, outdoor time, craft time, errand time (like going to the mailbox or putting clothes from the dryer into a basket), snack and meal time, pick up time, tub time, pajama time, and getting ready for bedtime. You could do homework time in there, maybe in-between fun time stuff. Just an idea hope it helps.
If you are looking for things to do with him to keep him busy I have a website I run with all kinds of games, crafts and science activities for kids. I agree if you have a schedule set up with everything labeled visually that will probably help. I would also caution against too much screen time. I know both my kids behavior changes if they get too much time in front of a television and but as soon as we cut it back to 2 hours or less a day their behavior gets better. My website is creativekids.thingstodowithkidsmn.com
This site has some fun science activities. My 4yr old likes it, but I'm sure it will be even better for an 11 yr old. http://tinkering.exploratorium.edu/activities/