Summer holiday strategies for your neurodivergent child

So the holidays are almost upon us… which bring with them a freedom from routine, weeks to fill - away from the school bell and the daily familiarity of classmates. They might include a change of scenery such as a holiday or time at holiday clubs, with grandparents or carers while parents are at work. Whatever the summer holidays looks like for you and your family, it’s really important to consider the needs of a child with any level of neurodivergency such as ADHD or autism.

What seems like weeks of wonderful, relaxing escapism from the morning alarm clock and rushed school/work schedules can actually represent something entirely different to a child who responds well to structure and plans. Such a wholesale change can promote feelings of anxiety and apprehension which can affect your child’s behaviour, comfort and happiness levels.

But don’t worry, there are lots of things you can put in place that will work for everyone, just by implementing a supportive framework of new habits to create a level of predictability for the days and weeks ahead. It’s good to have some ideas that work for other members of the family’s needs as well. Here are a few to consider:

Punctuate your days with regular mealtimes

If it’s possible (and it won’t always be), stick to breakfast, lunch and dinner at reasonably regular times of day. This is quite a simple way to start to introduce a loose plan for your child. If you’re out and about, take a packed lunch instead – and eat it on your travels.

Add in quiet time to each day

Another anchor for your child to recognise is some down-time. You’ll know when this works best in your household but aim for an hour of unplanned activities that might involve the TV or other screentime, a book, nap or other gentle pursuit.

Have a loose daily routine

Routine equals safety to a neurodivergent child so an element of knowing what’s in store each day (or further ahead if necessary) provides real comfort. Have a visual schedule available so they can see what’s on the agenda. You can make this as free or as detailed as you need to. For very young children, pictures or stickers work well.

Plan together

If you’re able to, give your child – and other siblings - some say in how the summer holidays are planned. Provide some reasonable choices (not too many) and be guided by your child as far as is practical (and within the bounds of your budget and patience!). Have a list they can choose from, including lots of free activities. You’ll find all sorts available if you look at local venues online.

Give early notice of change

Everything is subject to change as we all know too well! All we can do when plans go awry is to let everyone know as soon as you can, together with the revised plan of action. Learning to be flexible is a life skill that’s easier for some children - unexpected changes are something we can’t avoid or always provide a buffer for. But understanding that abrupt change can be harder for some children to work around helps us to navigate such eventualities.

Quick fix diversions

Every parent should have something up their sleeve to distract from potential behavioural issues that stem from the stress that a change in environment or expectation can bring. Sensory bags are excellent (fill a drawstring bag with appropriate items such as fidget spinners, snacks, colouring books or whatever suits your child). Noise cancelling headphones are also useful. Change them up so they keep your child’s interest and keep one in the car or in your own bag when you’re out and about.

Manage expectations

If you’re going somewhere new, take some time to prepare your child. Show photos and describe the experience in advance. Tell stories, explain how it is different (weather, language and similar) and talk about how your time there might look.

Aim for balanced days

To maintain a healthy level of regulation, create a good balance of rest and peacefulness alongside more high energy activities. A day out in the woods or park racing around, climbing trees and playing in a group could be complemented with a picnic, nature story and nature trail for example.

The summer holidays are wonderful and memorable – a really special punctuation in every child’s school year – a time that stops the days blending into each other in a blur. It’s amazing to be able to stop and jump off the hamster wheel just for a little while. However it comes with some challenges so do your best and, like most of us, raise a glass to the teachers come September when normal service is resumed! Happy holidays.