School holidays can feel exciting but also overwhelming – especially for children with autism or ADHD who thrive on structure and predictability. How can you prepare your family so that the holidays feel calmer, more balanced, and more enjoyable for everyone?
Why Do Autistic and ADHD Children Struggle With Holidays?
Holidays often mean less structure, more unplanned time, and new environments. Why does this matter? Because autistic children may feel anxious when routines change, and ADHD children may struggle with attention, energy, and impulsivity without the school day’s anchor.
So how can parents help? By planning ahead, keeping elements of routine, and balancing activity with downtime.
TIP: Write a simple weekly plan on a whiteboard or calendar so your child knows what’s coming next — even if it’s just “quiet time at home” or “movie night.”
Why Do Autistic Children Struggle Without a Routine?
Why is routine so important? Because predictability provides safety. When routines change during the holidays, many autistic children experience uncertainty and distress.
How can you support them? By keeping consistent mealtimes and sleep times, using visual schedules, and anchoring each day with familiar rituals.
TIP: Try building a “holiday routine” — for example: breakfast, play, outing, lunch, quiet time, dinner, bedtime. Having anchors helps your child feel secure.
Why Is It So Hard to Leave the House With Autism?
Why do outings feel overwhelming? Because leaving home often means sensory challenges like crowds, noise, or unpredictable situations.
What can help?
- Preparing your child with clear information about where you’re going.
- Using visuals or social stories to show the steps involved.
- Bringing comfort items such as headphones, snacks, or fidgets.
- Allowing extra time so no one feels rushed.
TIP: Create a “go bag” with essentials your child needs every time you leave the house. Having it packed and ready reduces stress.
What Is the Best Parenting Style for a Child With Autism?
Which parenting approach works best? Research suggests that combining structure, empathy, and flexibility is most effective.
What does this look like?
- Setting clear, consistent boundaries.
- Preparing your child for changes in advance.
- Using positive reinforcement rather than punishment.
- Staying calm and modelling regulation strategies.
TIP: When challenges arise, ask yourself: “What’s my child trying to communicate?” This can shift your response from frustration to connection.
How Can I Plan Holidays for a Child With ADHD?
How can you set up a holiday routine that works for ADHD? By balancing activity and rest.
What are some ideas?
- Planning short, varied activities instead of all-day events.
- Keeping regular bedtimes and mealtimes.
- Including both active outings (like the park) and calming downtime (like reading or drawing).
- Building movement breaks into travel or social events.
TIP: Use a timer or visual clock for activities. Clear time limits can make transitions smoother for children with ADHD.
How Can I Take an Autistic Child on Holiday?
How can you make travel less stressful? Preparation is key.
What can you do?
- Research sensory-friendly accommodation and activities.
- Bring familiar items such as bedding or favourite toys.
- Show your child photos or videos of your destination.
- Maintain daily routines as much as possible.
- Allow rest days between busy outings.
TIP: Create a small “holiday kit” of familiar foods, favourite toys, or comfort items that make your child feel at home wherever you go.
How Do I Manage ADHD Medication on Holiday?
How do you ensure medication routines stay on track? By planning in advance.
What should you do?
- Pack enough medication for the whole trip plus extra.
- Keep it in original packaging with your child’s name.
- Bring a doctor’s letter if travelling overseas.
- Stick to regular medication times, setting alarms if needed across time zones.
TIP: Store medication in your carry-on, not checked luggage — lost bags are stressful enough without losing important medication.
How Can I Manage Expectations During the Holidays?
Why do parents feel stressed? Because it’s easy to overcommit.
How can you manage expectations?
- Set realistic goals for outings and events.
- Regularly check in with your child about their energy levels.
- Prioritise quality connection over packing in too many activities.
TIP: Create a “yes list” and a “maybe list.” Commit to the “yes” items first, and only do the “maybe” ones if energy allows.
How Can I Budget for Holiday Activities?
Why do holidays feel financially stressful? Because costs add up quickly.
What can help?
- Creating a budget before the holidays begin.
- Choosing free or low-cost activities such as nature walks, playground visits, or local library events.
- Sticking to your spending plan so money worries don’t add pressure.
TIP: Looking online for free budget templates can ease the stress of creating one yourself, and begin the process of creating a budget.
How Can Parents Look After Themselves During the Holidays?
Why does self-care matter? Because looking after yourself helps you better support your child.
How can you make space for it?
- Taking a walk or finding 10 minutes to read.
- Using breathing exercises for calm.
- Delegating tasks where possible.
- Reminding yourself that when you recharge, your child benefits too.
TIP: Block out small “parent time” windows in the family schedule, just like you would for an activity. Protecting that time keeps it from slipping away.
What Is the Key to a Balanced Holiday for Neurodivergent Children?
How can you create a holiday that works for everyone? By preparing early, maintaining elements of routine, balancing activity with rest, managing expectations, and remembering your own wellbeing.
TIP: Perfection isn’t the goal — presence is. Focus on connection, not completing every planned activity.
