How to Prepare Autistic Children for the Change in Schedule with School Holidays
For many families, school holidays are a chance to relax and take a break from the everyday rush. But for children on the autism spectrum, this shift in routine can feel confusing, overwhelming, and even distressing. At Nature Moves, we understand how important structure, predictability, and sensory safety are for autistic children, and how big transitions like the school holidays can impact them.
With a little planning and support, however, the school break can become an enjoyable and enriching time. Here are some strategies to help ease the transition and set your child up for success during the holidays.
1. Start Preparing Early
Children on the spectrum often benefit from having time to process upcoming changes. In the weeks leading up to the holidays:
Talk about what’s coming up and what will be different.
Use visual aids like calendars, social stories, or picture schedules to explain what’s happening.
Revisit past school holiday routines (if they were positive experiences) to provide reassurance.
2. Create a Holiday Routine
While the school routine may pause, having some routine continue during the holidays can be calming and grounding.
Set regular wake-up, meal, and bedtimes.
Block out parts of the day for free play, outings, screen time, and quiet time.
Display a daily visual schedule so your child knows what to expect each day.
Predictability doesn’t have to mean rigidity, it simply offers a sense of security in a time of change.
3. Offer Choices and Control
Giving your child a say in how their day unfolds can help reduce anxiety and increase cooperation.
Let them choose between two activities (“Do you want to go to the park or do painting today?”).
Encourage them to help plan meals or outings.
Even small decisions can give a sense of control in an otherwise shifting environment.
4. Plan for Sensory Needs
With school holidays often comes more social activity, louder environments, and unpredictability. Anticipate sensory sensitivities and plan accordingly.
Pack noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses for busy outings.
Offer sensory-friendly alternatives at home, like quiet corners or sensory boxes.
Respect your child’s limits, if a day out becomes too overwhelming, it’s okay to adjust or head home.
5. Practice Transitions with Micro-Changes
If your child struggles with larger transitions, try practicing smaller ones.
Change a morning activity or mealtime slightly, then talk about how it went.
Use timers or countdowns for transitioning between tasks.
Celebrate flexibility as a skill and praise any efforts to adapt.
6. Introduce Social Stories and Visual Supports
Social stories can help autistic children understand what’s coming and feel more prepared for it. You might create stories for:
“What happens when school finishes for the term”
“What my days will look like during the holidays”
“How I can have fun and feel safe during holiday camp/outings”
At Nature Moves, we can help families create personalised visual supports tailored to your child’s unique needs.
7. Incorporate Nature and Movement
Spending time in nature supports self-regulation, reduces anxiety, and provides meaningful sensory input. If your child is attending a Nature Moves school holiday program, they’ll be immersed in calming, structured activities in outdoor environments that support their needs.
Bushwalks, nature scavenger hunts, and gentle movement are all part of our programs.
We prioritise consistency, small group sizes, and predictable routines during our camps.
Even outside our programs, daily time in nature, even just a backyard picnic or a trip to a quiet park, can help regulate emotions and energy levels.
8. Stay Connected with School (if helpful)
Some children may feel more secure if there's still a link to their school life during the holidays.
Keep in touch with classmates or teachers if that brings comfort.
Revisit school-based activities (like reading time or favourite worksheets).
Mark the first day of school on a calendar so your child knows when they’ll return.
9. Practice Self-Compassion
Every child is different, and every day will look different too. Some days may feel challenging. That’s okay.
Take breaks when needed, ask for help when you need support, and remember: you’re doing your best. And so is your child.
Final Thoughts
Change can be hard, but with support, preparation, and empathy, it can also be a time of growth and joy. At Nature Moves, we’re here to walk alongside you and your child, offering nature-based programs designed to support emotional regulation, sensory needs, and the beauty of connection.
Looking for a structured, nurturing space during the holidays?
Explore our upcoming school holiday programs, we’d love to welcome your child to Nature Moves.