Supporting Neurodiverse Children through the Summer Holidays

8 Jul 25 • By Yellow Days

The long summer break can feel like a breath of fresh air after the rush of school routines. But for lots of neurodivergent children, it can also bring challenges.

Without the structure of the school day, things can start to feel a bit wobbly. Days become unpredictable. Outings can be overwhelming. Holiday clubs might be too loud, too busy, or just too much. And for many parents, what’s meant to be “the fun bit” of the year ends up feeling exhausting.

As a children’s occupational therapist, I often work with families in the run-up to summer who are already feeling anxious about how to manage it all. So here are a few simple, practical ideas that can help your child feel calmer and more settled over the holidays.

Start with the body

Before we think about behaviour or emotions, let’s zoom out and think about what the body might need. Is your child getting enough movement, calm, comfort, and rest? Some children need big movement throughout the day like jumping on a trampoline, scooting round the garden, or crashing into cushions. Others need quiet time in a safe space with low lighting and minimal noise. Tuning into your child’s sensory needs is one of the most powerful things you can do to support regulation.

Keep a bit of predictability

We don’t need rigid routines, but a little structure can make a huge difference. Try writing out a simple plan for the day or using visuals if that helps. Something like “home day,” “park with Dad,” “soft play with cousin Jack,” or “movie afternoon” can really help your child feel safer and more in control. Even older kids often like to know what’s coming up. They just might not say it out loud.

Give them some control

Where you can, build in choices. Holiday clubs and activities can be overwhelming, especially if they’re long days or in unfamiliar places. If your child finds these things tricky, think about shorter sessions or part-time options. Or let them choose between two things so they feel more involved. Something like “Would you like to go to the park or stay home and help me bake?” gives a sense of control without feeling overwhelming.

Help them get used to new things

If your child is trying something new this summer, like a holiday camp or a new routine, give them time to prepare. That might mean showing them pictures, visiting the venue in advance, or talking through what’s going to happen using a simple story or visual guide. It helps take away some of the uncertainty so they’re not using all their energy just figuring out what to expect.

Don’t try to do everything
It’s so tempting to pack the holidays full of plans, especially if you’re juggling work or trying to keep siblings entertained but neurodivergent children often need longer to recover after busy or social days. Try not to schedule back-to-back days out. Leave space for rest and free play. It doesn’t need to be a Pinterest-perfect summer. Just something that feels manageable for your family.

 

Connection first, always
Above all else, this is a chance to connect with your child. Forget the pressure to be constantly productive or to tick off every summer activity. Focus on shared joy, simple routines, and feeling safe together. Whether that’s watching their favourite show, building a fort in the living room, or just having a cuddle on the sofa – those moments matter more than anything.

One last thing
You don’t have to get it all right. You’re allowed to feel tired and your child is doing the best they can with the world around them. There’s no perfect summer. Just little pockets of calm, connection, and fun that make it feel a bit easier.

You can find out more about Vicky and her wonderful OT services here or follow her on Instagram.