18th July 2026 • My Family Our Needs

Key Takeaways

• Maintain a predictable routine for autistic children during the summer holidays by gradually adjusting schedules and using visual aids.
• Explore calm coping strategies and mental wellbeing apps to help manage any anxiety around routine changes.
• Set up simple sensory regulation activities at home, such as building indoor forts or outdoor obstacle courses.
• Plan structured outings to autism-friendly venues by preparing with photographs and setting clear expectations beforehand.

Stephanie Smith, Head of School at The Cavendish School, draws on more than ten years working across mainstream and special schools to share her top tips for families of autistic children navigating the summer break and the transition between school routines and home life.

Up to half of autistic children experience high levels of anxiety during transitions, especially when moving from school routines into the summer holidays. These changes can feel overwhelming and disorientating for many young people on the spectrum. The pressure on families is real too – research from Sense shows that 57% of parent carers struggle to access holiday clubs, and 34% say that difficulty finding support has harmed their mental health.

So, how can you and your child manage the extended summer break? While autism presents differently in every child and different coping strategies will suit different children, below are some strategies and techniques that you may find useful.

Maintaining routine for autistic children during the summer holidays

Recreating your child’s school routine and gradually reducing the time they spend ‘in class’ can help ease the transition from term time into the summer break. NHS guidance recommends telling children about changes as early as possible and introducing them slowly, which fits well with this gradual approach. Visual aids – pictures, a calendar or a clock face – offer a steady reminder of the day’s shape and can help your child prepare for new activities. The National Autistic Society suggest using planners and visual schedules so children can clearly see how each day is structured well in advance.

Coping strategies for autistic children during the summer break

You may find it useful to spend time exploring strategies that help your child manage the symptoms of their anxiety, such as mindful colouring, rectangular breathing and alphabet games. In practice, many families find it helpful to trial these at home first – in a calm moment rather than at the point of distress – so the strategy already feels familiar when it is needed.

Apps such as Calm, Clear Fear and Combined Minds can all provide mental health support for individuals, while What’s Up can help you and your child maintain positive habits that reinforce mental wellbeing. The Happify app offers different games, activities, gratitude prompts and more that some children may find enjoyable. NICE guidance notes that for autistic children experiencing anxiety, structured and visual approaches – including written information and clear schedules – tend to work better than talk-based strategies alone.

Plan sensory regulation activities

If the weather allows, why not create your own sensory circuit at home? A simple skipping rope provides a walk-along activity, while buckets can be used to create stepping stones and a tunnel can provide sensory feedback while crawling. If the weather is poor (as is often the case in the UK!), building a fort together inside can be a good wet weather alternative. No equipment is needed for wall pushes, which give immediate proprioceptive sensory input, making them a great indoor and outdoor option.

Find your nearest autism-friendly organisation

It may be tempting to stay close to home, but trips out can help your child develop important skills for adulthood. A growing number of organisations – cinemas, museums, swimming baths and stables – offer autism-friendly activities, and even a visit to the woods can be beneficial. The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is worth checking too, as local authorities are required to make reasonable adjustments for children with SEND – some areas offer shorter sessions or family day trips as flexible alternatives. When you have decided on a destination, looking at photographs of the venue together beforehand, and outlining the rules and boundaries both at home and on arrival, can make the visit feel more predictable.

Be prepared for the unexpected with food and activities such as colouring, which may be useful if things do not go to plan. Ensuring there is space for movement – tree climbing, walking or running – can provide important sensory feedback that helps with self-regulation. Preparing a quiet exit strategy, even simply sitting in the car for a short break, may help you feel more ready before you set off. Lots of praise and a small reward at the end of the visit can help your child finish on a positive note. One family featured by the BBC described how keeping outings short and structured – and always having an exit plan – made the difference between a manageable trip and a difficult one.

By spending some time preparing for the holiday period, you and your child can identify the strategies and activities that help them navigate the changes in their daily routine and enjoy the rest of the summer break together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep my autistic children calm during the summer holidays?

Try to keep a predictable routine whenever you can. Maintaining consistent bedtimes and meal times helps reduce uncertainty. Using visual timetables and clear daily anchors are proven ways to manage anxiety, according to guidance from Caudwell Children. Providing this basic structure makes a big difference.

What is the best way to handle routine changes that trigger meltdowns?

Prepare your child for changes in advance by explaining what is happening in simple steps. A countdown calendar or a visual social story helps them understand upcoming events. The Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust notes that preparation is key to reducing distress when routines suddenly shift.

How should we plan sensory days out in the summer?

Research venues before you leave to find quiet areas and autism-friendly guidance. Build frequent breaks into your day and always agree on an exit plan in case things get overwhelming. Guidance from Autism Central suggests calling ahead to confirm accessible facilities.

What are the most useful sensory supports for day trips?

Common sensory supports include ear defenders, sunglasses, favourite fidgets, and preferred snacks. Having these comfort items on hand provides a vital anchor in new and noisy environments. Planning some scheduled downtime in a quiet space also helps young people decompress naturally.

How can we help our child tolerate travelling or holidays away from home?

Use gradual preparation like looking at photos, reading brochures, and sharing visual stories before you leave. Practice key routines ahead of time to help build their confidence. The National Autistic Society advises that for some families, shorter trips or visiting familiar places can be much less stressful than a large holiday.