Winter Break and Autism: How to Handle Changes in Routine

Your child’s winter break is coming soon. Your loved one has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and thrives on routine. Having a break in the school schedule creates a significant amount of unstructured time, along with possible holiday travel, upending your weekly routine. 

Unscheduled events and unstructured time can cause anxiety and stress for children with autism, ending in meltdowns that affect the whole family. 

Our board-certified pediatric neurologist, Dr. Charles Niesen, and our team at AMS Neurology in Pasadena, California, diagnose and treat children with ASD. We provide you, the parent, with resources to help your child and family manage an ASD diagnosis. 

The following are helpful strategies to navigate winter break when your child has ASD. 

Prepare your child for changes in routine 

Your loved one may have a difficult time adapting to unexpected changes. Start preparing them for the upcoming winter break in the weeks before school lets out. Explain how the days will be different. 

Talk about family who will visit or whom you’ll travel to see. Give them a photo of their relatives to put beside their bed. 

If your loved one is a teen, have them research the place you’ll visit. Ask your relatives or friends what activities are planned, and have your child research them. 

For example, if the family plans to visit a museum, have your child investigate a part of the museum that interests them, so they can be sure to see it. If your child loves nature, ask your family or friends if you could visit a zoo, a park, or another scenic place. 

If your family or friends have a dog, ask in advance if your child can walk the dog along with them. Explain your child’s needs to others before you visit. 

Use visual cues

You already have a calendar that shows your daily schedule. Have your child mark the days on the calendar when they’ll be seeing extended family and do a daily countdown as the time approaches. 

Have your child make a list or draw pictures of the types of activities or games they would like to engage in with family. Model behavioral expectations before heading out to an activity. Role-play possible scenarios with your child when they’ll be interacting with others.

Plan activities your child can participate in and enjoy 

Perhaps your area has a day camp for children with special needs that your child would enjoy. If you foresee lots of unstructured time, develop a daily schedule. 

If your child is old enough, have them participate in setting the new routine. Organize the day into manageable segments with breaks in between. 

Plan for quiet places for needed breaks 

Whether you have guests, visit extended family, or go to a vacation destination and stay in a hotel or rental, prepare in advance for a time and place for your child to take a quiet break if they need to calm anxious feelings and reduce stress. 

Take the comforts your child needs when you leave home

Be sure to pack items your child uses to soothe irritated nerves, such as special toys, fidgets, favorite clothing, or stuffed animals. Have your child or teen make a list of items they can bring. Review it and explain in advance why some things can’t be taken on the plane or in the car. 

For help setting your child and family up for success during winter break or for any other need related to your child with ASD, call AMS Neurology or book an appointment online today.