Surviving (and Thriving) This Summer: Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children

Summer holidays. Two words that can bring both joy and a little bit of panic - especially if you're parenting a neurodivergent child. Without the structure of school, routines shift (or vanish entirely), and suddenly you're staring down weeks of unstructured time. If this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone -and you're definitely not doing it wrong.

Samantha Lavender, Grace’s Neurodiversity & Special Needs Advice Manager says:

“The school holidays can fill parents with dread, the juggle of childcare, rest, relaxation and work can feel pretty overwhelming.  Whilst the lack of routine can be a welcome respite it can also cause anxiety to spike.  By spending some time in advance of the holidays to plan how you’re going to tackle them, being proactive, you can make the summer holidays go more smoothly.”

With a little planning, summer can actually be enjoyable, even peaceful.  Some children find the break from school expectations a relief. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you and your neurodivergent child navigate the break without burning out.

Create a "Loose" Routine

Routine is often key for neurodivergent children - it provides predictability and a sense of safety. That doesn’t mean scheduling every second of the day, but a basic framework can make all the difference:

• Morning routine (wake, breakfast, get dressed)

• Midday activity (outdoor play, screen time, craft)

• Quiet time or rest in the afternoon

• Evening routine (dinner, bath, calming activity)
  

Use visual schedules, whiteboards, or calendars - whatever works for your child. Even if the days differ, having a rhythm and predictability helps reduce anxiety.

Don’t Overschedule

It’s tempting to fill the calendar with activities, playdates, and outings. But remember downtime is valuable. Neurodivergent children often need more time to recharge after stimulation. Aim for a balance - one activity every couple of days might be plenty.

Prep for Transitions

Big or small, transitions can be tough. Preparing your child in advance - especially for changes in routine - can help:

• Use countdowns i.e. we’ll be leaving in 10 minutes, have a visual representation of that to back up what you’re saying

• Use visuals to show what can be expected during outings

• Bring comfort items or sensory regulators like noise-cancelling headphones if needed
  

And if things don’t go as planned, take a breath. Flexibility is important - for both of you.

Lean Into Special Interests

Your child’s passion for dinosaurs, trains, baking, or Minecraft can be the key to engaging them in both fun activities and more mundane but necessary trips.

You can:

• Build activities around their interests (a dino dig in the garden, train-themed crafts)

• Find online or local clubs that are themed 

• Use their interest to build skills: baking becomes a maths activity, Minecraft can involve storytelling or teamwork

• Special interests aren’t a distraction - they’re a bridge to connection and confidence.
  

Create Calm Corners

Everyone needs a break sometimes. Set up a calm space in your home where your child can retreat if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Fill it with familiar comforts: soft lighting, sensory toys, noise machines, or books. Make sure it isn’t seen as a time-out or punishment, it’s a recharging station. An opportunity to regulate emotions in a safe way.

Adjust Your Expectations

Some days will be messy. Some plans will flop. And that’s okay.

You might see other families posting beach trips and festivals on social media and feel like you should be doing more. But remember - comparison is the thief of joy. Your child’s needs (and your own!) come first. Celebrate small wins, and know that a peaceful day at home is just as valuable as any big day out.

Take Care of You, Too

You're doing an incredible job, and you deserve breaks, support, and self-compassion. Lean into your village; a partner, a friend, a grandparent. Even 30 minutes to breathe can be a game-changer. Reach out to other parents (online groups can be a great starting point), talk honestly, share resources.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Final Thoughts

Summer with a neurodivergent child doesn’t have to be something you just “get through.” It can be a season of bonding, learning, and rest - with a healthy dose of flexibility. Your child doesn’t need a picture-perfect holiday - they need your presence, understanding, and love. And you’ve already got that in spades.

You’ve got this. Surviving (and Thriving) This Summer: Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children

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Grace Consulting are the UK’s founding providers of expert independent advice on elderly care advice, special needs advice and neurodiversity advice.

Independence and client wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We listen, reassure and advise you on how to move forwards and find the best possible solutions for your unique life challenges.