I don’t know about you, but I always get excited for the end of the year. All the time with friends and family, sparkling decorations, specialty coffees—it makes everything feel just a little more magical. But with all the excitement comes breaks in school and work. While extra time off sounds great for most of us, this disruption in routine can present challenges for neurodivergent children. Kids who rely on schedules and consistency can easily become thrown off, and when you add in new sights, sounds, and unfamiliar people, it’s no surprise they might feel confused or overwhelmed. At home, this can lead to frustration, irritability, or even chaos as they try to adjust to these changes. It’s important to be mindful of these shifts and offer extra support to help them navigate this time of year.
Prepare your neurodivergent child for winter break to minimize anxiety and help them adjust smoothly. Here are some strategies to make the process easier:
1. Provide Clear and Advance Notice
Talk Early and Often: Let your child know about the upcoming change well in advance, using language they can understand.
Visual Supports: Use calendars, countdowns, or visuals (like a clock or timeline) to show when the schedule will shift.
The THRIVE app has shown to help kids better prepare for disruptions to their schedules and feel a sense of ownership in these changes.
2. Use Social Stories
Create or find a social story explaining what winter break is, what to expect, and how the routine will differ.
Include reassuring language about returning to the usual schedule after the break.
3. Create a Modified Schedule
Daily Routine: Develop a visual or written schedule for the break to give structure and predictability.
Consistency: Try to keep certain elements of their school-day routine, like meal times or wake-up/bedtime, the same.
4. Practice Flexibility
Gradually introduce small changes to the routine before the break to build your child’s ability to cope with shifts.
Use timers or transition warnings when moving between activities during the break.
5. Communicate Expectations
Activities List: Share plans for the break, such as family visits, trips, or downtime, and provide clear expectations.
Visual Choice Boards: Offer choices of activities to help them feel a sense of control.
6. Prepare for Sensory Needs
Quiet Spaces: Ensure they have a calm, familiar spot to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.
Bring Comfort Items: If traveling, pack sensory tools (headphones, weighted blankets, fidgets).
7. Reinforce Positives
Talk about the fun or exciting parts of the break, such as holiday traditions or special events, while acknowledging any concerns they might have.
Use positive reinforcement to celebrate successful transitions.
8. Role-Play Scenarios
Practice situations they might encounter during the break (e.g., meeting new people, visiting relatives) to reduce uncertainty.
Use scripts or visual cues for unfamiliar social settings.
9. Build in Predictable Activities
School-Related Tasks: Incorporate brief academic tasks or play-based learning to maintain familiarity.
Movement Breaks: Include physical activities to manage energy and reduce stress.
10. Collaborate with the School
Ask teachers or therapists to talk about winter break during class and connect the change to things your child enjoys.
Start reminding them a few days before the break ends that school will begin again, using visual or verbal cues.
Reinstate the school-day routine gradually to ease the transition.
Helping your child feel prepared and supported can make the winter break an enjoyable and manageable experience for the whole family.
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