Gentle Summer Tips for Neurodivergent Families

julesfrancis
6 days ago
2 min read

The summer holidays can bring a mix of feelings—joy or relief, stress or pressure, and sometimes simply more of the same.

For some families the summer holidays may not feel all that different, especially if your child or young person hasn’t been attending school for a while. The daily challenges, the routines (or lack of them), and the constant navigation of support may continue just as before. If this is your family’s reality, please know we see you. You are not forgotten in the “holiday” conversation.

Wherever you find yourself this summer, we hope some of these gentle suggestions offer practical ideas or simply a bit of reassurance that you are not alone.

1. It’s Okay to Keep It Simple

There can be a lot of pressure to make summer special, but simple, familiar things can offer just as much connection and comfort. It’s perfectly fine if your summer is made up of small, quiet moments.

Low-pressure activity ideas:

Build a cosy den with blankets and cushions
Watch familiar films or favourite TV shows
Water play at home with bowls, buckets, or a paddling pool
Easy baking projects like fairy cakes or biscuits
Gentle, sensory craft activities or Lego sets that can be dipped in and out of

2. Keep Familiar Anchors

For many neurodivergent children and young people, a complete lack of routine can feel unsettling. Keeping some familiar anchors—regular mealtimes, bedtime routines, or daily check-ins—can bring comfort and predictability, especially if school isn’t part of the week at any time of the year.

Helpful ideas:

A simple visual schedule or “what’s happening today” list
A daily “choice board” of preferred activities
Maintaining one or two weekday routines, even when everything else is flexible

3. Plan for Rest as Well as Activity

Even enjoyable days out can be draining. It’s okay to follow busy or new experiences with quiet days at home. And if your child isn’t able to access many activities right now, finding peaceful moments in their own way is just as valuable.

Soothing activities might include:

Water play (paddling pools, baths, washing toy cars outside)
Kinetic sand, playdough, slime, or sensory trays
Listening to calming music or nature sounds
Spending time in quieter green spaces or gardens

4. Prepare for New Experiences (If They’re Happening)

If you’re planning to try something new:

Look at photos or videos of the place together in advance
Talk through what to expect using social stories or simple checklists
Bring sensory supports like headphones, snacks, or comfort items

If new experiences aren’t possible or feel too hard right now—that’s completely okay too.

5. You Are Not Alone

If you’re feeling isolated, our Oxfordshire SEND Room peer support group is open throughout the summer. It’s a space where you can connect with other parent carers who truly understand the ups and downs.

6. Small Wins Are Enough

Some days will go well, and some won’t. Meeting your child’s needs in the moment—whether that’s through comfort, quiet connection, or simply surviving the day—is enough.

Summer looks different for every family. However it looks for you, you are doing your best, and that is more than enough.