Spring break is a great chance to relax and connect as a family, but changes in routine and new experiences can be tough, especially for those with autism. A little planning makes a big difference. By choosing activities that fit your family’s needs and focus on flexibility, you can create experiences that help everyone feel included and comfortable. Our goal is to help all families enjoy a spring break filled with happy moments and less stress.
Spring break isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding what works for your family and creating memories together. Here are some practical tips to help you feel confident, supported, and ready to enjoy your time as a family.
Understanding and Honoring Your Family’s Needs
Every autistic person is unique. The best way to start your spring break is by thinking about what works well and what doesn’t for your child. Ensuring their strengths, needs, and special interests are included in the planning can help the entire family feel supported and included.
It’s okay if your spring break looks different from others. You know your child best, so pick what feels right; maybe that’s a quiet day at home, a short outing, or just sticking to what brings your family joy. By choosing what works for you, you create a happier, more relaxed experience for everyone.
Strategies for a Smoother Spring Break
Handling changes in routine can be tricky, but a little flexibility goes a long way. Here are some easy, family-tested tips to help keep things smooth, welcoming, and fun for everyone during spring break.
Download our Spring Break Transition checklist below! English
Download our Spring Break Transition checklist below! Spanish
1. Co-Create Your Plans
Let your child help plan spring break activities so they know what to expect and feel involved. This makes things less stressful and helps everyone feel valued. When everyone has a say, it builds confidence and makes for a more enjoyable break.
- Use Visuals: Create a simple visual calendar for the week. Use pictures or words to show what is planned for each day, including plenty of “home” or “rest” days.
- Offer Choices: Provide two or three pre-approved options for an activity. For example, “Would you rather go to the quiet park in the morning or visit the library in the afternoon?”
- Discuss Expectations: Talk about what a new place might be like. You can look at pictures online or watch videos to help them know what to expect in terms of sights, sounds, and crowds.
2. Manage Sensory Overload and Anxiety
New places mean new sights, sounds, and feels—which can sometimes be overwhelming. Try packing comfort items and letting your child know it’s okay to take breaks. Watch for signs of stress or anxiety, and remember, your support and understanding make a big difference. Focus on helping your child feel calm and comfortable, and the whole family will feel more relaxed, too. You can also seek out sensory-friendly events and activities in your area.
- Pack a Go-Bag: Always have a kit with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, a favorite snack, and any other comfort items.
- Plan for Decompression: Schedule downtime after every outing. Dr. Susan White suggests creating a “bubble” at home where your child can decompress and be their authentic self without any demands.
- Communicate Needs: Empower your child with the words or signals to express when they need a break. This could be a specific phrase like “I need quiet time,” a hand signal, or a pre-made card they can show you. This fosters self-advocacy and reduces the chance of a meltdown.
3. Travel with Care
Traveling, whether far away or close to home, can bring excitement and a few challenges. The key is to plan, stay flexible, and focus on everyone’s comfort. Bring familiar items, take breaks when needed, and remember it’s okay to adjust your plans on the go so your whole family feels safe and included.
- “Practice” Your Trip: Do a trial run of parts of your trip. If you’re flying, watch videos of the boarding process. If you’re driving, take a few shorter car rides to less-preferred destinations to build tolerance.
- Balance and Safety Nets: It’s important to give children opportunities to experience new things. As one expert suggests, balance giving them chances to try and even fail, but always with a safety net. Maybe the first visit to a museum is only 30 minutes. You can build from there.
- Create a Home Base: If you’re staying in a hotel or rental, try to replicate parts of your home environment. Bring their favorite pillow, blanket, and a few familiar toys to make the new space feel safer.
The Power of a Supportive Mindset
We know school breaks can be stressful and parents have a lot on their plates. Remember, taking care of yourself helps your whole family feel supported. Give yourself permission to rest, ask for help when you need it, and focus on doing what works best for your family.
- Prioritize Your Self-Care: You cannot pour from an empty cup. Make sure you are building in moments of rest for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes of quiet time.
- Adjust Expectations: Jill Escher, JD, MA speaks to the importance of adjusting expectations and focusing on providing the best life possible for your children, whatever that looks like. Let go of the pressure to have an “Instagram-worthy” vacation and embrace the small, happy moments.
- Find Your Support System: Connect with other parents who understand. Sharing challenges and successes with people who “get it” can be incredibly validating and reduce feelings of isolation.
Conclusion: Redefining a Great Break
A great spring break isn’t about doing things the “usual” way—it’s about doing what works best for your family. Focus on respect, flexibility, and letting each person shine. When you plan with empathy and keep everyone’s needs in mind, you’ll create happy memories and less stress for all.
When you keep routines simple, talk openly, and make space for everyone’s needs, spring break can be a time for family connection and confidence. Celebrate small wins, handle challenges with patience, and focus on what really matters—being together and supporting each other.
About ABS Kids: ABS Kids partners with children and families to deliver high-quality, compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy at home, in schools, and in our centers. From diagnosis to ongoing treatment, we support children with autism every step of the way. We proudly provide ABA therapy in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. Join our team to combine purpose with professional growth.
