Summer Holiday Challenges

Although we generally look forward to the summer holidays, neurodivergent children and adults can find holidays a struggle, Children don't like the change of routine and the lack of structure. They are often anxious about joining a new class, having a new teacher or a whole new school. If they are of university age then they have to deal with the prospect of having to live away from home as well as all of the above. Adults will similarly struggle with the change in routine, having to accommodate children or having to deal with a break from work. Often going on holiday seems like a great idea until you have to deal with the stresses of travel, new places, different food and then just as you get the hang of it, its time to go home again! So how can you make it easier? Planning is key, getting to know new classrooms, teachers, journeys to school or college during the holidays can be immensely useful, and most schools will facilitate this. Older children can have a few dry runs when not under time pressure so that they are familiar with a new route. If they are going away to a new town, spending some time getting to know the area, the shops and facilities and public transport connections to be able to get home can be comforting. Again universities will often help facilitate support for neurodivergent students. Introducing some structure over the holiday can be really helpful, especially if other extended family members can get involved.

If you are struggling with going away, then finding somewhere that you love and returning every year to create a home-from-home will keep things familiar, maybe even investing in a holiday home if funds allow. Keeping things familiar and predictable can reduce stress for both adults and children. The process of travelling to a destination can also be enormously stressful, so a predictable journey can reduce this but also travelling at a time when roads and service stations are quieter, or trains and planes less busy. Headphones, ear phones and travelling with a pillow from home can be helpful again both for children and adults. I have a good friend who always travels with her pillow in her hand luggage.

If travelling abroad, taking familiar food can reduce problems with eating, maybe not twenty tins of baked beans but

small quantities or tinned or packaged foods can supplement fresh food if away and chicken nuggets are pretty universal. However if travelling abroad is a step too far, then there are lots of lovely places in the UK.

If going away is too much altogether, then planning occasional treats, trips to the cinema, days at the seaside or a waterpark or theme park can give you a break without too much preparation. Trying to keep expectations low and relaxed will make life easier for everyone.

Often when I have clients who are following a movement programme have the expectation that because they are on holiday they will have more time to follow a programme. Sometimes this is the case but often the lack of routine will make it hard to be consistent. If you're finding that this is the case, don't worry about it, do what you can when you can. If all you can do is a hand and foot massage and maybe occasionally rocking, then that is fine, we can always pick back up in September! Always get in touch if you need some pointers, enjoy your summer

If you would like to book in for an assessment or for training in neurodevelopment then please drop by my website www.OrganisedMind.co.uk

Niki x