Top Tips for Navigating Holidays for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Holidays are often a time families eagerly anticipate, but for parents of children with special needs, they can bring unique challenges. Disruptions to routine, behavioural difficulties, limited access to inclusive activities, and a lack of respite can make the holiday period overwhelming, exhausting, and emotionally taxing. In this blog, we will give you some top tips for navigating holidays, which will hopefully make life a little bit easier.

Prepare your child in advance

Change can be overwhelming for children with special needs. Use a calendar to count down the time to the holidays and the return to school after them. Create custom social stories or visual guides to explain what's going to happen during holidays, especially if visiting new places or people.

Maintain routine, where possible

Try to keep daily routines, like mealtimes, bedtimes, or quiet time, consistent to provide a sense of security.

Involve Your Child in Planning

Let them help choose activities or meals, even in small ways. This can increase their sense of control and reduce anxiety.

Choose Inclusive Activities

Seek out sensory-friendly events or accessible venues that are designed with special needs
in mind. Speak to other parent carers and your child’s SEN school for ideas. If your child has incontinence difficulties, use the Changing Places toilet map to find venues that have
adequate toileting facilities.

Plan some easy activities to do at home

There are lots of indoor and outdoor activities that you can do at home. Read our previous blogs for ideas here Outdoor Sensory Activities for Spring and Summer: Fun Sensory Play Ideas for Kids

Pack a Comfort Kit

Include familiar items like toys, headphones, snacks, or fidgets to help soothe and support
your child when away from home.

Coordinate with Hosts or Relatives

If you’re visiting others, give them a heads-up about your child’s needs - this could include dietary preferences, sensory sensitivities, or helpful dos and don’ts.

Connect with Other Families

Join online support groups or local communities of parents in similar situations - sharing tips and experiences can offer huge emotional relief and inspiration.

Don’t feel ashamed to rely on technology

If your child uses the iPad or watches TV a lot, don’t feel guilty! Holidays are hard and if
technology helps your child, that’s okay!

Embrace Flexible Traditions

Make your own holiday traditions that suit your family’s rhythm - whether it’s a quiet movie night, nature walk, or sensory-friendly baking session.

Prioritise Self-Care

Caring for yourself helps you better care for your child. Even small moments of rest,
connection, or support can make a difference. When you can, prioritise self-care.

Remember – holidays for special needs families are not easy. There are far more
challenges to navigate, and it can be stressful. Do whatever works for you and be kind to
yourself. You’ve got this!