Holiday Tips for Neurodivergent Children to Keep Festive Calm

Travelling with a neurodivergent child takes a little extra forethought, but good planning can make the difference between a stressful experience and a memorable family adventure. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s preparation, patience and a flexible attitude. Below are some practical ideas to help make your next holiday smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

It’s all about planning

Plan together

It may feel like a mission, but a bit of planning goes a long way. Try to map out your days in advance and involve your child in the process. Talk about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing and what each day might look like. Encourage them to share what they’re excited or anxious about, and adjust plans where needed.

Create a visual itinerary

Many neurodivergent children feel calmer when they know what to expect. A visual daily schedule on a small whiteboard, notebook or tablet helps them see what’s coming next. Update it each morning or when plans change.

Choose a suitable destination and accommodation

Think about your child’s sensory profile when selecting a holiday spot. Some children cope better with quieter environments and smaller crowds. When booking accommodation, ask for rooms in the most peaceful area of the hotel or resort if your child is noise-sensitive. Check for child-friendly facilities and whether on-site activities can be adapted for sensory comfort.

Packing smart

1. Bring familiar comforts

Include a few soothing or familiar items like a soft blanket, favourite soft toy or a small sensory object. These can anchor your child when everything else feels new. Don’t forget medication, comfort snacks and items that support any dietary or medical needs. Pack more than you think you’ll need in case of travel delays.

2. Make a “holiday backpack”

Fill a small backpack with novel, but calming activities for travel or downtime like a new colouring book, puzzle, fidget toy or small craft kit. You can also create a holiday treasure-hunt list, for example:

• Find five shells
• Collect one smooth pebble
• Pick up and bin three bits of litter

Free printable resources such as colouring pages, word searches and crosswords are available online. Try tailoring them to your trip’s theme (beach, bush or city). Take a look at 32 Christmas Colouring Pages – Free PDF Printables for Kids.

3. Prepare snack packs

If your child constantly asks for snacks, pre-pack a daily snack bag with everything they’re allowed for that day. Give it to them in the morning and once it’s finished, it’s finished. This reduces food-related negotiations and builds independence.

Setting expectations

Create holiday “rules”

Collaborate on a simple list of holiday expectations: how to treat accommodation respectfully, behaviour in restaurants or how to share public spaces. Write them down or use pictures. Rehearse or role-play any tricky social situations before you go.

Research local supports

Look up nearby sensory-friendly venues, therapists, or support networks at your destination. Having contacts in advance can reduce anxiety if unexpected needs arise.

When you arrive

1. Lower expectations

Holidays with neurodivergent children rarely look like the brochure and that’s okay. Lowering expectations can actually help everyone relax and enjoy small wins instead of chasing the “perfect” break.

2. Identify quiet zones

On arrival, scope out quiet spaces like a shady garden, library corner or balcony where your child can retreat and reset if they feel overwhelmed.

3. Keep elements of routine

Where possible, maintain familiar rhythms such as mealtimes, bedtime stories or morning routines. If that’s not realistic, write down or show the new day’s structure visually so your child still feels anchored.

4. Prepare for change

Weather, traffic, or crowds may alter your plans. Discuss possible changes ahead of time and show them on your visual schedule. Reassure your child that flexibility is part of the adventure, and that there will always be an alternative plan.

5. Build in downtime

Busy days need quiet breaks. Schedule calm moments between activities for self-regulation like reading time, a swim or simply resting in the room.

6. Go with the flow

You might have planned the beach, lunch, and a museum but if the day unravels, breathe and adapt. Sometimes the best memories come from unplanned moments.

Final thoughts

Travelling with a neurodivergent child takes patience, but it’s absolutely possible to create joyful, inclusive holidays. Each child’s needs are unique, so let their sensory and emotional comfort guide your decisions. With planning, structure and flexibility, your family can make lasting memories – messy, imperfect and beautifully real.

 References

Autism South Africa. (2023). Travel and community inclusion for autistic individuals: Family guide. Johannesburg: Autism SA.

British Psychological Society. (2022). Supporting neurodiverse children during transitions and travel. Leicester: BPS.

National Autistic Society. (2023). Holidays and days out. Retrieved March 10 2024

Raising Children Network. (2023). Travelling with autistic children. Government of Australia. Retrieved March 10 2024, from https://raisingchildren.net.au

The Neurodiversity Hub. (2022). Creating sensory-friendly environments for families on the move. Cape Town: The Neurodiversity Hub Press.