Is Your Special Needs Child Ready for Holiday Break?

Strategies to Prevent Setbacks and Ensure a Confident Return

For students with special needs and their parents, the holidays can be challenging. Although it’s nice for everyone to enjoy a change in routine and to engage in the special events of the season, that can be exactly what creates problems. Then, just when the new schedule is becoming familiar, it’s time to return to your regular school and work schedule, a transition that can create its own difficulties. 

Why not try some of the following strategies for a smoother holiday season for all?

1. Maintain a consistent routine – Consistency is often essential for students with special needs. Try to keep regular sleep, meal, and activity times as close to the school schedule as possible. This will provide stability and predictability for you and your child, and will enable a smoother return to the school schedule.
2. Create a visual schedule – Visual cues (or kinesthetic cues for children with visual impairments) can support your child. Use pictures, calendars, or charts to help your child understand what to expect each day during the break and when school will resume.
3. Preview the break ahead of time – Preparation is key. Talk about upcoming changes in routine several days or weeks in advance, using social stories or other tools to which your child responds. 
4. Continue therapeutic activities – If possible, continue speech therapy exercises, occupational therapy activities, or other interventions at home to maintain skills.
5. Plan structured activities – School holidays typically have unstructured time, which can be difficult for some children. Schedule outings, playdates, or projects to fill unstructured time and prevent boredom or anxiety.
6. Prepare for holiday events gradually – If attending gatherings, discuss expectations beforehand—with your child and with your host—and have a quiet space or exit plan if your child becomes overwhelmed.
7. Practice school-related skills – Incorporate reading, writing, or educational games into holiday activities to keep academic skills sharp. 
8. Communicate with teachers before break – Teachers and school-based therapists are often happy to provide suggestions for the holidays. Ask them what skills or routines you should reinforce at home and share any concerns about regression. Make your requests early enough that the staff members have ample time to reply.
9. Start the transition back to school early – A few days before school resumes, gradually shift back to the school-year routine and talk about returning to the classroom. 
10. Build in downtime – Balance activities with quiet time to prevent overstimulation and allow your child to recharge during the busy holiday season.

Have Questions? 

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