The Power of Routine: Why Summer Holidays Can Be Disruptive for Neurodivergent People
In the UK, we have the six-week summer holidays, where children have time to rest, relax and lots of fun. However, as many of us know, this can be an absolute nightmare for working parents, juggling everything and trying to keep everyone happy. Yet, for those who are neurodivergent, especially those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences the break in routine can bring unexpected stress and emotional upheaval.
Why Routine Matters So Much
Routine isn’t just a preference for neurodivergent people; it’s a cornerstone of stability. When the structure disappears, it can have a significant impact on mental well-being, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.
By providing predictability. For neurodivergent individuals, whose brains may process information differently or more intensely, predictability can reduce anxiety and help with executive functioning. Knowing what to expect from the day makes it easier to manage time, regulate emotions, and prepare mentally and physically for transitions.
For example, a child with autism might rely on a consistent morning routine to feel grounded before school: wake up, brush teeth, eat the same breakfast, and get on the same bus. A person with ADHD might use a daily planner to structure their time and keep track of tasks. These routines aren’t just helpful, they’re often essential coping mechanisms. When this structure is removed, as it often is during summer holidays, things can quickly unravel.
The Summer Disruption
In the UK, the six-week summer break is long enough to completely dismantle the daily rhythm that school provides. The absence of this schedule can lead to:
Increased anxiety– The lack of structure, even positive changes can be overwhelming.
Sleep disturbances– Routine often dictates sleep and wake times. Without a fixed schedule, sleep hygiene can deteriorate, leading to effects in mood, energy, and behaviour.
Social isolation or overstimulation– The summer break can disrupt both ends of the spectrum, for those how may only interact with others at school and those who hate the forced socialising of school.
Regression in skills or routines– Especially for younger children, the loss of structured activities can lead to regression in communication, emotional regulation, or independence.
The Hidden Pressure on Parents and Carers
Parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children, can experience an enormous amount of stress. Balancing work, childcare, and the increased emotional needs of a child who is struggling without their regular routine can feel overwhelming.
Many parents feel they should be enjoying the break or filling it with joyful memories, while in reality they’re firefighting meltdowns, disrupted sleep patterns, or increased anxiety. Social media portrayals of idyllic holidays can make this pressure even worse.And for neurodivergent parents themselves, the lack of routine can be equally destabilising, especially when trying to support a child through the same experience.
Building a Summer Structure
While it’s impossible to recreate the exact school routine during the summer, it is possible to build a flexible structure that provides some of the same psychological safety. Here are a few ideas:
Visual schedules– A wall chart, whiteboard, or a visual app, outlining the day or week ahead can provide much-needed predictability. It helps reduce anxiety and gives neurodivergent people a sense of control.
Daily anchors– Try to maintain a few consistent routines, such as regular mealtimes, bedtime, or a morning walk. These can act as anchor points around which the rest of the day can be more flexible.
Plan ahead—but not too much– Having a weekly overview can help, yet too many activities can be overwhelming. Strike a balance between structure and rest.
Use timers or reminders– For those with ADHD or executive dysfunction, setting phone alarms or using visual timers can help manage transitions and time awareness.
Involve the individual– Whenever possible, co-create the routine. Giving neurodivergent individuals some input into their schedule helps increase buy in and reduce resistance.
Looking Ahead
The summer holidays don’t have to be a negative experience, with the right strategies, they can be an opportunity for rest, bonding, and even skill-building. But, there has to be clear understanding of how routine affects neurodivergent people. Rather than seeing routine as restrictive, we need to recognise it as the support system it truly is, it’s about safety, autonomy, and thriving in a world that often feels unpredictable. As we move through another summer season, let’s offer compassion to neurodivergent individuals and their families, honouring their need for structure and supporting them in creating a summer that works for them, not against them.
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