The summer holiday can be a difficult time for families with autistic children. Whether the family goes away for some of the summer or stays at home, the change in routine can be a challenge.
For those going away, everything from travelling to a holiday destination to using public transport and getting used to a new place and routine can prove difficult and create a great deal of anxiety. There can also be a number of sensory challenges with the change of weather, different smells, different noises, applying sun cream, wearing different clothes, all of which can be stressful. For some, the summer may also be a time of transition: from primary to secondary school, school to college, university or to the adult world, and families may need support to manage this.
Here we have gathered some articles offering advice on managing these issues which can be downloaded to give to parents. The links are clickable and we have written out the url so that the information can be printed.
This guide from the NAS gives advice on managing change and includes a section on going on holiday.
(NAS) https://www.autism.org.uk/about/behaviour/preparing-for-change.aspx
The key is getting prepared as much as possible. From planning a day out or longer holiday, whether in the UK or abroad. Use the links below for guides from the NAS, Scottish Autism and Ambitious about Autism:
The National Autistic Society has produced an autism guide for tourism in partnership with Visit England (LINK) and England’s Inclusive Tourism Action Group. The guide offers advice to tourist venues and other services to improve autistic people's experience by making small changes which can make a big difference to them. The guide includes information on:
Visual supports can be extremely useful to help prepare the autistic person for change. You can find out more information by clicking the link below:
The holiday can also be a period of transition from primary to secondary, from school to adulthood, from school to college or university.
Many airports now offer support to autistic travellers. Below is some specific information:
Author: Nathalie Dick Organisation: Network Autism team, the National Autistic Society Date of publication: 19 June 2018 Copyright:
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