Avoiding School Holiday Chaos with Neurodivergent Kids

School holidays are a time for fun, but for families with neurodivergent kids, they can also bring challenges. Without the usual structure of school, the days can quickly spiral into chaos. In this episode, Jess shares practical strategies to help families create calm, enriching holidays while supporting neurodivergent children. From flexible routines to sensory-friendly outings and calming spaces, this episode is packed with actionable tips to make the holidays enjoyable for everyone.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to establish flexible routines for predictability without rigidity.
• The benefits of nature for neurodivergent kids and tips for sensory-friendly outings.
• How to create a calming holiday space at home.
• Ideas for incorporating daily movement and planning downtime.
• Strategies for managing unexpected holiday plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Flexible routines: Use daily anchors like morning starts, midday activities, and evening wind-downs to bring structure to the day.
• Nature’s benefits: Time outdoors boosts dopamine levels, reduces stress, and improves focus for neurodivergent kids.
• Calm spaces: Create a quiet corner with soft lighting, sensory toys, and soothing items to help children self-regulate.
• Movement matters: Activities like family dance-offs, obstacle courses, or scavenger hunts help release energy and improve focus.
• Downtime is essential: Unstructured time allows neurodivergent kids to recharge and practice self-regulation.

This Week’s Highlights:

• Weekly Kryptonite: Unpredictable holiday plans can disrupt routines and overstimulate neurodivergent children. Jess shares a personal story about how she managed a spontaneous family gathering with her son.
• Wonder Woman Moment: A mum created a backyard scavenger hunt based on Jess's recommendations, leading to a calm, bonding experience with her child.

Tips for Parents

• Establishing a Routine: Use three daily anchors—morning start, midday activity, and evening wind-down—and visual charts for predictability.
• Sensory-Friendly Outings: Visit quiet parks or beaches with sensory tools like noise-cancelling headphones.
• Creating a Calm Space: Set up a cozy corner with soft lighting, sensory toys, and weighted blankets.
• Incorporating Movement: Try obstacle courses, family dance-offs, or nature walks with scavenger hunts.
• Balancing Downtime: Schedule unstructured time and a daily quiet hour for relaxation and recharging.

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / [e-mail]

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