Making School Breaks Easier for Children with Autism

For many children, school breaks are a time to rest, reset, and enjoy some unstructured freedom. But for autistic children, these breaks can feel overwhelming. The shift away from predictable schedules, familiar teachers, and daily routines can bring discomfort, anxiety, or behavioral changes that are often misunderstood by others. As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to know how to support your child when everything around them feels off track. 

Routine plays a significant role in helping autistic children feel safe and regulated. When school is in session, they often rely on the structure of the day, knowing what comes next, who they’ll see, what’s expected. Without that structure, some kids may struggle with emotional regulation, sleep, or increased sensory sensitivities. Others might withdraw, become more rigid, or experience more meltdowns than usual. None of this means something is “wrong” it’s simply a sign that their world feels less steady. 

Fortunately, there are ways to support your child through these breaks without turning your home into a full time classroom. Creating a loose schedule for the day can help give structure while still allowing for downtime. Something as simple as having breakfast at the same time each morning, planning one predictable activity, and building in quiet breaks can make a big difference. Visual schedules or daily checklists can be helpful tools, especially for kids who benefit from seeing what’s ahead. You don’t need to fill every hour, just having a few predictable anchors in the day can provide comfort. 

It’s also okay to keep things simple. Supporting your child doesn’t mean pushing them to do more than they’re ready for. If your child struggles with transitions, give extra warning before plans change. If they need more time alone or more physical movement, lean into that. Listen to what their behavior is telling you. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is adjust expectations and meet them where they are. 

At Brightside Behavioral Health, we understand how school breaks can affect both autistic children and their families. We work with kids and caregivers to create strategies that reduce stress, support emotional regulation, and build resilience during times of change. Our team offers therapy and medication management in person at our locations in Johnston, Cranston, and Warwick, Rhode Island, as well as virtual services across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.   

You don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right support, school breaks can feel less overwhelming for your child and for you. Reach out to Brightside Behavioral Health to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help your family during times of transition.