Long Weekend Considerations for Kids with Special Needs

Posted by Lynn Moore Oct 10, 2008

I write often about routine for kids with special needs. . . and for their families. As we head into the Columbus Day long weekend, many kids are looking forward to a day off school. For a child with special needs it can be bittersweet. On one hand, time off from the regular routine sounds great. . . No one telling them to do their homework, no morning rush to school, perhaps there is even a special family outing planned. It sounds good, but heading into all of that unstructured time can be overwhelming for a child with ADHD or autism.

Am I advocating banning all holidays? No. I do think that kids with need a schedule even for the “unscheduled” times. Try to map out the weekend fun. Include the activities, general times, and the people who will be involved. Keep it simple and yet thorough. Even something as simple as sleeping in can be frustrating for a child who thrives on routines. Perhaps Mom and Dad are enjoying the extra hours of shut eye. A child with autism, however, may become agitated because the breakfast routine is not happening.

Are you looking for pointers on how to create such a plan that will be helpful for your child? Read my articles Summer Schedules and Disabilities and Holiday Routines for more ideas.

Have a plan for your time off. Share the plan with your child. Then. . . enjoy! ~ Lynn