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7 Spring Break Tips & Considerations for Neurodivergent and Twice Exceptional Children

Brian Lux

Director of Camp Sequoia

March 17, 2025

Spring break presents families with a wonderful opportunity to relax and connect. However, families with neurodivergent children—those with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or sensory processing differences—may face distinct challenges during this time. Changes in routine, new environments, and sensory overload can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. With careful planning and tailored strategies, you can develop a spring break experience that is enjoyable and supportive for your neurodivergent or twice exceptional child.

1. Prepare in Advance and Maintain Consistent Routines

Visual Schedules and Social Narratives:

Gradually introducing changes can help alleviate anxiety. Use visual schedules to outline daily activities, providing your child with a clear structure. Social narratives—brief stories that describe upcoming events—can also help prepare them for new experiences.

Discuss Expectations:

Engage in conversations with your child about what they can expect during spring break. Talk about planned activities, locations, and any alterations to their typical routine. This dialogue fosters a sense of control and reduces uncertainty.

Preserve Daily Structures:

While some flexibility is necessary, keeping core aspects of your child’s routine—such as wake-up times, meal schedules, and bedtime rituals—helps provide stability and predictability.

Incorporate Familiar Activities:

Balance new experiences with familiar ones. Including activities your child enjoys can create a reassuring atmosphere amidst the novelty of spring break.

Use Transition Cues:

Visual timers, countdowns, or verbal reminders can signal upcoming changes, helping your child anticipate and smoothly transition between activities.

Allow Extra Time:

Transitions can be difficult. Giving your child additional time to adjust between activities can reduce stress and prevent feelings of being rushed.

Article on Preparation Tips

2. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment and Plan Activities Thoughtfully

Pack Essential Sensory Tools:

Traveling may expose your child to overwhelming sensory stimuli. Equip them with items like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or fidget toys to manage sensory sensitivities.

Designate Quiet Spaces:

Whether at home or on vacation, ensure there are designated areas where your child can retreat to calm down if they feel overwhelmed. This could be a quiet room, a cozy corner, or a peaceful outdoor setting.

Engage in Heavy Work Activities:

Include activities that involve pushing, pulling, or lifting, as these can help regulate sensory input and promote calmness. Examples include carrying groceries, gardening, or participating in sports.

Offer Choices:

Involve your child in planning activities. Providing options empowers them to choose what aligns with their interests, fostering autonomy and reducing potential resistance.

Article on Sensory and Planning Considerations

3. Prioritize Downtime

Schedule Rest Periods:

Amidst the excitement of spring break, ensure there are periods set aside for rest and relaxation. Downtime helps prevent sensory overload and allows your child to recharge.

Respect Their Limits:

Be attentive to signs of fatigue or overstimulation. It’s acceptable to modify or skip activities if your child needs a break. Flexibility is essential for a positive experience.

Article on Structuring Breaks

4. Engage in Open Communication

Seek Input:

Regularly check in with your child about their feelings and comfort levels. Encouraging them to express their thoughts fosters trust and helps tailor activities to their needs.

Collaborate with Others:

If visiting places like museums or amusement parks, contact them in advance to inquire about sensory accommodations. Many venues provide resources such as sensory-friendly maps, quiet rooms, or special passes to support neurodivergent visitors.

More Information on Fostering Open Dialogue

5. Consider Specialized Programs

Explore Camps and Curated Spaces:

Some organizations offer programs specifically designed for neurodivergent and twice exceptional children during school breaks. For example, Camp Sequoia provides an environment tailored to the social and emotional needs of children with ADHD and similar profiles, focusing on social skills development in a supportive setting.

Assess Suitability:

When selecting a program, consider factors such as staff training, camper-to-staff ratios, and the availability of individualized support to ensure it aligns with your child’s needs.

6. Prepare for Sensory Sensitivities

Anticipate Sensory Triggers:

Identify potential sensory challenges associated with planned activities, such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces. Preparing in advance allows you to implement strategies to mitigate discomfort.

Utilize Sensory Aids:

Tools like weighted lap pads, chewable jewelry, or tactile toys can provide calming sensory input, helping your child manage anxiety and maintain focus during activities.

Here are some specific activities that can be beneficial in creating sensory-friendly environments for neurodivergent and twice exceptional children:

Nature Walks

Engaging with nature can be calming. Plan gentle walks in parks or nature reserves, allowing children to explore different textures, sounds, and sights in a controlled environment.

Sensory Bins

Create sensory bins filled with materials like rice, beans, sand, or water beads. These provide tactile stimulation and can be a calming activity for children to engage in.

Art and Crafts

Encourage creativity through art projects using various materials like clay, paint, or textured paper. This can allow children to express themselves while engaging their senses.

Gardening

Involve children in gardening activities where they can dig, plant, and care for plants. This hands-on experience can be grounding and nurturing.

Quiet Reading Time

Set aside time for quiet reading in a cozy, designated area with soft lighting and comfortable seating. This can provide a calm space for children to unwind.

Music and Movement

Incorporate gentle music or movement activities, like yoga or dancing. Choose calming music and allow children to move at their own pace, promoting sensory regulation.

Water Play

Set up a water table or a safe area for water play. Children can use cups, sponges, and toys to explore water, which can be soothing and engaging.

Puzzles and Board Games

Select puzzles and board games that cater to your child’s interests. These can provide structured yet enjoyable activities that promote focus and problem-solving.

Building with Blocks

Using blocks or construction sets can allow children to engage in imaginative play while developing fine motor skills. Set up a quiet area for building.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Activities

Teach mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery. These can help children manage anxiety and promote relaxation.

Fidget Activities

Provide fidget toys or tools that allow children to engage in repetitive movements. Items like stress balls, putty, or spinners can help manage sensory needs.

Sensory-Friendly Movie Time

Create a cozy movie-watching experience with dim lighting, comfortable seating, and noise-canceling headphones. Choose films that are gentle and engaging.

Animal Therapy

Consider activities involving animals, such as therapy dog visits or petting zoos. Interacting with animals can be calming and provide emotional support.

Cooking or Baking

Involve children in simple cooking or baking activities. The process of measuring, mixing, and creating can be a fun, sensory-rich experience.

Incorporating these activities into a sensory-friendly environment can help create a calming and supportive space for neurodivergent and twice exceptional children, allowing them to engage their senses positively and enjoyably.

7. Reflect and Adapt

Debrief Daily:

At the end of each day, discuss what activities your child enjoyed and any challenges they faced. This reflection helps in understanding their preferences and planning future activities accordingly.

Be Flexible:

Recognize that not everything will go as planned. Being adaptable and open to changing plans based on your child’s needs ensures a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Conclusion

Spring break can be a rewarding time for families with neurodivergent and twice exceptional children when approached with thoughtful preparation and flexibility. By maintaining routines, creating sensory-friendly environments, and engaging in open communication, you can craft an experience that honors your child’s unique needs and fosters family connection.

For additional resources and support, consider exploring organizations like Camp Sequoia, which specialize in programs for neurodivergent children and offer valuable insights for families.

Remember, the goal is to create positive memories while respecting and accommodating your child’s individual needs. With patience and planning, spring break can be an enjoyable and enriching experience for the entire family.

More Resources for Supporting Neurodivergent Youth

Understanding ADHD and Seasonal Affective Disorder Fostering Social Skills Development in Residential Communities

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