The summer holiday can be a difficult time for autistic people and their families. Whether going away for some of the summer or staying 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. Autistic people and their families may need support to manage this.

Here we link to resources that offer advice on managing these issues.

Please note that the information here is general advice and does take account of current Covid-19 restrictions. 

Preparing for change

• Change: dealing with change - our advice and guidance on managing change  

Preparing for a holiday or day-out

Key to a successful holiday or day out is being as prepared as possible.  The following gives useful advice on planning a day out or a holiday:

• Our advice and guidance for going on holiday
• Going on holiday (Scottish Autism) 
• Some museums have made adjustments for autistic visitors. Autism in Museums is a website/blog that aims to raise awareness of accessibility for all in museums and it has links to some useful resources. 

Using visual supports

• Read our visual supports guidance to help prepare an autistic person for change.  

Sensory sensitivities in the summer

Many autistic people can encounter sensory difficulties in the summer, such as problems with applying sun cream, insects or bright sunlight.  Read our information and advice on sensory differences.

Transition

The summer break can be a period of transition from primary to secondary school, school to adulthood, or school to college/university.  Read some of our transition articles that may be helpful:

• Pre-school to primary transitions for autistic children  
• Transition tips
• Our Transition Support service is a free service for young autistic people aged 14 years plus and their parents or carers, looking for information and advice on the transition to adulthood. This includes young people preparing to leave school as well as further and higher education.

Personal stories

• Travelling the spectrum: a parent’s perspective on holidays and days out with her autistic sons.
• Taking the stress out of summer for a child with autism