The arrival of summertime brings a welcome break from usual routines for many - holidays, sunshine, warm weather, a sense of freedom and fun.
For many autistic people, however, summer can also introduce new sensory demands, changes in routine and environmental pressures that make the season feel less predictable and more overwhelming.
Whilst many children enjoy the change of pace during the school holidays, autistic children can find the shift in routine and lack of structure challenging. Predictability supports wellbeing, and when this disappears, it can create uncertainty that affects how safe and regulated a child feels.
Heading off on holiday may bring excitement for some, but for autistic people the combination of a new environment, unfamiliar sensory input, changes in routine and the intensity of travelling, especially through busy airports, can be a lot to manage.
Even for those staying in the UK, summer brings its own challenges. Increasing heatwaves can make it difficult to stay cool, and sensory discomfort from suncream, clothing changes or hydration needs can add extra demands throughout the day.
For autistic children and young people, summer is also a time when transitions loom - starting a new school, moving to a new class or meeting new teachers. Anticipation around these changes can create anxiety that affects their ability to enjoy summer activities.
All these factors add sensory and cognitive demands, and when combined with reduced structure, they can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns or increased executive functioning load. This can mean that summer becomes a source of stress rather than something to be enjoyed, and families may miss out on activities or experiences when environments aren’t designed with autistic needs in mind.
It doesn’t have to be like this. We can acknowledge the challenges autistic people may face while also creating supportive, predictable environments that make summer more enjoyable and accessible.
Whilst we can’t control changes in routine or extreme weather, we can put things in place to prepare for them.
Top Tips for Summer
- Create a ‘summer routine’ – Even if the usual school routine is different, having a predictable daily rhythm can help autistic people feel safe and grounded. Keeping some elements consistent such as mealtimes, morning routines and quiet time can provide stability.
- Keep things flexible – A routine should support, not overwhelm. Keeping plans manageable and flexible allows for days when an autistic person may not feel up to certain activities, without causing disruption or stress.
- Visual schedules & communication – Visuals can help autistic people understand what’s coming up so they can prepare. This might include images of places, people, activities or food. Reducing uncertainty reduces anxiety.
- Prioritise sensory regulation – Keep home spaces cool and comfortable. Use handheld fans, neck coolers, shaded areas and plan around the hottest parts of the day. Explore different types of suncream to find one that feels comfortable. Sensory aids such as fidgets or headphones can also support regulation when out and about.
- Sensory-friendly activities – Autism-friendly screenings, outdoor spaces, quieter environments and nature-based activities can offer supportive sensory experiences. You can find a full list of these here.
- Preparation for transitions – Regular conversations, visual supports and practice visits can help autistic children understand what to expect from upcoming transitions. Familiarity reduces anxiety and builds confidence.