In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re diving into the reality of summer holidays when your autistic child thrives on school routine. Natalie shares how her son, who has been doing brilliantly during term time, has found the transition to the long break unexpectedly tough - from meltdowns and aggressive behaviours to disrupted sleep during a melatonin break. We talk about pacing activities, managing sensory needs, and finding that fine balance between structure and rest.Key TakeawaysHow losing the school routine can trigger heightened anxiety and challenging behaviours and why this is so common for autistic children.How disrupted sleep, including during a melatonin break, can ripple through the day and impact mood, patience, and coping ability.How favourite activities and special interests like metal detecting, magnet fishing, and trampoline time can help regulate emotions.Pacing social interaction and physical activity to avoid sensory overload or burnout during the holidays.How visual tools like Google Maps and travel timers can reduce anxiety during car journeys and transitions.Managing expectations around events and invitations from saying 'no' to busy festivals to choosing carefully between activities that may or may not be accessible.How preparation can help make big days out go more smoothly.Mentioned in This EpisodeBlue BadgeConnect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmumsFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmumsTranscript[00:00:00] Hello and welcome tothe Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'm Natalie. We are two sistersraising autistic children who know the joy, the challenges, and the everydaymoments. This is a supportive space for honest conversations, practical tips,shared strength and expert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, survivinga meltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we are right here withyou.Join us as we share the ups, the downs, and everything inbetween parenting autistic children.Victoria Bennion:Today, we're talking about something that so many parents of autistic childrenwill understand, and that's why the summer holidays can feel like the hardestpart of the year. We're gonna talk about what's been going on in our homes thissummer, from unexpected meltdowns to sleep struggles, and the ripple effect oflosing that familiar school routine.Victoria Bennion:We'll be sharing our real life [00:01:00]stories, the strategies that have helped, and the moments that have trulytested us. If you are navigating the ups and downs of the school holidays, youare absolutely not alone. We are right here in it with you.Natalie Tealdi: Onething that's come up for us is our son has been coping so well. During termtime, so well at school, absolutely loving school. He's been doing so well andit's been quite surprising how tricky he's finding the holidays.Natalie...

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