For some families, it means travel and adventure. For others, it means sleeping in and slow mornings. And for many families of autistic children?

It means a full week without the structure that keeps everyone steady.

We know that routine isn’t just helpful - it’s regulation. So when school pauses for a week, it can feel like someone quietly removed the scaffolding holding everything up.

But March Break doesn’t have to mean chaos. With a little intention (and realistic expectations), it can become something manageable - maybe even meaningful.

🗓️ 1. Don’t Wing It (Even If It’s “Just a Week”)

Seven days is a long time when structure disappears.

You don’t need a jam-packed itinerary, but a loose daily framework can make a huge difference.

Think:

Wake-up time (roughly consistent)
One planned activity
One predictable downtime block
Clear bedtime routine

Even writing a simple daily schedule on a whiteboard can provide the predictability your autistic loved one relies on.

Structure doesn’t have to be rigid - it just needs to exist.

🎒 2. Prepare for the Shift Before It Happens

Start talking about March Break a week or two ahead of time:

“Next week there’s no school.”
“Your teacher won’t be there, but we’ll make a plan.”
“After seven sleeps, school starts again.”

Use a countdown if that’s helpful. Mark it on a calendar. Make the abstract concrete.

Surprises are fun in movies.

In real life? Predictability is kinder.

🧠 3. Keep the Anchors

School provides invisible anchors:

Snack times
Quiet work periods
Recess movement
Clear expectations

Try to replicate a few of those anchors at home.

Maybe:

A mid-morning snack at the same time daily
A “learning hour” (even if it’s reading, Lego, or puzzles)
A daily outdoor movement break

You’re not recreating school. You’re preserving rhythm.

🎢 4. Be Thoughtful About Camps and Activities

March Break camps can be wonderful - but they can also be overwhelming.

New environment.

New adults.

New kids.

New rules.

If your child thrives in predictability, prepare them with:

Photos of the location (if available)
Clear drop-off/pick-up plans
A written schedule of the day
A comfort item

And if camps aren’t the right fit this year? That’s okay too.

There is no medal for “most activities attended.”

😌 5. Expect a Nervous System Hangover

Even positive changes can dysregulate.

You might notice:

Shorter tempers
More stimming
Increased rigidity
Trouble sleeping

It doesn’t mean you’re doing March Break wrong.

It often just means your autistic loved one is working hard to adapt.

Lower demands where you can. Protect downtime fiercely. Keep comfort routines close.

🏠 6. Release the Pressure

Social media will show beach vacations and smiling group outings.

But March Break doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.

Sometimes it looks like:

Baking the same muffins three days in a row
Visiting the same quiet trail
Watching a favourite movie every afternoon
Staying home because that’s what regulation requires

Simple can be safe.

Safe can be successful.

💛 And When It Feels Hard…

There may be moments when everyone is stretched thin.

That doesn’t mean you failed.

It means transitions are hard - especially when school routines disappear overnight.

Give yourself the same compassion you give your child.

March Break will end.

Routine will return.

And in the meantime, you’re doing the best you can with a nervous system that just wants stability.

We’re cheering you on this March Break - whether it’s adventurous, quiet, messy, calm, or a little bit of everything.

6 Tips for a Better March Break with Autism