To not want to take kids on outings on Easter holidays?

[IcyBlonde15]

My children both have ASD, one mild, one severe. The usual Easter atractions are a no go as they typically are very busy sometimes both my kids can’t cope with at all. It is stressful and difficult for all involved. The usual stuff like Easter egg hunts, Easter themed days out have crowds there and it’s just very difficult to bring my children without meltdowns. At the same time, I feel so guilty never leaving the house and feel like I am not making the same effort as other parents. Any ASD parents have any suggestions of things to do that don’t involve crowds that your kids enjoy? Suggestions welcome

Walks by the river and other places less crowded? Make own Easter egg hunt in garden or park?

This.

I didn't take my DS either, not because he's ND but because neither of us enjoys traffic queues or crowds.

There are plenty of quiet places to go. We used to go for picnics and climb the local beacon or have easter egg hunts in the garden or treasure hunts or walk in the woods.

Are they old enough to cycle on the local common? Go hunting for frogspawn? If they are older, get an old fashioned ordinance survey map and go exploring, teach them all the symbols.

Or get some egg moulds and teach them to make and decorate Easter eggs for each other.

Do you have any National trust or Country Parks near you with large open spaces you could have a walk/picnic in?

Farms and nature reserves are good. My asd child enjoyed kew gardens and could roam safely.

Do.you have any disability clubs that put,in activities,or have days out we have a few in my area ,although tbh,they are not a one size fits all.

My eldest is 14, none have ASD, and we’ve never gone to an Easter themed event! 😆

It doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. What do they like doing? Beaches, forest walks, parks????

I am not sure we have ever done these "usual" things, maybe the odd egg trail at a country park but they really are not crowded.

I ask my kids what they would like to do and they often come up with very modest ideas like going on a bus or swimming. So I tried to get a couple of these things in when they were little as easy wins. Trampoline and soft play places' SEN sessions can be good. There's a sensory play place near us you can hire for an hour. But if you're only doing because you feel you ought to, and they hate it, then don't.

Other ideas taking a picnic to the local park. We have done this with my ASD child deciding the menu, buying the ham, bread and crisps or whatever, making the sandwiches and handing out the picnic. Fills a whole day. Walk up to a local shop and give them £1 to spend. The odd kids' theatre show - we went to one with bubbles and a science one DC enjoyed. Travel for the best playgrounds, woodland playtrails or whatever. Appreciate some or all of this may be impossible with your two but maybe there's something you can adapt. My favourite is autism friendly cinema but sadly DC is not so keen!!