Summer holidays

[Sadmummy3]

In 2 weeks DS breaks up from school. I'm dreading it.
DS likes being active but he doesn't like being around lots of children. If somewhere is too busy he will indicate he wants to leave (he is non verbal but will take us by the hand and lead us away or stand covering his ears etc). At the moment he finishes school at 12:15 so I can take him to the park/swimming/soft play when it's pretty quiet.
Of course in 2 weeks all the kids will be off school and I don't know what to do with him. I don't want to keep him indoors or just in the garden all summer. On the other hand if I take him out he won't enjoy it because all the things we usually do will be packed.
What do you do with your autistic children in the holidays? He's 5 but has the understanding/cognitive development of a 28- 36 month old.

Do you have a quiet woods or similar you could take DS for a walk in?

What time does DS wake up? Early morning is often quieter.

You could look if any of the short breaks offer would be suitable.

Ask around locally about SEN sessions - both ones run be companies and also ones run by local SEN groups. Sometimes these aren’t actually suitable for lots of DC with SEN, so ask about how they run, the sensory environment, if they limit numbers, etc.

We used to go out early mornings 9am for swimming trampolining etc, home for the afternoons. It worked quite well.

I don't know if you have something similar where you live but in Bristol we have Bristol Autism Project that put on a programme of activities for children diagnosed or on the pathway, with adaptations, helpers and smaller group sizes than usual e.g. climbing, adventure playground sessions, laser tag, animal experiences etc So I'd have a look at local groups.

Out super early, even in school holidays I found before 11 places like soft play, swimming and parks were quiet and more calm. I Currently have a baby so it’s challenging to get out early for us now, resulting in going out later and more meltdowns! My goal is to be super organised and get out by 9am. It’s tough out here.