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Childcare options for half-term re: ASD kids

1 reply

worldshottestmom · 25/03/2026 16:36

Feeling a bit hopeless right now. Was miserable in my old job and have been applying elsewhere for months. Have just been offered a new job, but I would need to find childcare for my 2 DC (DS 4, autism, and DD2, selective mutism, possible autism) for half-term holidays etc.

When I ask my mum friends that have typically developing children, they all just say a babysitter. My kids will not be ok with a babysitter, especially one they haven't met before. I can't really afford to pay to do settling in periods, it would just need to be passing them straight over and leaving them for 6+ hours which I simply cannot do. My DD in particular is very, very distrusting of strangers (because I had never left her before nursery) and has only just started settled into nursery. I dont want to traumatise her by then passing her off onto some random babysitter. I think my son would be okay after a few visits but still unsure how he would react really.

Does anyone have some kind of magical golden solution to this? I have no friends that are capable of watching them due to elder sons needs in particular. I have no family around to watch them either. No contact with their dad and for good reason.

What do you do for childcare?? Please help.

OP posts:
ChasingMoreSleep · 25/03/2026 21:40

I don’t think there is a magic wand, I’m afraid.

I think it would be unfair on DC and whoever was caring for DC for you to drop and run for 6hrs from the start of they won't cope with that. Even if the person caring for DC has experience of DC with SEN. With that in mind, are you receiving all the benefits you are entitled to? DLA for DC? Checked if you are eligible for UC with all the right elements? Checked if you are eligible for council tax reduction/support?

I assume DD’s nursery isn’t year round? You could ask the staff if any of them want some extra hours in the holidays.

Have a look at your local short breaks offer. There may not be anything suitable for your DC, but it is worth a look. You could also look at requesting social care assessments.

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