School Changes, Holidays & Burnout: Supporting Neurodivergent Teens

For many families, the summer holidays can bring a welcome break from the pressures of school. However, for neurodivergent children and teenagers, the loss of routine, changing expectations, increased social demands, and longer periods of unstructured time can create a very different experience.

In this session, we'll explore why holidays can sometimes be just as challenging as term time for neurodivergent young people, including those with ADHD, autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. We'll discuss how routines support wellbeing, why some young people struggle with too much downtime, and how parents can recognise the difference between rest, withdrawal, masking and burnout.

We'll also discuss why September transitions, such as moving schools, returning after the holidays, or changes at home, can feel so overwhelming for some neurodivergent children and teenagers, and share practical strategies to help them feel safer, calmer and better prepared for change.