After a relaxing winter break, getting back into a normal routine can feel challenging for just about anyone. But for kids with autism, that change can be especially uncomfortable. The switch from family time and flexible schedules to classroom work and early bedtimes does not always go smoothly.
We understand how this transition can shake up the energy in your household. As an experienced ASD therapist in Silver Spring, Maryland, we have seen how small shifts in routine can make a big difference. Some kids struggle with sleep, others with attention or increased emotional sensitivity. That is why gently easing back into regular patterns after the holidays is often more helpful than jumping right in. Below are some everyday ways to smooth the path forward.
Understanding Post-Holiday Transitions for Children with ASD
For many children on the autism spectrum, structure brings comfort. Breaks from that structure, like winter holidays, can offer welcome rest but also throw off balance.
• From a young child’s perspective, returning to early mornings, packed schedules, and unfamiliar demands can feel sudden and jarring
• You might see behaviors like resistance to leaving the house, changes in sleep, more frequent meltdowns, or trouble transitioning between activities
• Sensory breaks during vacation can lower your child’s tolerance for noise, lights, and busier spaces once school starts again
These shifts do not mean something is wrong. It just means their nervous system needs a little time and support to adjust. Sometimes transitions from one season to another can impact children with ASD more than we expect, making it even more important to understand their individual needs and reactions. Adjustments in routine may take longer than expected and that is okay.
Start Small: Rebuilding Structure One Step at a Time
Starting small is one of the most helpful things you can do. Instead of jumping straight into a strict routine when school resumes, we recommend gradually building structure back in.
• Begin resetting sleep by adjusting bedtime and wake-up times little by little the week before school starts
• Bring back familiar routines like laying out clothes or packing a lunch the night before
• Visual schedules or daily checklists give children a low-pressure way to track and prepare for each step
Look for natural rhythm cues in your day. When something feels manageable, celebrate progress, not perfection. Keeping things simple helps prevent overwhelm. Your child might not get back into the swing of things overnight, and you might not either. Progress comes in stages, and recognizing small wins will encourage your child and keep stress lower for your entire family.
Involve Your Child in Creating the New Routine
Kids often feel more secure when they know what is coming. They feel even better when they can help decide how things will go. Giving your child an active role brings both comfort and cooperation.
• Let them choose small aspects of the routine, like which socks to wear or what snack goes in the lunchbox
• You can offer clear choices that still keep structure intact, such as, “Do you want to brush teeth first or pack your bag first?”
• Many kids do well with countdown warnings or preview scripts, like “After this show, we will get ready for bed” or “Tomorrow after breakfast, we will head to school”
Using familiar timelines, visuals, or reward systems can also help kids stay on track without feeling pushed. Participation eases anxiety and helps children with ASD see themselves as part of the solution, rather than just feeling swept along by changing schedules. Even giving small options can build a sense of control and reduce resistance each day. Try letting your child take charge of a timer or sticker on their schedule so they have an active part in their daily plan.
Tips for Managing Sensory and Emotional Responses in Silver Spring Winters
Cold weather, shorter days, and returning crowds can all be taxing. Winter in Silver Spring can mean more time indoors, layers of clothing, and changes in light that affect mood and attention. All of these can add up fast.
• Pick a spot at home with soft lighting and calming items where your child can relax during overstimulated moments
• When going out, keep transitions brief, warm to cold or quiet to busy can feel jarring, so bring headphones or sensory tools as needed
• Watch for early signs of stress and respond quickly with something calming like movement breaks, deep breathing, or quiet time
By staying tuned in, you can help your child build a rhythm that works for the season without making big sacrifices to comfort or safety. In Silver Spring, indoor spaces can become noisy and crowded in winter, so creating a quiet “retreat zone” at home can make a difference. Encourage your child to help pick out the items for this space, such as a favorite soft blanket, gentle lights, or music they find calming. Even small moments in a quiet setting can help your child reset and rejoin daily life with less stress. Recognizing that environments affect moods helps you choose outings or activities that feel more manageable on tough days.
Knowing When to Reach Out to an ASD Therapist
There are times when even our best efforts at home do not get things back on track, and that is okay. If your child is still struggling weeks after the holidays, they may need more structured guidance. A local ASD therapist in Silver Spring can make transitions feel far less overwhelming, not just for the child but for your whole family.
• Watch for ongoing signs like severe resistance to routines, shutdowns before school, or behavior changes that feel hard to manage
• These signals may point to deeper stress with routine changes, or just a need for more consistent structure and support
• Bringing in help does not mean something failed, it means you are finding a better way to meet your child’s needs during a tougher season
Support does not have to be forever. Sometimes a few sessions during stressful times like post-holidays can put things back on a smoother path. Families in Silver Spring sometimes need extra support after long breaks, and that is normal. Seeking out guidance shows you are committed to your child’s wellbeing, and therapists can offer approaches that make transitions less difficult for everyone involved. Remind yourself that reaching out is just a sign that your family is growing through a challenging season and you do not have to do it alone.
Expert Support for Silver Spring Families
We offer individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy sessions that can address challenging transitions and help develop daily living skills. Our therapists use evidence-based tools and personalized programs, making changes in the home and school environments feel less disruptive for your child.
Creating Calm After the Holidays
Transitions are never perfect, and that is part of parenting. The post-holiday period offers a good chance to reset, not just routines, but expectations too. With patience, clear planning, and small but steady steps, we can help kids ease into this new season in a way that feels safe and steady.
If things feel tougher this winter, you are not alone. Many families in Silver Spring are facing the same questions and trying out similar adjustments. Every small thing you do, adding a visual aid, shifting bedtime, giving a five-minute warning, can lead to more peaceful days for everyone.
Many families in Silver Spring, Maryland, find that getting back into a steady routine after the holidays is challenging, but you do not have to face it alone. We support families in Silver Spring and nearby areas by helping create structure that is safer and more manageable for your child. When those early post-holiday strategies fall short, guidance from an experienced ASD therapist can offer clarity and relief. At Behavioral & Educational Solutions P.C., we are here for both you and your child so daily life can feel more predictable. Contact us to take the first step toward a smoother transition this winter.
