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School Holidays With a Child With Autism: Keeping Routines in Singapore

Writer: ABA LABS
ABA LABS
3h
4 min read

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS


The year-end school holidays in Singapore stretch for about six weeks, from around 21 November to the end of December. For many families that means travel, festive gatherings and a welcome break. For children who rely on structure, though, losing the predictable rhythm of preschool or school can bring more meltdowns, poorer sleep and a bumpy return in January. The good news is that a little planning keeps the holidays enjoyable for everyone.


Why Routines Matter So Much


Routines help children know what is coming next. That predictability lowers anxiety and frees up energy for learning, play and connection. When the school day disappears, some children feel unsettled without being able to explain why. If your child already finds change hard, our article on why some children have difficulty with transitions explains what is going on beneath the surface.


Build a Simple Holiday Schedule


You do not need to recreate a school timetable. A loose daily structure is enough:


  • Morning: wake up, breakfast, getting dressed.

  • Late morning: an activity or outing.

  • Midday: lunch and quiet time or nap.

  • Afternoon: play, a short task or time outdoors.

  • Evening: dinner, bath, bedtime routine.


Keeping the order of the day similar, even if the activities change, gives your child a sense of stability.


Use a Visual Schedule


Many children understand pictures more easily than spoken plans. A visual schedule shows the day in photos or simple drawings, displayed on the fridge or a wall. Go through it each morning and let your child move or tick off each item when it is done. Include anything unusual, such as "visit Ah Ma" or "go to the airport", so it does not come as a surprise.


Protect the Anchors: Sleep and Meals


Late nights and irregular meals are common during the holidays, but sleep and mealtimes are the anchors that hold the rest of the day together. Try to keep wake-up time and bedtime within about an hour of the usual schedule. Offer meals and snacks at roughly the same times. If sleep is already a struggle, see our practical guide to sleep.


Plan Outings With Care


Outings are part of the fun, but crowded malls and festive events can be overwhelming. A few tips:


  • Go at quieter times, such as weekday mornings.

  • Tell your child where you are going and what will happen, using pictures if helpful.

  • Bring comfort items, snacks and headphones for noisy places.

  • Plan a clear ending: "After the playground, we go home for lunch."

  • Have an exit plan if your child becomes overwhelmed.


If things do go wrong, our guide to handling meltdowns in public can help you stay calm.


Prepare for Changes Ahead of Time


Travel, visitors and festive celebrations all disrupt routine. Prepare your child a few days in advance with photos, simple stories or a countdown calendar. Practise new situations where you can, such as packing a bag together or looking at pictures of the place you will stay. For children who struggle with the unexpected, building flexibility gradually is covered in helping a rigid child cope with change.


Keep Screen Time Balanced


Longer days at home can quickly fill with screens. Screens are not the enemy, but too much can crowd out play, talk and movement, and make transitions harder. Set predictable screen slots in the schedule and use a timer or visual warning before it ends. Our article on reducing screen time without the meltdown offers practical strategies.


Get Ready for January


Start shifting back to school-day routines about one to two weeks before term begins in early January. Move bedtime and wake-up time earlier, practise the morning routine, and talk about returning to school using photos of the classroom or teachers. If your child is starting Primary 1 or a new preschool, our guide to preparing for the first day of school has more ideas.


At ABA LABS, we work closely with parents to keep children's skills and routines steady at home, and help prepare them for the new school year through our school readiness programme. If you would like support this holiday season, book a consultation.


Frequently Asked Questions


How do I keep a routine for my child with autism during the school holidays?

You do not need to recreate a school timetable. A loose daily structure is enough: wake up and breakfast, a late morning outing, lunch and quiet time, afternoon play and an evening bath and bedtime routine. Keeping the order of the day similar, even when activities change, gives your child a sense of stability. A visual schedule on the fridge helps too.


How can I make holiday outings less overwhelming?

Go at quieter times, such as weekday mornings, and tell your child where you are going, using pictures if helpful. Bring comfort items, snacks and headphones for noisy places. Plan a clear ending, such as "After the playground, we go home for lunch", and have an exit plan ready in case your child becomes overwhelmed.


When should I start preparing my child to go back to school in January?

Start shifting back to school-day routines about one to two weeks before term begins in early January. Move bedtime and wake-up time earlier, practise the morning routine and talk about returning to school using photos of the classroom or teachers. Throughout the holidays, try to keep wake-up time and bedtime within about an hour of usual.


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