How To Plan A Neuro-Inclusive Holiday

Holidays are a time for fun, excitement and marvellous moments with loved ones, but for neurodiverse families, travelling can be an incredibly overwhelming experience. The change of routine and lack of safe spaces can be a challenge to navigate, but through careful planning and well-thought-out decisions, neurodiverse families can enjoy a holiday that’s relaxing, rewarding and full of wonderful memories. 

What does a neuro-inclusive holiday mean?

A neuro-inclusive holiday is designed to accommodate the sensory, emotional and cognitive needs of neurodiverse guests and their families to give everyone a calmer, more relaxing holiday. Through quiet zones, predictable environments, trained staff and sensory-tailored accommodation, a holiday can be an enjoyable experience for all. 

At Verdant Parks, we want everyone who arrives at our parks to feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome. Our neurodiverse-friendly accommodation at Riverside Holiday Park is not only inclusive, but fully adapted to give neurodiverse guests a calm, low-stimulation environment to settle in and unwind. Located in a quiet area of the park, the caravan includes features such as adjustable lighting, a sensory den, bedrooms with noise reduction wall panelling, and alarmed windows and doors to ensure a safe, comfortable stay.  

How to prepare for a holiday with your SEN child

When preparing for a neuro-inclusive holiday, planning is key for a low-stress experience. Research your destination carefully, and be sure to include your SEN child in the process as much as possible to help them feel as prepared and limit uncertainty as much as possible. UK holidays are a great option for neurodiverse families as you can avoid long journeys, airports and language barriers that could add extra stress and anxiety to your trip. 

Plenty of research is also needed when choosing your accommodation to ensure that everyone feels comfortable during their stay. At Riverside Holiday Park in Wooler, you’ll find the UK’s first purpose-built neurodiverse-friendly caravan, offering a calm, low-stimulation space for neurodiverse guests to sit back and relax.

When packing for your trip, don’t forget to bring along as many comfort items as you can to make the journey and holiday as a whole feel more comfortable. This could include noise-cancelling headphones, familiar items from home, specific foods your child likes, sensory tools and any medications you might need. The goal is to create familiarity, which can help with emotional and sensory regulation on your trip. 

What to expect during your stay

If you opt to stay in the neurodiverse-friendly accommodation at Riverside Holiday Park, you can expect to find various sensory features throughout the caravan. There is a calming colour scheme throughout, as well as soft, adjustable lighting and even a sensory den to help neurodiverse guests settle in and avoid burnout.

For safety, windows and doors are alarmed, hot water temperature is set to low, and electrical sockets are placed at height so you can relax knowing everyone will feel safe and secure on their stay. 

How to reduce stress on holiday

A change in routine can be stressful for any child, but especially for those who are neurodivergent. Try to keep your routine as close to home as possible to help reduce anxiety, and make sure you have a clear understanding and awareness of your child’s triggers.

We want all guests to have a wonderful holiday with us, so we’re happy to discuss these with you and do what we can to help you avoid them. For example, we can advise when our costumed characters will be on-site, or discuss the possibility of bringing your own food into restaurants for guests with ARFID. 

Our parks are surrounded by nature, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to get out and about for a peaceful wildlife walk. We also offer activities such as arts and crafts, which can provide sensory play. Our neurodiverse-friendly accommodation features visual internal door signs to help with communication, and we have trained staff who understand neurodiverse needs, recognise signs of distress and can respond with empathy and care.

How Verdant Parks support neurodiverse families

At Verdant Parks, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to escape the everyday for a relaxing and stress-free holiday, so we’re proud to offer the patience and flexibility to support you and your needs on your holiday. We’re passionate about giving neurodiverse families a fantastic holiday experience and have previously supported the National Autistic Society, raising almost £30,000. 

If you’re looking for a calm and comfortable holiday where you can relax in the knowledge your needs are seen, understood and accommodated to, our neurodiverse-friendly accommodation is the perfect choice. If you have any questions about booking a neuro-inclusive holiday with us, our friendly team are happy to help. Simply give us a call on 0330 053 5524.