Summer and the long-awaited holidays are a time to relax, rest, and enjoy leisure activities. However, it is generally a spontaneous and unstructured period that, for people with autism spectrum disorder and their families, can be a source of stress and discomfort due to the difficulty individuals with ASD have adapting to changes and sensory processing differences. This is why holidays can present a significant challenge for these families.

Although each person with autism has their own patterns, there are some general recommendations that are helpful when organizing vacations to avoid stressful situations caused by changes in routines.

• Choosing the right destination: When choosing a vacation spot, the person's interests and sensory issues should be taken into account.
• Prepare in advance: planning activities and outings will be key.
• Evaluate accommodation options: consider noise levels and food options.
• Create a structure outlining the activities of daily living and leisure activities to be carried out.
• Be flexible: at some point it may be normal for a complicated situation to arise that is difficult to manage.
• Inform other people traveling with us (extended family, for example) about some aspects to keep in mind so that they can better understand the person with autism.