School Holiday Programs for Autistic Children

	Age Groups, Days & Times 3-17 During school holidays
	Locations Various locations based on activity
	Your Host / Coordinator Autism SA Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Facilitators
	Funding Options NDIS Funding Fee for service

What are School Holiday Programs?

School holiday programs at Autism SA are where children aged 3-17 are supported to engage in activities that can help with the development of life skills, social and communication skills and friendships.

Have fun and make new friends while developing a range of life, social and communication skills.

A variety of different programs are delivered each school holidays. Read below to learn more about therapeutic programs coming up next.

Therapeutic programs

Autism SA’s therapeutic school holiday programs are smaller groups delivered by Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists at a range of times and locations.

During the upcoming April School Holidays we will be running the following activities:

Self-Care Spa Studio (5-11 years & 12-17 years)
Building Connections – Social Group (7-12 years)
Fidget Masterclass (7-12 years)
Cooking Group (12-17 years)
Play Your Way (3-6 years)
Aqua Skills (3-10 years)

Read more about each group and register below.

Self-Care Spa Studio

Locations: Tonsley & Elizabeth

Age range: 5 – 11 years and 12 – 17 years

A spa-inspired school holiday group for emotional wellbeing, creativity, and connection.

Our Self-Care Spa Studio is a calm, creative, and connection-focused therapeutic session designed to support children and teens through age-appropriate, sensory-friendly activities. This 3-hour group invites participants to unwind, explore self-care routines, and build social connections in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

Mini Studio (Ages 5–11)
Gentle pampering, playful crafts, and calming self-care activities tailored for younger children.

Teen Studio (Ages 12–17)
A chill-out experience with DIY spa stations, mindfulness tools, and creative expression designed just for teens.

Participants will explore calming and confidence-building stations such as:

Nail painting
DIY sleep masks
Make-your-own body scrubs
Positive affirmations
Soft music and a low-stimulation setting

Each child or teen is supported to engage at their own pace, express themselves creatively, and enjoy shared experiences with peers.

The Self-Care Studio nurtures:

Self-awareness and healthy self-care routines
Emotional regulation and mindfulness
Confidence and positive self-talk
Peer connection and social interaction
Sensory exploration and comfort

A calm, creative, and empowering way to spend the school holidays.

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

Fidget Masterclass

Locations: Tonsley & Elizabeth

Age range: 7 – 12 years

A program delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of allied health professionals for autistic children aged 7-12 years old. Step into a world of sensory crafting magic! This group invites creative souls to explore crafting through a unique sensory experience while working on your fine motor skills, and fostering a social connection. Learn about your senses in a fun and creative way. Dive into exploring different textures, soaking in the vibrant colours, and let the soothing sounds guide your creative journey. Join us for a special occasion of self-expression, connection, and the pure joy of crafting with a sensory twist!

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

Fidget Making Masterclass

Cooking Group

Locations: Tonsley & Elizabeth

Age range: 12-17 years

Participants will be supported to develop their food and kitchen safety skills, basic functional cooking skills, planning and problem-solving skills (executive functioning) and social communication opportunities within a group setting.

The group will support individuals to participate in a range of different foundational cooking experiences whilst supported by a multidisciplinary team, including Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists.

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

Cooking Group School Holidays

Play Your Way

Locations: Tonsley & Elizabeth

Age range: 3 – 6 years

Facilitated in a 1:1 ratio by a multidisciplinary team, including Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, this engaging play-based group invites children aged 3 to 6 to explore, connect, and create through play!

Across the sessions, children will have opportunities to discover a range of activities designed to match their interests and support their confidence in interacting, exploring, and communicating with others.

Through playful experiences such as sensory exploration, imaginative play, movement games, and creative construction, children will be supported to develop:

Early social connection and communication skills

Turn-taking, cooperation, and shared attention

Fine and gross motor coordination through hands-on play

Early problem-solving, planning, and emotional regulation skills

Confidence and curiosity to explore new experiences in a safe, supportive environment

Fun, flexible, and child-led — this group is a wonderful way for children to spend part of their summer playing their way, connecting with others, and learning through joyful, meaningful play!

If clients are considering our School Readiness Program, ‘Play Your Way’ is a great way to come and explore what this could look like for their child!

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

Aqua Skills

Locations: ProSwim Plympton Park

Age range: 3 – 10 years

Autism SA’s Kids Aqua Skills School Holiday Program is a fun and skill-building group program run by Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists for children aged 3-10 years old.

The program will consist of a ratio of 4 therapists to 4 participants, focusing on developing skills related to water familiarisation, buoyancy, mobility, and water safety. These activities also include opportunities to target communication, language, play, and social skills in the water.

Participants of our Aqua Skills group have the opportunity to engage with their peers in a facilitated group environment with additional support for participants that require 1:1 support.

The program is delivered as a Program of Support and sessions are run over 2 consecutive days for 45 minutes each, with an additional 15 minutes allocated to each group to debrief with parents/caregivers and complete documentation requirements.

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

Aqua Skills Plympton Park School Holiday Group

How can I access School Holiday Programs?

For more information about supports and services at Autism SA please contact us on 1300 288 476 or email at contactus@autismsa.org.au.

Autism SA is accredited and registered as a provider through the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This means that you can pay for services at Autism SA with your NDIS funding, or you may pay yourself, through fee for service.