Finding the right school holiday program for a child with autism can be stressful. You need a program that understands sensory needs, provides appropriate supervision ratios, and actually helps your child develop—not just somewhere to pass the time.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Melbourne families need to know about autism-friendly school holiday programs in 2025, including how to use NDIS funding, what to look for, and which providers are available in your area.
Why Autism-Specific Holiday Programs Matter
Generic vacation care programs often aren’t designed for neurodivergent children. Without the right environment, school holidays can become overwhelming for autistic children—and exhausting for parents.
What makes autism-specific programs different:
| Standard Vacation Care | Autism-Friendly Programs |
|---|---|
| Large groups (20+ children) | Small groups (4-8 children) |
| High noise/activity levels | Sensory-regulated environments |
| Unpredictable schedules | Visual schedules and predictable routines |
| General staff training | Autism-trained staff, often with OTs |
| One activity fits all | Individualised participation options |
| Limited quiet spaces | Dedicated quiet/calm-down areas |
The right program supports your child’s development while giving you peace of mind during the holidays.
Types of Holiday Programs Available in Melbourne
1. Autism-Specific Day Camps
These programs are designed specifically for autistic children, with staff trained in autism support, sensory-friendly environments, and therapeutic activities.
Examples:
- Amaze Victoria Holiday Club
- Aspect Holiday Programs
- Autism Victoria Community Holiday Clubs
Best for: Children who need a fully adapted environment with autism-trained staff throughout.
2. NDIS-Funded Community Programs
Many NDIS providers run holiday programs that can be funded through your plan. These often include therapeutic elements and social skill development.
Examples:
- Yooralla School Holiday Program
- Reach & Belong NDIS Holiday Programs
- Provider-run capacity building programs
Best for: Families wanting to use NDIS funding for structured, goal-oriented holiday activities.
3. Inclusive Council Programs
Local councils across Melbourne run vacation care programs that include children with disabilities. Many have adapted streams or additional support workers.
Examples:
- City of Melbourne Holiday Hub
- City of Boroondara Holiday Club
- City of Stonnington Inclusive Holiday Care
Best for: Families wanting local, low-cost options with some autism accommodations.
4. Special Needs OSHC & Vacation Care
Some OSHC providers offer specialist vacation care streams with higher staff ratios and autism-friendly modifications.
Examples:
- AEIOU Early Learning & Care (Special Needs stream)
- Goodstart Early Learning Special Needs Vacation Care
- Independent special needs OSHC providers
Best for: Children who need some support but can participate in a structured care environment.
5. Therapeutic Holiday Programs
These programs are delivered by allied health providers and focus on specific therapeutic goals like social skills, sensory integration, or daily living skills.
Examples:
- OT-led sensory camps
- Speech pathology social skills groups
- Therapeutic recreation programs
Best for: Children with specific therapeutic goals who would benefit from intensive holiday intervention.
Melbourne Autism Holiday Program Providers 2025
Here’s a comprehensive list of providers running autism-friendly programs in Melbourne:
| Provider | Areas Served | Age Range | Cost (approx) | NDIS Funded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaze Victoria | Metro-wide | 4-18 years | $250-$400/week | Yes |
| Aspect | Fitzroy, Glen Waverley, Sunshine | 5-12 years | $350-$460/week | Yes |
| Autism Victoria | Various (partnered with councils) | 3-18 years | $150-$340/week | Yes |
| Yooralla | Multiple locations | Various | $300-$500/week | Yes |
| Reach & Belong | Eastern suburbs | Various | $280-$450/week | Yes |
| City of Melbourne | CBD and inner suburbs | 4-12 years | Free-$280/week | Yes (registered) |
| AEIOU | Various school sites | School age | $200-$350/week | Yes |
| Goodstart | Multiple centres | 4-12 years | $250-$400/week | Yes |
Tip: Programs fill up quickly—most open enrolments 3-6 months before each school holiday period. Mark your calendar for the first day of registrations.
What to Look For in an Autism Holiday Program
Staff Qualifications and Training
Questions to ask:
- What autism-specific training do staff have?
- Are there allied health professionals on site (OTs, speech therapists)?
- What is the staff-to-child ratio?
Ideal ratios:
- Low support needs: 1:4 or 1:5
- Medium support needs: 1:3
- High support needs: 1:1 or 1:2
Sensory Environment
A good autism program should have:
- ✅ Quiet rooms or calm-down spaces
- ✅ Low-lighting options
- ✅ Noise-reducing measures
- ✅ Visual schedules displayed
- ✅ Sensory equipment available (weighted blankets, fidgets, etc.)
- ✅ Option to opt out of high-sensory activities
Program Structure
Autistic children often thrive with predictability. Look for:
- Visual daily schedules
- Consistent routines each day
- Clear transition warnings
- Flexible participation (can opt out of activities)
- Consistent staff members throughout the program
Communication with Parents
Good programs offer:
- Daily updates (written notes, app, or brief verbal handover)
- Parent liaison or coordinator contact
- Pre-program assessment or meeting
- Post-program summary of progress
- Open communication about any challenges
Activity Types
Look for a mix of:
| Activity Type | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory activities | Sensory circuits, tactile play, water play | Regulation, motor skills |
| Social skills groups | Structured games, turn-taking activities | Peer interaction, communication |
| Life skills | Cooking, personal care, organisation | Independence, daily living |
| Creative | Art therapy, music, drama | Expression, fine motor skills |
| Physical | Adaptive sports, swimming, nature walks | Gross motor, health, routine |
| Downtime | Quiet reading, individual play, rest | Recovery, self-regulation |
Using NDIS Funding for Holiday Programs
Good news: many autism holiday programs can be funded through the NDIS. Here’s how it works:
Which NDIS Categories Apply?
| NDIS Budget Category | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Capacity Building - Social & Community Participation | Group activities, community outings, social skill development |
| Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living | Programs teaching life skills, cooking, personal care |
| Core Supports - Assistance with Daily Life | Support worker assistance during programs |
| Capital - Assistive Technology | Sensory equipment, noise-cancelling headphones |
Requirements for NDIS Funding
For a holiday program to be funded, it must be:
- Goal-linked - The program must connect to goals in your child’s NDIS plan (social participation, daily living skills, etc.)
- Reasonable and necessary - Appropriate for your child’s needs and disability
- Delivered by an NDIS provider - Either registered or unregistered (for self/plan-managed participants)
How to Claim
Step 1: Check your plan has budget in relevant categories (usually Capacity Building - Social & Community Participation)
Step 2: Contact the provider and request a Service Agreement or quote that includes:
- NDIS line item codes
- Cost breakdown
- Program dates
- How it relates to your child’s goals
Step 3: Submit the claim:
- Agency-managed plans: Provider invoices NDIA directly
- Plan-managed plans: Provider invoices your plan manager
- Self-managed plans: You pay and claim reimbursement, or set up a service agreement
Step 4: Keep documentation including:
- Service agreement
- Attendance records
- Receipts/invoices
- Progress notes (if provided)
What Is and Isn’t Funded
| Usually Funded | Usually NOT Funded |
|---|---|
| Programs with social/therapeutic goals | Purely recreational activities with no skill development |
| Skill-building workshops (cooking, life skills) | Theme park entry without therapeutic component |
| Group activities developing friendships | Unstructured babysitting or childminding |
| Therapeutic supports (OT, speech) | Activities unrelated to plan goals |
| Transport to goal-linked programs | General holiday entertainment |
Pro tip: Frame the program in terms of your child’s NDIS goals. Instead of “holiday entertainment,” document it as “group social skills development” or “community participation and independence building.”
Cost Comparison: With and Without NDIS
| Scenario | Typical Weekly Cost | What You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| No NDIS, full fee | $300-$500 | $300-$500 |
| NDIS Plan-Managed | $300-$500 | $0 (from NDIS budget) |
| NDIS Self-Managed | $300-$500 | $0 (claim reimbursement) |
| Council subsidy only | $200-$300 | $100-$200 |
| NDIS + council subsidy | $200-$300 | $0 |
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Programs Fill Up Too Quickly
Solution:
- Sign up for provider newsletters to get early notification
- Mark calendar for registration opening dates (usually 3-6 months before holidays)
- Have backup options ready
- Join waiting lists—cancellations happen
Challenge 2: Program Doesn’t Match Child’s Needs
Solution:
- Request a pre-program assessment or trial session
- Ask about “high support” vs “mainstream” streams
- Speak directly with the program coordinator about your child’s specific needs
- Visit the venue before committing
Challenge 3: Transport Difficulties
Solution:
- Check if program offers transport (some include NDIS-funded pickup)
- Organise carpools with other families (local autism Facebook groups can help)
- Use NDIS transport funding if approved in plan
- Choose programs closer to home
Challenge 4: Transition Back to School
Solution:
- Request a post-program summary from the provider
- Share progress notes with your child’s school
- Maintain some program routines at home
- Allow a “recovery day” between program ending and school starting
Challenge 5: Cost Concerns
Solution:
- Use NDIS funding if eligible (most programs accept it)
- Check council-subsidised options
- Ask about payment plans or sibling discounts
- Look for charity-funded places (Autism Victoria sometimes offers subsidised spots)
Preparing Your Child for Holiday Programs
Before the Program
- Visit the venue - If possible, do a walk-through when it’s quiet
- Meet key staff - A familiar face on day one helps
- Create a social story - Explaining what will happen each day
- Pack a comfort kit - Favourite sensory items, noise-cancelling headphones, familiar snack
- Review the visual schedule - Ask the provider to send it early
What to Pack
Essential items:
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle (labelled)
- Favourite sensory toy/item
- Comfort snack (check food policies)
- Change of clothes
- Any medication with instructions
- Communication device/cards if used
- Laminated visual schedule (if helpful)
Communication with Program Staff
Provide staff with:
- One-page profile of your child (strengths, challenges, triggers)
- Communication preferences
- Calming strategies that work
- Food allergies/sensitivities
- Emergency contact details
- NDIS plan goals (helps them tailor activities)
Finding Programs by Melbourne Region
Inner Melbourne
- City of Melbourne Holiday Hub (free/low cost)
- Aspect Fitzroy
- Various NDIS provider programs
Eastern Suburbs
- Reach & Belong (Hawthorn, Box Hill area)
- City of Boroondara Holiday Club
- AEIOU programs at local schools
- Aspect Glen Waverley
South-Eastern Suburbs
- City of Stonnington Inclusive Holiday Care
- Goodstart centres (multiple locations)
- Various NDIS providers
Western Suburbs
- Aspect Sunshine
- Council programs (Maribyrnong, Brimbank)
- AEIOU western locations
Northern Suburbs
- Yooralla programs (multiple locations)
- Council programs (Darebin, Moreland)
- Community health centre programs
Planning Your 2025 Holiday Calendar
Here’s when Melbourne school holidays fall in 2025:
| Holiday Period | Dates | Registration Opens (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 break | April 5-22, 2025 | October-November 2024 |
| Term 2 break | June 28 - July 13, 2025 | February-March 2025 |
| Term 3 break | September 20 - October 5, 2025 | May-June 2025 |
| Summer holidays | December 20, 2025 - January 27, 2026 | August-September 2025 |
Your Action Plan
6 months before:
- Research providers and shortlist options
- Check NDIS plan budget
- Sign up for provider newsletters
3 months before:
- Register for programs when enrolments open
- Submit NDIS service agreements
- Arrange transport if needed
1 month before:
- Confirm booking and payment/funding
- Request visual schedules and program details
- Prepare social stories for your child
1 week before:
- Visit venue if possible
- Pack comfort kit
- Brief staff on your child’s needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child attend if they’re not NDIS funded?
Yes, most programs accept full-fee-paying families. Some councils offer subsidies for low-income families. Check if you’re eligible for the Vacation Care Subsidy through Centrelink.
What if my child has a meltdown at the program?
Good autism programs have staff trained in de-escalation and calming strategies. Ask about their approach to managing distress before enrolling. Provide them with strategies that work for your child.
Are there programs for teenagers?
Yes, though fewer than for younger children. Look for:
- Autism Victoria programs (up to 18 years)
- Yooralla programs (various ages)
- SLES-adjacent programs for older teens
Can siblings attend together?
Many programs allow neurotypical siblings to attend, though policies vary. Some offer sibling discounts. Check with individual providers.
What if my child needs 1:1 support?
Some programs offer higher support streams. Alternatively, you may be able to have your child’s regular support worker attend with them—discuss with both the program and your NDIS plan manager.
How do I know if a program is right for my child?
Request a trial day or pre-program meeting. Good providers welcome the opportunity to assess whether they can meet your child’s needs. Trust your instincts—if something feels off during the visit, explore other options.
Get Support Finding the Right Program
Navigating school holiday options while managing NDIS funding can be overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone.
At MD Home Care, we help Melbourne families:
- Find suitable programs in your area that match your child’s needs
- Navigate NDIS funding to maximise your child’s support during holidays
- Provide support workers who can accompany your child to programs if needed
- Connect with community activities and social opportunities year-round
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your family during school holidays and beyond. Our experienced team understands autism and the NDIS, and we’re here to help.
Get in touch for a free consultation, or call us to chat about your family’s needs.
This guide is updated regularly. Last updated: January 2025. Program availability and costs may change—always confirm directly with providers.
