For many families, the moment the Christmas tree comes down marks more than the end of the festive season. It signals a shift in energy, routine, and expectations within the home. The lights are packed away. The decorations return to the loft. School bags are repacked. Alarms are reset. And suddenly, the pace of life changes again. For neurodivergent children, and for the parents supporting them, this transition can feel surprisingly heavy.

The first day back at school… For many families, it’s a bittersweet moment. You wave your child off at the school gate, perhaps breathe a sigh of relief, and think, “Finally, we can get back to some kind of routine.” But by 3:30pm, reality hits. The door bursts open, shoes are kicked off, and within minutes the chaos begins. Tears, shouting, slammed doors. And you left wondering, “What happened to my lovely child?” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.