By Ann Barnes Parents don't have to give up traveling when they have a child with Autism, you just have to plan ahead for certain diff...
Parents don't have to give up traveling when they have a child with Autism, you just have to plan ahead for certain difficulties. As a parent, you know your child best, and you know which things are likely to cause issues, by thinking about these things ahead of time, you can easily make the family vacation, fun for everyone. The following, top travel tips for children with Autism, will help you plan a vacation that everyone can enjoy.
First of all, talk, talk, and talk some more about the upcoming trip. Begin this a few weeks, or a month beforehand. If you are able to get your hands on some travel brochures, or a promotional DVD about the area, it's even better. Play the DVD, look at the brochures, and continue discussing the plans. The child will feel part of the planning, and things won't feel so foreign once you do head out, because you will have prepared the child.
Think about the child and any issues that could come up during the vacation. For example, are loud sounds hard to handle? If so, consider headphones to block out some of the noise, if you'll be at an event that is loud. Are there food issues? Ask for a room with a fridge, and perhaps a microwave. This way you can prepare meals that will be eaten. If you're heading to a beach area, water shoes can make a huge difference in your child's enjoyment level. Being prepared is one of the best things that you can do.
If you'll be spending time in the outdoors, at the beach, or camping for example, there will be many sounds that are unusual. Make these sounds less bothersome by purchasing a sound machine, or a nature CD, a month or so before the trip. Play the CD or the sound machine each evening, so that the child gets used to these noises. By the time you're ready to leave for vacation, these sounds will be common, instead of unusual.
Discuss the trip. Begin talking about it well in advance and in great detail. By the time you're ready to go, everyone will know exactly what to expect. While it will still be a new experience, it won't feel as strange.
Pack some of the soothing items that the child seeks out at home. Having these along can be just what your child needs to soothe him or herself when things begin to get to them. Take a couple of these soothers along. Pay attention in the weeks leading up to the trip, and see which your child seeks out most often.
Make time for quiet time. All these new sights, sounds, and experiences can be overwhelming. It's nice to have some downtime to relax and regroup. Schedule regular periods of quiet time in order to calm your child and give him or her the time they need.
Have fun, make memories, and rest assured that in the future this trip will be looked back on fondly. Your child will appreciate the extra effort you put in to make this vacation something that they could enjoy. Be sure to schedule in a little pamper time for yourself. After all, everyone deserves that, at least once in a while.
First of all, talk, talk, and talk some more about the upcoming trip. Begin this a few weeks, or a month beforehand. If you are able to get your hands on some travel brochures, or a promotional DVD about the area, it's even better. Play the DVD, look at the brochures, and continue discussing the plans. The child will feel part of the planning, and things won't feel so foreign once you do head out, because you will have prepared the child.
Think about the child and any issues that could come up during the vacation. For example, are loud sounds hard to handle? If so, consider headphones to block out some of the noise, if you'll be at an event that is loud. Are there food issues? Ask for a room with a fridge, and perhaps a microwave. This way you can prepare meals that will be eaten. If you're heading to a beach area, water shoes can make a huge difference in your child's enjoyment level. Being prepared is one of the best things that you can do.
If you'll be spending time in the outdoors, at the beach, or camping for example, there will be many sounds that are unusual. Make these sounds less bothersome by purchasing a sound machine, or a nature CD, a month or so before the trip. Play the CD or the sound machine each evening, so that the child gets used to these noises. By the time you're ready to leave for vacation, these sounds will be common, instead of unusual.
Discuss the trip. Begin talking about it well in advance and in great detail. By the time you're ready to go, everyone will know exactly what to expect. While it will still be a new experience, it won't feel as strange.
Pack some of the soothing items that the child seeks out at home. Having these along can be just what your child needs to soothe him or herself when things begin to get to them. Take a couple of these soothers along. Pay attention in the weeks leading up to the trip, and see which your child seeks out most often.
Make time for quiet time. All these new sights, sounds, and experiences can be overwhelming. It's nice to have some downtime to relax and regroup. Schedule regular periods of quiet time in order to calm your child and give him or her the time they need.
Have fun, make memories, and rest assured that in the future this trip will be looked back on fondly. Your child will appreciate the extra effort you put in to make this vacation something that they could enjoy. Be sure to schedule in a little pamper time for yourself. After all, everyone deserves that, at least once in a while.
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