TRAVEL TIPS (AUTISTIC VERSION)
By nazera - July 21, 2020
GETTING READY TO TRAVEL
Planning a vacation can be hectic for anyone, but for parents and families of children with autism and special needs it can be stressful.
Tip 1: DESTINATION PREPARATION
Expose your child to visuals of where you are planning to travel: the hotel, plane, restaurant and boat. Show them the video of the places you will visit and discuss the way as to create excitement and reduce anxiety.
Tip 2: HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS
Have your child sleep in a different room close to the vacation date to help the adjustment to an altered sleeping environment. Request a quiet room area & bring along familiar items.
Tip 3: FLIGHT PLAN
Many airports allow you to bring your child to the airport prior to your departure date and walk him/her through security while explaining the flying process.
GETTING THERE
Tip 4: LONG CAR RIDES
Consider driving in the very early morning or late evening when your child will be the most tired and bring along familiar items like favourite snacks, games and pillow or blanket from their bedroom.
THE STAY
Tip 5: MEAL PLANS
Eat in the hotel a much as possible but if you choose to eat out, eat early around 5PM, bring dessert back to the hotel and kindly ask the chef to prepare any dietary requests.
Tip 6: HEALTH & SAFETY
Think about putting a medic alert bracelet on your child as well as a tracking device. Always put your cell phone number and the hotel's in your child's pocket and consider dressing them in bright colored clothing for easy identification.
Come Fly With Me: Travel Tips for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.jcfs.org/blog/come-fly-me-travel-tips-children-autism-spectrum-disorder
Gorski, R. (2013, July 31). Summer Travel Tips for Parents of Kids With #Autism. Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.theautismdad.com/2013/07/31/summer-travel-tips-for-parents-of-kids-with-autism/
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