There are unique challenges that face parents who are raising kids who have mental disabilities. Any disruption in their familiar routine and structure can be unnerving for these kids. Some parents think the idea of a family vacation, or extended weekend away, is outside the realm of possibility. Experts say it can be done and have some sound travel tips for children with autism that can help.
They say you have to plan the destination carefully. You should also include your youngster in the planning stage. You know your child better than anyone else. You know what he enjoys and what will cause a meltdown. It's a very good idea to keep your plans flexible.
Over scheduling is a big mistake. If you try to do too much, stress is going to be the result. This can be a disaster for a kid who has special challenges. It a better idea to plan for one or two activities each vacation day so your child has a chance to acclimate himself to the unfamiliar surroundings.
Safety must be the number one priority. The experts advise that wandering is a top danger that parents who have autistic children have to face. It is a special danger for kids who are not verbal.
You must arm your kid with a medical bracelet with all the appropriate contact information included. If you have a sensory sensitive child, you can attach an ID tag to his belt or zipper. If the child has allergies, you want to include that information as well.
You have to be sensitive to your child's needs when you are packing. If he has a favorite stuffed toy or security blanket, be sure to pack it in his luggage. Leaving it behind is a mistake. He also needs to have other things that are familiar to him like his favorite clothes, snacks, and toys. If there are things that always seem to calm him, like an iTouch, bring them along as well.
You can't wait until the last minute to discuss your upcoming trip with an autistic child. Pictures can be helpful in familiarizing a youngster on what to expect from your trip. If possible, you might show your child pictures of the actual room where you will be staying while you are away. You should address the mode of transportation you will be using. Toy airplanes and trains can be effective means of explaining what the ride will be like.
You should plan for taking breaks from your vacation activities. It might not be possible to spend an entire day visiting a theme park. A few hours may be the most your autistic child can handle. When that happens, be ready to pack up and spend the rest of the day poolside. You can head out the next day for a few more hours at the theme park. No matter what you do during the day, you can keep the child's bedtime routine the same as if he were at home.
They say you have to plan the destination carefully. You should also include your youngster in the planning stage. You know your child better than anyone else. You know what he enjoys and what will cause a meltdown. It's a very good idea to keep your plans flexible.
Over scheduling is a big mistake. If you try to do too much, stress is going to be the result. This can be a disaster for a kid who has special challenges. It a better idea to plan for one or two activities each vacation day so your child has a chance to acclimate himself to the unfamiliar surroundings.
Safety must be the number one priority. The experts advise that wandering is a top danger that parents who have autistic children have to face. It is a special danger for kids who are not verbal.
You must arm your kid with a medical bracelet with all the appropriate contact information included. If you have a sensory sensitive child, you can attach an ID tag to his belt or zipper. If the child has allergies, you want to include that information as well.
You have to be sensitive to your child's needs when you are packing. If he has a favorite stuffed toy or security blanket, be sure to pack it in his luggage. Leaving it behind is a mistake. He also needs to have other things that are familiar to him like his favorite clothes, snacks, and toys. If there are things that always seem to calm him, like an iTouch, bring them along as well.
You can't wait until the last minute to discuss your upcoming trip with an autistic child. Pictures can be helpful in familiarizing a youngster on what to expect from your trip. If possible, you might show your child pictures of the actual room where you will be staying while you are away. You should address the mode of transportation you will be using. Toy airplanes and trains can be effective means of explaining what the ride will be like.
You should plan for taking breaks from your vacation activities. It might not be possible to spend an entire day visiting a theme park. A few hours may be the most your autistic child can handle. When that happens, be ready to pack up and spend the rest of the day poolside. You can head out the next day for a few more hours at the theme park. No matter what you do during the day, you can keep the child's bedtime routine the same as if he were at home.
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Parents can get top travel tips for children with autism when they visit the recommended site. Here is the link to click on http://www.autismtraveltips.com.
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