Having a child who has Autism doesn't mean that taking vacations is out of the question. It just means that you have to do some planning ahead of time, and you may have to put in some extra effort to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. It's not that difficult and it is well worth it, when you see how much fun the child has. Read on for hints and travel tips for children with Autism. These hints can make traveling a lot easier and less stressful for all involved.
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.
Consider issues that may crop up. Does sensory overload cause a meltdown? Is loud noise a problem, food allergies, textures? If noise is an issue, consider bringing along headphones to block some of the noise out, if you're going to a loud place, such as an amusement park. Water shoes can make a trip to the beach easier to handle, whether on the sand, or in the water, water shoes make things easier and more comfortable.
If you'll be spending your vacation time in the great outdoors, think about all of the strange sounds that will be encountered. Sound machines that play nature sounds are a great way to prepare your child for these noises. Sound machines are inexpensive, and you can place them in the child's bedroom. Turn the machine on each evening so that it can be listened to at bedtime. If you can't find a sound machine, there are plenty of CDs that feature nature sounds.
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.
Bring along things from home that are soothing. Everyone has their own soothing items, and you likely know which things help your child. Bring along one or two, and let your child hold on to it during any times of stress. Having this little piece of home can be very comforting.
Don't make the trip to jam-packed with things to do that there is no downtime. Everyone should have some time to just chill and relax. Vacations are fun, but they can also be overwhelming, especially for the child with Autism, make sure he, or she has the quiet time that they need to regroup.
Most importantly, have fun. Relax, enjoy every moment. Even the moments when things don't go quite as they were planned, will become treasured memories. This vacation is something that the family shared and will look back on with fond memories for many years to come.
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.
Consider issues that may crop up. Does sensory overload cause a meltdown? Is loud noise a problem, food allergies, textures? If noise is an issue, consider bringing along headphones to block some of the noise out, if you're going to a loud place, such as an amusement park. Water shoes can make a trip to the beach easier to handle, whether on the sand, or in the water, water shoes make things easier and more comfortable.
If you'll be spending your vacation time in the great outdoors, think about all of the strange sounds that will be encountered. Sound machines that play nature sounds are a great way to prepare your child for these noises. Sound machines are inexpensive, and you can place them in the child's bedroom. Turn the machine on each evening so that it can be listened to at bedtime. If you can't find a sound machine, there are plenty of CDs that feature nature sounds.
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.
Bring along things from home that are soothing. Everyone has their own soothing items, and you likely know which things help your child. Bring along one or two, and let your child hold on to it during any times of stress. Having this little piece of home can be very comforting.
Don't make the trip to jam-packed with things to do that there is no downtime. Everyone should have some time to just chill and relax. Vacations are fun, but they can also be overwhelming, especially for the child with Autism, make sure he, or she has the quiet time that they need to regroup.
Most importantly, have fun. Relax, enjoy every moment. Even the moments when things don't go quite as they were planned, will become treasured memories. This vacation is something that the family shared and will look back on with fond memories for many years to come.
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