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.
The first thing you have to do is make careful plans. It's important to include your youngster in the plans as well. You know how your child reacts in different situations. You also know the things that makes him happy and the ones that cause meltdowns. When you are making these plans, flexibility is key.
If you try to fill up every day doing activities, everyone will end up stressed. This will be disastrous for your special kid. It is much better to plan one or two activities a day giving your child plenty of time to get used to his surroundings and any strangers he might meet along the way.
You must have a safety plan. Wandering is a major concern of parents who have autistic children. It can be especially dangerous when the autistic youngster is non-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.
This is not the time to try and separate your autistic child from a favorite stuffed toy, blanket, or any other comfort object he favors. You will be sorry if you decide to leave it behind. It's also important to take with you the things your youngster associates with his normal routine. This includes favorite toys, snacks, and clothing. The bag you pack needs to include anything you think might avoid a meltdown.
You should start discussing the trip with your autistic child weeks before you go. You can use pictures to familiarize the child about what he will see on the trip. You might show your youngster pictures of the hotel where you will be staying, even the room if possible. Pictures of a plane or train, if you will be traveling in one of those, and a detailed explanation, will help make your youngster feel more secure.
Schedule plenty of breaks every day of your vacation. It isn't realistic to expect an autistic child to spend the whole day at a theme park for instance. After a couple of hours, you might have to leave. You have to make plans in advance for this. You might extend your visit, so you can go to the park for a few hours and then spend some time relaxing a the hotel pool. Keeping to the normal bedtime routine while you are away is one way to keep your youngster on track.
The first thing you have to do is make careful plans. It's important to include your youngster in the plans as well. You know how your child reacts in different situations. You also know the things that makes him happy and the ones that cause meltdowns. When you are making these plans, flexibility is key.
If you try to fill up every day doing activities, everyone will end up stressed. This will be disastrous for your special kid. It is much better to plan one or two activities a day giving your child plenty of time to get used to his surroundings and any strangers he might meet along the way.
You must have a safety plan. Wandering is a major concern of parents who have autistic children. It can be especially dangerous when the autistic youngster is non-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.
This is not the time to try and separate your autistic child from a favorite stuffed toy, blanket, or any other comfort object he favors. You will be sorry if you decide to leave it behind. It's also important to take with you the things your youngster associates with his normal routine. This includes favorite toys, snacks, and clothing. The bag you pack needs to include anything you think might avoid a meltdown.
You should start discussing the trip with your autistic child weeks before you go. You can use pictures to familiarize the child about what he will see on the trip. You might show your youngster pictures of the hotel where you will be staying, even the room if possible. Pictures of a plane or train, if you will be traveling in one of those, and a detailed explanation, will help make your youngster feel more secure.
Schedule plenty of breaks every day of your vacation. It isn't realistic to expect an autistic child to spend the whole day at a theme park for instance. After a couple of hours, you might have to leave. You have to make plans in advance for this. You might extend your visit, so you can go to the park for a few hours and then spend some time relaxing a the hotel pool. Keeping to the normal bedtime routine while you are away is one way to keep your youngster on track.
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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.