It takes a brave soul to embark on a long vacation, with lots of travel, accompanied by young children. Parents of kids who have special needs are going to need to plan ahead in order to make their child’s travel experience as comfortable as possible. This could mean the difference between a family vacation, and turning the car back around towards home.
All vacations require planning. Parents of children who have certain types of special needs are going to have to do some extra preparation in order to make it easier for their children to tolerate the stress, unexpected changes, and new sensory environments that one must experience while traveling far from home. These tips won’t guarantee that your child has zero “meltdowns” or problems. But, they could help you avoid some difficulties.
Are you going to be on a plane? Certain airports around the country have started doing mock flights for children who are on the autism spectrum, who have sensory issues, or who have extreme anxiety.
These practice flights take children and their parents through everything that a person would experience when flying on a plane. Tickets are taken, people are seated, luggage is stowed. The pilot makes announcements, as usual. The only difference is that the plane never actually takes off. Airport staff who are participating in these mock flights usually have gone through some education about autism, and other special needs.
If your child has a full blown “meltdown” on this flight, it is not a problem. Everyone around your family will understand, and you all get to go right back home after the flight “lands”. Some children will be able to better tolerate being on a plane after they try it out, and gain an understanding about how things work.
There also are Autism Cruises that are designed for families who have children that have special needs. The cruises are for families that include a person with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, cognitive disabilities, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome.
In addition to making necessary accommodations for guests, families will enjoy everything that one typically would while on board a cruise ship. They also offer private autism group activities, and more.
Disney theme parks are able to make all kinds of accommodations for guests with special needs. You will need to let someone at Disney know that you are going to require those changes ahead of time. Don’t just show up and expect that you will be taken care of.
Disney can let families that include a member who has a special need bypass the long lines. There are “companion bathrooms” in the park, and several of the restaurants can offer menus that are safe for people with food allergies.
Parents need to remember to bring along some of the things from home that your child finds comforting. Pack a favorite stuffed animal, DVD, blanket, or snacks. Make sure you can access those items at all times. If your child uses a communication board or app, it is vital that you bring it with you on vacation.
Image by Christopher Doyle on Flickr