Dear Melissa,
So, my 4 and 7 year old
survived the car ride to the beach. What
tips do you have for making the vacation fun for my 4 year old son with Autism AND
fun for the rest of the family as well?
First, congratulations on
surviving the road trip! Now, take a
deep breath…and relax! This is a
vacation after all! The most important
thing is to know each family member's special needs (because EVERYONE has
special needs), and then set REALISTIC expectations. Have you ever seen the classic Chevy Chase
movie Christmas Vacation? No vacation/holiday can be all things to all
people! Here are a few tips to help make everyone as happy as possible:
1. Prepare your child for new situations.
Watch
videos, read guidebooks, write social stories, role play. All of these will help make these new
situations predictable for your child. For example: What is appropriate
personal space for standing in line or observing an animal at the zoo? What are the rules for the swimming pool?
2. Keep a regular schedule as much as possible.
We all have know that a hungry, sleepy, tired child is
more temperamental than the rattlesnake at the zoo! It does you no good to try to squeeze in one
more activity if your children are too cranky to enjoy it. Respect bedtime. Respect nap/rest time. Respect mealtime. Take breaks.
This is a vacation after all!
3. Broaden dietary horizons another time.
There
are those kiddos who are adventurous eaters and who will relish in the idea of
trying new foods on vacation. Most
kiddos do NOT fall into that category!
Children with Autism tend to be particularly picky in this area. Don’t just assume that because a restaurant
has a plain cheese quesadilla on the menu that it will be prepared exactly the
way your child expects it to be prepared. They may refuse it. This goes back to the fact that a hungry
child is NOT a happy child. I am a firm
believer in broadening a child’s dietary horizons, but a vacation
may not be the best time to address this.
Again, know your child and try to pack healthy snacks as a back-up when
possible. Dried fruit, cheese sticks,
trail mix, fruit/veggie juice boxes and peanut butter crackers tend to travel
well and can serve to supplement a meal when necessary. In addition, don’t forget to ask the wait
staff about ingredients and food preparation if your child has a food
allergy. No one wants to end up in the
ER on vacation due to a food allergy!
4. Consider your child’s sensory needs.
What
seems relaxing and fun to you may very well be a nightmare to a child
with a sensory processing disorder. If a child can’t stand the tactile input of
the sand on his feet then allow him to wear shoes or spend more time at the
pool with an adult. If a child has
difficulty with bright sun, provide a hat/sunglasses (as tolerable). If a child craves/avoids the vestibular input
of the roller coaster, pair him up with another family member with a similar
attitude toward the roller coasters. If
the ocean is too noisy, allow for headphones or a hoodie sweatshirt pulled over
his ears. You get the idea. If you need
help, talk to your child’s OT for specific recommendations for your child’s sensory
needs for a specific vacation. Better yet, give your OT a “heads up” several
months in advance so the sensitivities can be addressed (and hopefully
negated somewhat) ahead of time.
5. Don’t forget your child’s favorite ____.
Vacations
tend to be times of constant new situations and transitions. That favorite blanket, book, stuffed animal,
etc. can be just what he needs to transition more easily from one situation to
the next.
6. Visit guest services at the zoo, amusement park,
etc.
I know
from personal experience that Silver Dollar City will put a wrist band on your
child with your cell phone number in case he gets lost (as well as the child’s
height so you know exactly which rides he can ride!). Depending on your child’s tendency to wander
off, determine the best way for your child to reach you if he gets lost. If your child is unable to memorize important
safety information such as your name and phone number, consider a medical ID
bracelet, a card with ID information in his pocket, or in a pinch, write it
on his hand with a permanent marker.
7. Take
extra care at hotels.
Again, know
your child's potential wandering habits. At the very least, always use the
safety latch at the top of the door. You can also look for hotels with the
designation as “Autism friendly” by the Center for Autism and RelatedDisorders. Many of these hotels supply
door alarms as well as other items to assist with sensory needs such as extra
blankets/pillows for sensory input or mini fridges to house diet-specific
foods.
8. Prepare for water safety.
Accidental drowning is the leading cause of
death among children with Autism. This is
largely due to the tendency of children with Autism to wander off and have poor
safety awareness. Have your child practice wearing a life jacket prior to your
vacation. If possible teach your child to swim and to use water safety
rules. Compromising safety is NOT an
option! (More tips on water safety will
be discussed in next week’s blog.)
For more information, please visit the following:
Autism Speaks Travel Tips
For more information, please visit the following:
Autism Speaks Travel Tips
Family Travel Forum
Travel Tips for Children with Autism, by Ruth Manuel-Logan, Parents Magazine 2013
If you have more ideas for family fun on vacation, please let me know!
Travel Tips for Children with Autism, by Ruth Manuel-Logan, Parents Magazine 2013
If you have more ideas for family fun on vacation, please let me know!
