Travel Tips For Children With Autism

By Ryan Stewart


Traveling comes with the excitement of seeing unfamiliar places and meeting new people. It is not always as easy as it sounds when your children or those under your care are dealing with autism. Professionals have provided travel tips for children with autism that will make it easier for guardians and also enable the kids to enjoy the tour.

Are there routines and preferences that these children must engage? Consider them when planning your trip. Some of the routines and preferences could involve comforting toys, a special breakfast, a ritual during bedtime or such other options. Pack whatever will be required for the tour and ensure that they achieve comfort. Without this familiarity, routine and comfort, you will be in a lot of trouble.

Familiarize yourself with the places you will be visiting. These places include railways stations, airports, hotels and even the tourist attractions you will visit. Inquire about preferential treatment because it eliminates boredom and saves you a lot of stress. In case special foods are not provided, you will need to pack some. You will not be shocked by what you find or miss about the child you are travelling with.

Discuss your plans with the child. Parents are in the habit of planning and assuming that their kids will play along. Once you discuss with them, they will be mentally prepared for what is coming their way. In this sense, they will not be shocked that they overstayed or have fears about visiting some places. You will also get their ideas about the trip and how to organize it in a way that will breed familiarity.

Prepare the emergency bag and medical information. There are medical cards with details of the history and present status of your kid. There are airlines and hotels where you might be required to proof autism in order to get preferential treatment. A letter from your physician will also serve a great deal. You also need to carry the Must Have toys, snacks and medicines because they might not be available at your destination.

Kids will require an activity kit. The kits come with sensory toys, CDs and games that keep the autistic kid engaged. You may also consider interactive iPads and books that will keep the children fully occupied. Do not brush aside the idea of coming across exciting toys for your children while you travel.

Be creative in the course of your trip. You will need to consider his likes and dislikes when planning the trip. Include breaks that involve the entire family. Since boredom is an enemy of autism, meticulous planning and involving others in the travelling party will ensure that everyone is appropriately engaged. Unexpected delays should be taken care of to avoid boredom.

Take note and also remember what did not work. This helps you when you are planning for the next trip. You will also understand your child better and in the process cater for his or her needs. Take enough and valuable photos of the child in question in different locations. Engage the child using the photos to enhance his memory, concentration and narrative skills.




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