Expert 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.

Take note of preferences and routines that the kid engages in on daily basis. The routines could be as minor as taking something special for breakfast, having a particular toy or a ritual that takes place when going to bed. You will need to include this in your plans and the items you carry. This is the familiarity you need to avoid anxiety. By making plans for these provisions, your child will be more comfortable and in the process free 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.

Children should be involved in the planning. Parents are in the habit of making plans and tagging their children along. If the child is of an age where he or she can understand what is happening around, involving him or her will be an added advantage. In case you overstay, there will be no boredom because the kid was already aware. The ideas of the child also form part of the planning.

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.

An activity kit should also form part of your luggage. The bag should include sensory toys, games, CDs and other items for comfort. You may also consider the interactive iPad games and books that provide comfort. Do not rule out the possibility of finding new and interesting toys.

You need a lot of creativity while you travel. Plan activities while taking to account the likes and dislikes of your kid. Plan regular breaks that will cater for the relaxation needs of the entire family. Without planning meticulously, boredom will strike and cause problems for your child. You could encounter delays that are unexpected, leading to idle moments that are not welcome for autistic kids.

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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