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Special Places, Special Kids

How to Have a Great Vacation with Your Handicapped Child

© Lynn Moore

Aug 1, 2006
Great vacations don't just happen. Travel with a child with a disability can be challenging, but not impossible.

Here are some things to consider when your great family getaway is approaching.

Planning Do what you can to cover all bases. Then relax and have fun. Unexpected things ALWAYS come up. You have done your part to make it a great trip.

Packing Too much stuff is bad. The wrong stuff is bad. You know your child better than anyone else. . . Your packing will be great!

  • Meds and Equipment
  • Snacks
  • Things to Do
  • Clothes

Transportation How will you get from Point A to Point B?

  • Car Driving can give you the greatest flexibility as far as where you will go, how long you will travel, and what you can take.
  • Bus This classic choice is one to think about. You can devote yourself to your child's needs; it is relatively inexpensive; but it does take a while to get there.
  • Train Some children, many times autistic children, are fascinated with trains. Trains can be a fun alternative, but have a plan for getting off when you reach your destination.
  • Plane This is, of course, the fastest way to go. Consider your child does in close proximity to strangers.

Accommodations Where will you stay?

  • Motel Some kids think this is fun. . . especially if you stay in a "chain" establishment so that the set up is almost identical . . . and, of course, there is a pool and great vending machines!
  • Camp A tent or RV can bring familiar accommodations anywhere. If you choose this route you will want to think about tolerance for hot weather and for bugs.
  • Home of a Friend or Relative
This can be a great choice if the host is supportive of your child's needs.

Activities and Sights What will you do while you are there?

  • Just Chill!
  • Scenery
  • Landmarks
  • Theme Parks
  • Touristy Places

Home Again Your child will need some time to settle back in.

  • Revisiting the Familiar Lots of kids with special needs seek routine and familiar settings. The world is not so confusing when it is familiar.
  • Checking the Boundaries Kids test limits. Your rules will be the same as before the trip. You know it. Your child just wants to make sure.
  • Getting into the Routine If your schedule was well established before the trip, it will easily become the schedule again. Sometimes it takes a few days.


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Comments
Oct 21, 2007 10:14 AM
Esther Haffner :
Hello,
I am looking for information on flying with children with autism - our son os 6 and we would like to fly to Germany next year but are very worried about the flight and how he would do on such a long flight in a confined space - any advice would be greatly appreaciated.
1 Comment:
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