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:
- 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?
- 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!
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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!