It’s summer time and many families enjoy getting away for a family vacation. If you have a child with special needs, however, you know that sometimes getting away is much easier said than done. Disrupted sleep, different schedules, and unfamiliar places and foods can be a huge stressor for children with disabilities. With some careful planning, though, vacationing with your child can end up being fun (most of the time) and less stressful for everyone.
Tips for preparing to travel
- Make and use packing lists. If you know your child will need a lot of extra things to help him throughout the trip, make a list once and use it every time you travel.
- If you will be flying during your trip, bring along documentation or proof of your child’s diagnosis, as well as his birth certificate.
- Many airports and the TSA are willing to help those traveling with an individual with special needs. Call TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight at 1-855-787-2227. This service is available at ALL airports in the US. More helpful information from the TSA can be found here. Also, many airports are willing to host you and your child for a practice visit to the airport prior to your trip. Call ahead to see if your airport provides this service.
- Consider buying noise-cancelling headphones for your child. These are helpful both in the car and on airplane trips.
- If you plan to visit a theme park, call ahead to ask if they provide any special accommodations for families of children with special-needs. Some parks have quiet lounges for breaks or passes to skip the lines at rides.
Make a safety plan
- If your child is a wanderer, bring extra child-proof door and window locks. A reliable choice is a Guardian Lock.
- If your child is non-verbal or very young, consider getting an ID bracelet or necklace with his name, diagnosis, and parents’ contact information. A kid-friendly option is made by Alert Me Bands.
- If you will be traveling to a location near water or pools, make sure you’ve exposed your child to water and done some swim lessons. Pack flotation devices if appropriate. Another great way to get your child prepared is to use a social story. An example of a customizable swimming-related social story may be found here.
During your trip
- Since many children with special needs have a difficult time with transitions, it is usually much easier to establish one “home away from home” and go on day trips from there. Going from hotel to hotel is very stressful for many families.
- Give your family the plan for the day each morning. Use pictures if needed. Try to stick to your schedule as much as possible. It’s also helpful to plan meals and bedtimes around the same schedule you use at home.
- Rent a condo or house with a kitchen. Not only is it extremely difficult to eat every meal in a restaurant with a child with special-needs, a kitchen will allow you to prepare some familiar foods and use your normal home mealtime strategies. Being able to cook at least some of your own meals will also reduce tummy troubles from eating unfamiliar or fast foods. Find rentals worldwide at www.VRBO.com.
- If your child is a wanderer, alert your “neighbors” at your condo or hotel floor. If there’s security or front-desk staff, take the time to introduce your child to them and explain his diagnosis. Not only will they keep an eye out for him, but this will re-enforce to your child whom he can go to if he gets separated from you.
Traveling with your child with special needs child takes a little extra planning, but is well worth it. Your whole family will build memories and have a little fun together.
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(*Important note: All About Therapy does not endorse or receive any compensation for recommending the products in this blog.)