Vacations with Special Needs Children
You need a vacation. The kids need a vacation. But, what about vacationing with special needs children? It should be fun. Do what you can to cover all bases. Then relax and have fun. Unexpected things ALWAYS come up. Rest in knowing that you have done your part to make it a great trip! Below are some basics to think about when planning:
Packing Too much stuff is bad. The wrong stuff is bad. You know your child better than anyone else. . . Your packing will be great!
When traveling with a special needs child, there’s even more to remember: foods to prepare and pack, medicines and doctors’ notes to neatly compile for airport inspections and routines to work into a vacation schedule. Don’t forget: 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, if there are no delays, cancellations, and layovers. With today’s air travel situation, the pros and cons need to be carefully weighed.
Some mobility issues can be alleviated by planning ahead. When one mother and her family headed to Disney World, she insisted on taking a wheelchair even though her child is a good walker. “I thought, ‘he can’t walk the whole time,’” she remembers, and by the end of their Magic Kingdom experience, the wheelchair proved to be a godsend. Assess what your family will be doing and plan accordingly, even if your child doesn’t need something on a typical day, they might want it when traveling catches up with them.
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! When you’re booking a hotel, ask to talk with the marketing or sales department, and explain exactly what your family needs. Ask about the room’s layout, for example, to make sure there’s enough space to navigate a wheelchair.
What makes most rooms “handicapped accessible” is the bathroom, but most parents of kids with disabilities won’t need an accessible bathroom—the room layout will be more important. Figure out just how much space your child needs and then call the hotel before you book.
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.
By MaryEllen Smith Tavares
