Road Trip With Child With Special Needs: Holiday Tips for Kids with Autism

Many families find that road trips during the holidays are always a fun time! This year more than ever families will be packing up their cars and traveling to see their families for Thanksgiving and Christmas so that they can avoid the crowds at the airports. While this is a great way to social distance, it’s still going to bring its challenges if you have a child on the autism spectrum who doesn’t do well in the car for multiple hours. To help prepare for your road trips during the holidays, we have created a few car ride tips so that you can prepare your child and pack accordingly.

Plan Ahead Before You Leave

As you pack and prepare for the big trip, make time to prepare your child as well. For children on the autism spectrum, it is important to know what is happening next to avoid the anxiety and stress they can experience with the unknown. Preparing your child will help them transition better on the day of your trip and hopefully help you to enjoy your long car ride! Here are some essential travel tips to help you prepare for your journey.

Practice Early: Since you probably already take your child on car rides around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, you can use these opportunities to practice for the big road trip. This will help create a sense of routine in the car which will help tremendously when it is time to go. You can also use these short trips to reward them on their progress which will encourage them for future car rides.

Routine: Routine is so important for children on the autism spectrum. Many kids know exactly when it is time to eat, go to school, go to bed, etc. Try to keep a routine while on trips to help your child with the transition. This could be something as simple as packing their favorite snacks or reading them their favorite bedtime story. If you’re traveling overnight and staying at hotels, try picking a hotel you’ve stayed at before and make that a new routine for road trips.

Social Story: Social stories are always a good idea when preparing for something new! Here are a few good ones you can try before the trip to better prepare your child. Social stories help prepare your child for the event because they get to see what will happen ahead of time and become more familiar with it.

What to Pack: Medical Supplies

Favorite Toy(s): Every child has a favorite toy, so it is important to pack that in your carry-on as it typically can help calm them down. Also, bring items that remind your child of home to help calm and soothe them when they start to feel overwhelmed. You will also want to bring some coloring books with scented markers, small instruments, bubbles, a travel-size Etch A Sketch and other fine and visual-motor based activities. This will keep your child busy, and calm, during the road trip.

Meltdown Survival Kit: If you don’t already have one of these, you need it! National Autism Resources has some great tools to help with creating a “Meltdown Survival Kit” that includes items to calm your child in case of a sensory overload (ex: noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, fidget toys, etc.) Additionally, make sure to pack any necessary medical supplies in an organized manner to ensure they are easily accessible.

Noise Machine: This might sound like an unusual item pack however it will truly be a lifesaver if you end up in a noisy hotel room, or with noisy family members. Portable fans are another option if you are limited on space. Also, ensure you have reliable cell service by checking coverage options with your provider before the trip.

Safe Foods: Be sure pack travel-friendly foods that you know your child is familiar with and will eat. Being hungry can lead to meltdowns which can sometimes be tamed with a familiar snack. Food can also act as oral sensory tools if you give them something like gum or chewy/crunchy snacks.

Shower Bag: Routine is key, right? This comes to bathing as well! Pack up the usual toiletries to bring the smells and textures of home with you. This is also a smart idea so you don’t have to worry about skin sensitivities because you will be using your own trusted products.

Traveling during the holidays should be fun, not stressful. If you are planning to go on a trip this holiday season, be sure to let your ABA, speech, or occupational therapist know. During their sessions they can help prepare your child for the trip by going through social stories and other programs. If you have any questions, please give our office a call at (817) 442-0222 or visit our website!

Have a wonderful holiday season!

-The PediaPlex Family

Entertainment and Distractions for the Entire Family

When it comes to road trips, keeping the entire family entertained and distracted can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help:

Variety of Activities: Bring along a variety of games, puzzles, and activities that cater to different age groups and interests. This ensures that everyone has something to enjoy during the trip.
Portable Entertainment: Invest in a portable DVD player or tablet loaded with a selection of movies, TV shows, and apps that can be enjoyed by the whole family. This can be a lifesaver during long stretches of driving.
Music and Sing-Alongs: Create a playlist of favorite songs and have a family sing-along. Music can be a great way to pass the time and keep spirits high.
Active Breaks: Take breaks at rest stops and engage in outdoor activities like stretching, jumping jacks, or a quick game of tag. This helps burn off energy and keeps everyone refreshed.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: Consider packing noise-canceling headphones for each family member. This allows everyone to enjoy their own music or audiobooks without distractions.
Reading Material: Bring along a collection of books, comics, and magazines to keep everyone engaged. Reading can be a calming activity, especially for children who enjoy quiet time.
Plan Ahead: Research family-friendly attractions and activities along your route, such as theme parks, museums, and national parks. Knowing where to stop for fun can make the journey more enjoyable for the whole family.

By incorporating these entertainment and distraction ideas into your road trip, you can create a fun and memorable experience for the entire family.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

When traveling with a child with special needs, it’s essential to be prepared for medical emergencies. Here are some tips to help:

Medical Emergency Kit: Pack a medical emergency kit with essential supplies, such as medications, bandages, and antiseptic wipes. Having these items on hand can be crucial in case of an emergency.
Research Local Facilities: Research local hospitals and medical facilities along your route and keep their contact information handy. Knowing where to go in case of a medical emergency can save valuable time.
Emergency Plan: Create a plan for emergency situations, such as a medical emergency or a lost child, and make sure all family members know what to do. Clear communication and preparation can make a significant difference.
Specialized Equipment: Consider investing in a portable defibrillator or other medical equipment specific to your child’s needs. This can provide peace of mind and be a critical resource in an emergency.
Important Contacts: Keep a list of important phone numbers, such as your child’s doctor and insurance provider, easily accessible. Having this information readily available can expedite getting the help you need.
Medical Information: Make sure your child’s medical information is up-to-date and easily accessible, such as through a medical alert device or a portable medical record. This ensures that medical professionals have the information they need to provide the best care.
Accessibility Research: Plan ahead and research wheelchair accessibility and accommodations at your destination, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Ensuring that your destination is accessible can prevent unnecessary stress and complications.

By being prepared for medical emergencies and having a plan in place, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for the entire family.