Communities

Autism/Asperger's/PDD Awareness

All Communities > Autism/Asperger's/PDD Awareness > Traveling with spectrum kids

Traveling with spectrum kids

Mary Ellen - posted on 04/17/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )

15

50

I'm just curious about other parents' experiences of vacation trips with Aspergers/Autism kids. We're going to visit my Mom in Tucson in a couple weeks. Last year we did it and learned 2 important facts: 1. Cut WAY back on your expectations. 2. Go out early in the morning and get home not too much after lunch, then allow plenty of time to rest, swim, play video games, watch movies....

We had a great time and I expect we'll do even better this time but I'd still love to hear what your experiences have been and any tips! (we're flying from NH to Tucson) Thanks!

Join Circle of Moms

Sign up for Circle of Moms and be a part of this community! Membership is just one click away.

Join Circle of Moms

4 Comments

View replies by

Mary Ellen - posted on 04/18/2010

15

50

Thanks Renee! I think jumping would be fun... hmm maybe my mom will install one of those big trampolines? (grin! Just kidding!!) But yes - swimming seems to be like that for my guy although oddly it sometimes seems to wind him up and others relaxes him. Oh well. He is actually doing really well overall now at 10. But sunglasses! Right! Must add those to the list!

Renee - posted on 04/18/2010

621

28

Since I am in AZ (Phoenix) I thought I'd chime in. You know the weather here and it is getting hotter now. Yes, plan to start in the morning and get back to the house for lunch especially if your child needs familiar food, etc. and then some down time. By down time I mean familliar surroundings, predictable things happening TV, videos games, etc. My son also needs to jump after being out especially after visiting a new place it relieves his stress and he is a new boy after he jumps. My son loved Kitt's Peak he was so fascinated by it. Also I have found my son does much better if he has sunglasses to wear since he is so sensitive to bright light and it's really sunny here. Good luck and welcome to AZ!

Mary Ellen - posted on 04/18/2010

15

50

Thanks! I think we will. I think we'll try to go to Kitt's Peak Observatory this time. We didn't feel like we could handle it last time but I think we could do it this time. :-D

Stephanie - posted on 04/18/2010

22

14

I just got back from a trip last week. We drive though, Im way to afraid to even try to fly lol. But we just took our time, thankfully I have a minivan with a dvd player in it. I also packed tons of Leah's fav. snacks. She didnt do to bad once we got there. I think it helped that there was a ton of toys at my dad's house. I had to keep the same routine with her though. Same breakfast time, nap time etc. I also took my file folder games that we work on since she is used to that. Bed time was a nightmare though every night. But Leah has major sleep issues so it was worse than at home. I just tried to keep things the same as I would at home and it helped out alot. Good Luck and have a great trip!!

Powered by RESPECT not THUMPS

Want to find out the opinions of this community?

Add Poll