Holiday Survival Tips - Traveling with Special Needs Children

As a parent of an autistic child I can relate to the difficulties involved during the holidays when traveling / visiting family and friends. I have always traveled by car because I am so afraid of "the boy's" reaction to being caged in.
I am a member of an awesome group The Autism Resource Center , and they were kind enough to come up with a "Holiday Survival Kit" for the upcoming holiday season when traveling with your special needs child.

Holiday Survival Guide
1. Take two cars so one of you can leave early if need be.

2. Bring a sensory fidget bag ( Koosh balls vibrating pens, etc)

3. Bring child’s favorite DVD, If staying overnight bring a portable DVD player

4. Bring ear plugs to block noise

5. Offer to host the dinner since your child will be more comfortable at home. The extra work will be worth your sanity. Ask everyone to bring a dish.

6. Simplify the Tree (perhaps with no lights and unbreakable ornaments). Keep the Menorah up high or have a children’s Menorah

7. Decorate only one room and keep it blocked off

8. Decide to do only one outing either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or night with extended family for Hanukkah

9. Talk with extended family members ahead of time; put a sign up sheet on the fridge for relatives to sign up to spend 1:1 time with your child in a room that has less stimulation, and his/her favorite activities. Be sure to sign up yourself, this way relatives get to spend quality time with your child and see them at their best. You get to enjoy the gathering as well. A winwin.
10. Limit the number of people invited to make the group smaller

11. Let relatives know ahead of time not to be disappointed with your child’s reaction to their gifts.

12. Bring your child’s favorite foods and snacks

13. Leave when things are going well, right after the party’s peak

14. Order a ready made Holiday Dinner

15. Always have your stuff packed and by the door so that you can make a quick exit

16. Set up a system ahead of time for your other children who may want to stay longer

17. Take your child for a car ride to give them a break in the action

18. Give your child a job to do with the company such as passing out treats

19. Give your child a disposable camera and designate him as the official photographer. For those who like to role-play you can provide scripted questions and the child can interview each person. Pair with an older child who can be the journal-keeper

20. Get a sitter and plan at least one night out with some adult company

21. For the child who is sensitive to clothing, have scissors handy to snip the tags out right away

22. Enjoy some quiet time with your immediate family


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