LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For many families with loved ones on the autism spectrum the idea of a long journey can be daunting. Autism memoir author Monica Holloway, of Cowboy & Wills [Simon & Schuster], offers suggestions to make preparations and a vacation with those with special needs as streamlined as possible, with resources from Autism Risk and Safety Management, including:
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Prepare your child with a rehearsal. If you are flying, contact the airport and inquire about visiting in advance of your trip. Let your child experience the hectic, unknown atmosphere of the airport and even enjoy watching the planes take off and land. At home you can role-play too, by waiting in lines, removing shoes for security, and sitting where instructed.
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Pick out a special "Travel Toy." Sometimes it's helpful to allow the child to pick out a specific toy to carry on their trip. If they do this ahead of time, they can carry it at (and near) home in preparation for the journey. It can sometimes help to feel that they are taking "a piece of home" with them.
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Write a social story. Providing visuals can help your child prepare and understand the details and routine of the trip. Be sure to include drawings of some of the things you saw at the airport or look up items online. You can print these out and paste them into your story so that there will be plenty of visuals. The child can look at this Travel Journal many times before the trip. Here is a sample social story from the "Everyday Adventures" autism blog.
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Make a special needs checklist. To make the trip easier, pack allergy-friendly, favorite snacks, any medication that might be needed in case of a delay, headphones to block any unwanted noise, and any other favorite items that can help keep your child happy and engaged, such as books, a portable DVD player, or handheld game systems.
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Call TSA Cares prior to arrival. It is recommended to call TSA Cares about 72 hours prior to flying with individuals with disabilities. They can answer questions about what to expect and can coordinate with security checkpoint support as needed.
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Display the diagnosis. Have your child wear a bracelet, sticker, washable tattoo or other form of ID at all times that includes the child's name, diagnosis, your name and number. Airports can be very busy and this will serve as an important tool if your child wanders.
- Don't forget about the destination! Prepare your child not just for the trip, but also for the destination. Show him or her photos or read stories about the location. Explain that you will be sleeping in a new place and that some routines will change temporarily.
Says Holloway, "I know that it can feel overwhelming to plan a vacation with a family member with special needs, but with preparation, organization, and enthusiasm, a family journey can be, not only possible, but fun too!"
ABOUT MONICA HOLLOWAY: Monica Holloway is the bestselling author of Cowboy & Wills, a Mother's Choice Award's Gold recipient, and the critically-acclaimed author of the memoir Driving With Dead People. Holloway lives with her son and husband in California. http://www.monicaholloway.com/ https://twitter.com/monica_holloway
ABOUT COWBOY AND WILLS: Cowboy & Wills, published by Simon & Schuster, tells the story of the golden retriever puppy that changed Monica Holloway's disabled son's life by becoming his first friend and coaxing him out into the world. http://www.cowboyandwills.com https://www.facebook.com/cowboyandwills
ABOUT AUTISM: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism now affects about 1 in every 88 American children. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships. http://www.autismspeaks.org