Top Tips for Taking Your Child with Autism on Vacation

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TOP TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM ON
VACATION
Amazing Kids. Amazing Progress.
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BENEFITS
There are many benefits associated with going on
a family vacation. After all, without having to
contend with work, school, or your usual social
calendar, you can spend more quality time with
each other than ever before. While you may view
an escape from your home and routine as something
to look forward to, this can be an incredibly
daunting experience for children with autism and
related disorders. This is because they tend to
thrive in familiar environments and prefer to
stick to a consistent routine as a result.
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PUT TOGETHER A VACATION SCHEDULE
While you may be keen to catch up on sleep and
enjoy a more relaxed pace of life during your
vacation, putting together some schedule or
routine can help your child manage feelings of
stress and anxiety. This is because they feel
like they are not stepping into the
unknown. For example, you could list everything
you want to do during your vacation and discuss
these options with your child. If youre going to
be visiting specific attractions, show them
pictures ahead of time so they have an idea of
what to expect when they arrive.
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BRING SOME HOME COMFORTS WITH YOU
Bringing some home comforts with you can also
help your child to feel more relaxed on vacation.
For example, if they have sensory issues, they
may not like the feeling of certain fabrics or
materials, which could mean they wont be able to
sleep using hotel bed sheets. Bringing your own
from home provides them with a sense of comfort
while also ensuring they get enough sleep.
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While taking steps to prepare your child for your
vacation ensures they have the best possible
time, you should also be aware of the signs that
indicate they are struggling or feel overwhelmed.
This puts you in the best possible situation to
do something about it quickly. For example, you
may notice they are stimming much more intensely
or often. This can be combated by identifying the
trigger and working to reduce its impact on their
day. For example, if youre in an overly noisy
environment, you could move to a quieter space or
reach for sound-canceling headphones.
BE PREPARED FOR POTENTIAL CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR
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CHAT WITH THEIR THERAPIST
If your child is enrolled in some kind of
interventive therapy, such as Applied Behavior
Analysis, speaking with their therapist
beforehand is also useful. This is because
theyll have a deeper understanding of your
childs needs and what you need to do to support
them when traveling. With decades of experience
and a real passion for helping children thrive,
weve curated a range of therapy programs for
those with autism and related disorders. So,
whether youre planning the perfect
autism-friendly vacation or want to prepare your
child for the school environment, please do not
hesitate to reach out today. We look forward to
hearing from you.
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CONTACT US!
WERE HERE TO HELP YOU!
office_at_aleebh.com
www.aleebh.com
401-228-8303
Cranston, Rhode Island, United States