Vacation and Travel Tips for Families with Special Needs

By Adrienne Cornwall

COLUMBIA, Mo. (July 1, 2015) — Summer is prime-time for families with children to take advantage of the school break for vacation. While many families do some basic research about their destinations ahead of time, families traveling with children with special needs benefit from extra preparation to keep their children comfortable and safe in unfamiliar environments.

“It helps to have a game plan,” said Brittney Stevenson, occupational therapist at MU’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Do some homework before you travel to know what the environment will be at your destination and what you can bring along for safety. If wandering is a risk for your child, make sure your child has identification on them that isn’t bothersome but also not easily removable. Stevenson recommends an ID bracelet, a tag on a backpack, or even a temporary tattoo with emergency and contact information to help others find you in the event your child gets separated from you. To prevent separation, consider a tether system when traveling through crowded spaces like airports and amusement parks. Older children may prefer to take on the “job” of managing a rolling suitcase or light hand cart instead.

Depending on whether you’re staying in a house or a hotel, universal doorknob covers can keep children from letting themselves out of your lodgings unattended – and they pack easily in a suitcase. Seatbelt guards are also easy to pack and keep your child safely belted while on the road.

Traveling by air can be particularly challenging for children with sensory or attention issues, but you can help ease anxiety about the experience by explaining – and showing them – what to expect before travel day. Try to visit the local airport ahead of time so your child can see what security procedures look like and understand the level of noise and activity to expect.

When you arrive, let staff at your hotel or rental company know about your child’s condition and what that might look like for staff and other guests so you can both understand how to work together to make it a successful stay.

Planning to make a splash while you’re away? Water parks and beaches can be great fun, and being prepared with sensory-friendly flotation gear, sun protection and an emergency plan can ensure everyone enjoys the visit. Earplugs, nose plugs and goggles are inexpensive ways to accommodate noise sensitivity and potential water intrusion at a water park or beach. Compression wetsuits, while a larger investment, can also help children who prefer pressure. Even if you’re not staying near water, other water features, such as large fountains or ponds at attractions or on properties you’ll visit, are also important to know about in advance.

For more information on water safety, download our Water Safety Tips.