I met Glenda at BlogWorld last year and found her life story to be an inspiration. Glenda Watson Hyatt avidly writes about disability-related issues. In her autobiography I’ll Do It Myself , she intimately shares her life living with cerebral palsy to show others that cerebral palsy is not a death sentence, but rather a life sentence. She blogs at Do It Myself Blog  and Disaboom. She does all this by typing with only left thumb. In this post, she writes about traveling with an autistic child and how it can be a balancing act. How do you balance the desire and need for a family vacation with introducing your child to new experiences while not overwhelming him or disturbing others? This is the first in a two part series.

Peter Bell, the executive vice president at the advocacy organization Autism Speaks and the parent of an autistic teen, says, “some families don’t go anywhere, not even out to dinner, for fear of a situation like what happened to the [deplaned passengers] Farrells — while others, my own family included, opt not to let autism rule our lives.” The Bell family of five has successfully navigated national parks, cross-country car trips, theme parks, ski resorts (where many offer terrific adaptive programs) and Hawaii.  Bell encourages parents to try, even though it may not be relaxing and takes extra time and practice, and he urges fellow travelers to be more empathetic.

More and more holiday destinations are accommodating children with autism and other disabilities. Walt Disney World provides front-of-the-line passes for autistic children who find it very difficult to wait in line ups. Other theme parks, such as SeaWorld  and Busch Gardens  have similar programs. Cruise lines and resorts also attempt to be more inclusive in their organized activities. The Adaptive Sports Center  and similar sport centers offer camps and programming that children and parents can try together as a family.

Planning, preparation and practice are key when traveling with a child with autism. In the end, knowing and understanding your child’s specific needs is critical. For some children, traveling by unfamiliar means to unfamiliar lands may be too overwhelming and upsetting. Start small by exploring your neighborhood and local familiar areas. Allow your child’s reactions to guide you how far you travel comfortably.
Tips to consider:

–Research your holiday options and select an environment your child can handle.
–When traveling by air, inform the airline of your child’s special needs so that staff can assist in making the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. (Delta Airlines, in conjunction with Atlanta’s Marcus Institute for Development and Learning, is currently preparing recommendations for families traveling with someone with developmental disabilities. The guidelines will soon be available on Delta’s website (www.delta.com). Perhaps other airlines will then follow Delta’s lead.)
–Also inform the hotel, resort or cruise line of your child’s specific needs and ask what special accommodations are available. Request a fridge or kitchenette if eating some meals in the room may provide a calming break. Take your child’s own sheets if that may make him more comfortable.
–Traveling during low seasons on a cruise or at a resort like Club Med means fewer guests and staff will be more available to assist you.
–Travel by car if you think flying will be too difficult.
–Be forthright explaining the situation to those you meet. (The Autism Society of America has wallet-sized cards explaining autism that can be handed to people, including airport security and airline staff.)
–Prepare your child by developing stories complete with pictures that explain exactly what you will be doing and where you are going.
–Pack puzzle books, hand-held electronic toys and audio books plus a supply of familiar juice boxes and snacks in a knapsack for your child.

Whatever happens, stay calm.
Have a happy and well-deserved vacation!

Additional Resources:

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