KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
SMOOTHSAILING 5 Ways To Make Travelling Easier For Children With Sensory Processing Disorder by Wendy Jacobson It was supposed to be a fun weekend away – a short trip to Chicago with the kids to take in the sights and see some friends. Since it was only a six-hour car ride from Minneapolis, we thought the drive would be manageable for Ethan, aged seven, and his sister Sasha, aged five. We booked a hotel in the heart of downtown, and in the days leading up to the trip, my husband Andy and I planned what we wanted to see during our short visit. Four days and three nights. I was looking forward to one last weekend of family time before the school year began. The weekend I had envisioned, however, ended up being a far cry from the weekend we experienced. Rather than days filled with sights and fun, our days were filled with challenges and frustrations. Our son Ethan deals with sensory integration disorder and general anxiety, which can throw a wrench in any of our plans. For example, loud noises and crowded places make him feel physically uncomfortable, and if he could, he would spin in circles or be on a swing all day, every day. Of course, we can’t always avoid crowds, and just because we take Ethan out of Minneapolis, doesn’t mean that he leaves his challenges behind. We had travelled with Ethan in the past, and he did alright, but something was different about Chicago. It is a big city full of loud sounds and throngs of people - two things he doesn’t like. His discomfort was evident from the start, and it only grew from there. Ethan didn’t mean to wreak havoc on our plans. He couldn’t help the countless meltdowns and tantrums that her threw. Still, it didn’t make it any easier. When we tried to help him cope, I truly believe that he made an effort. But without the comforts and familiarity of home, it was difficult for him to adjust. As I reflect back on the weekend now, a few years later, I realize that we could have done a few things differently to help him - and us - prepare for the experience a little better. Here are some of our learnings from our trip:
1. It’s important to discuss the trip early, and often. Ethan takes time to process information. He asks lots of questions and discusses details over and over. We should have talked with him
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(and our daughter) more about all aspects of that weekend earlier, and more often. By discussing not only how we’d get there and where we would be staying, but also that Chicago is a big city with lots to do, we would have helped him better prepare for what to expect.
2. Be sure to bring items to distract. I remember the hissy-fit Ethan threw while we waited in line to get into the Shedd Aquarium. Lines are confining for him, and he wasn’t very patient. We let him get out of the line, and either my husband or I walked around with him, but that didn’t address the issue of waiting. Distractions like an iPod or iPad with headphones would have gone a long way.
3. Be willing to negotiate and compromise. This may sound obvious but when you are on vacation or visiting someplace other than your hometown, you may want to pack in as much as possible. I know that’s how we felt. We had a long list of attractions that we wanted to see, but the reality is, that was a lot to ask from both of our kids. So, as much as we would have liked to spend more time seeing the city, we should have set up mini goals, such as see two places, and then go back to the hotel to go swimming.