Jul 27 2008
Travel and Autism Spectrum Disorders: More Attention on the Matter
It seems that some organizations may be getting the clue that they need to be a bit more understanding about their customers traveling with children on the autism spectrum. An article in The Morning Call mentions that Delta Airlines is developing travel guidelines for families with a developmentally disabled member. Disney World, Sea World and Busch Gardens have passes to allow autistic children to the fronts of lines to cut down on those meltdowns that stem from long waits.
USA Today ran a similar story earlier this week.
During this time of year when kids are out of school and families want to enjoy the summer, the most important thing to remember when traveling with a developmentally disabled child is planning. It may take weeks to build a child up to being able to make a trip that will disrupt his routine and expose him to a host of stimulation that may be overwhelming and scary. Social stories and role playing to practice some situations are a couple of ways to prepare in advance. Make sure you have the things that your child finds soothing. And don’t be afraid to let people know - like the airline you’ll be traveling - that you’re traveling with a child with a disability. It doesn’t have to be a huge deal, but it might help prevent some situations.
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
