This is the checklist specifically for families with autistic children, going on their autism-friendly family holiday. Consider this as supplemental to the main family holiday checklist here, so do read and print that too.
Checklist
- Prepare.
It is essential, not only that you prepare, but that your autistic child is prepared; so they are ready for the change to their daily life.- What are their wants, desires, likes, dislikes?
- By talking this through and planning the holiday with them, you will get Buy-in – that they are mentally and emotionally involved and invested in the holiday plan.
- Watch Videos & photos of;
- Airports, ports, route, destination, days out.
By doing this, they will be visually ready for what to expect at every step of the way.
- Airports, ports, route, destination, days out.
- Plan Together
Again, get buy-in for everyone in the family, so plan…- Daily events
- Food & nutrients. Are there specific nutritional requirements, needs and preferences? How will you purchase these? Where will you eat?
- Practice
If you’ve never been to the airport, port or used a car trip, try a dummy run. Watching videos is easier, but a small car trip is feasible. - Control
You want to be able to control as much as possible, to minimise the unexpected. The more independent and remote you are, the less others can ‘invade’ your personal space.- Autism Awareness. Get the excellent Autism Headphones decals to go on their headphones, to announce to others that this is an autistic person. Use the Sunflower Lanyard too, in the airport etc.
- Fewer people. If you chose a tranquil & remote destination, ideally with no other holiday goers, there can be no sudden triggering by others.
- Environment. Similarly, the more remote your destination, the less there will be machinery noises and the like.
- Review
After the holiday, reassess the family holiday together;- Look ahead
- Plan going back to school
- Next holiday
- What were the Best bits of your holiday? What would each family member improve on? What would you do or not do? How has your holiday criteria changed now?
- Look ahead
Learn more on autism family holidays here
The whole family holiday checklist here.
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