**Warning- wordy post but {hopefully} worthwhile**
Time is quickly ticking away and the beaches of Kauai are calling my name. Unfortunately so is my messy house, 3 kids bored out of their minds, suitcases and 5.3 million projects to finish before we board the plane. Calgon take me away…..I regress…..
So preparing for this trip has been a major undertaking. I’ve run through all the what-if’s in my mind, concerning my oldest, and think I’ve got most of it (there’s always some element of surprise with my #1) covered. And since I know I’m not the only autism mom out there, I decided to share what I’ve done here. Ok here goes:
I think the airport could be a huge challenge. It’s loud, lots of people, boarding a plane, all smooshed, going through security, etc, etc. So I called reservations of my airline ahead of time and told them to put in the notes that we will be traveling with a child with autism. I asked them if they could help us out with making sure it goes as smoothly as possible (both for us and everyone in general at the airport). They will have someone to walk us through from the beginning to the end, making it less hectic and more of a straight shot (at least that’s my hope).
Manchester Airport (in the UK) produced an airport awareness brochure
that is ideal to use as a social story for airplane travel.
I have seen many autism awareness cards out there but thought none of them fit our family very well (design wise anyway; I know, so silly to be worried about the design of an autism awareness card but I figure if I have to give some out, they might as well be pretty, right?). So I made my own version. If you want to use these, feel free. Just don’t go and sell them or something silly like that (way to toot my own horn huh?). Right click and then do “save as” and then print away. Mine are printed on cardstock, sorta like business cards.
After some scary situations with our J, it was time to get him a new ID bracelet. We got a new version that didn’t last very long- less than 24 hours- because he can figure out how to take things off. So I had to make an emergency plea from an Ebay store to get another new one. Here’s the one we got and I highly recommend this seller. She was super fast and I love the ID bracelet (if that’s possible to love an ID bracelet?). It fits him well, has a clasp so he can’t take it off without help and the engraving on silver is a definite must for my active guy. J’s says “Autism” on the front with his info on the backside. That way no creepy people can see his name and call him to lead him astray (yikes!!!).
As far as once we are in flight, I am downloading all his favorite music to an MP3 player for him, have a portable DVD player and his book that I made for him and a mini eye spy quilt. I’m also packing along all his must haves, like silly putty.
Some other ideas that I want to do for the future:
Temporary autism tattoo– genius idea.
Child GPS tracker- I’d love to get one but haven’t found the right fit.
Here’s a guide that I looked at.
And there you have it………..
now you know my crazy plan/preparations for this trip.
And now you know why the beach is calling my name. ;)
I know seeing JJ (and my other two) having a blast at the beach
and in the pools with my whole family will totally be worth all of this.
Great post. I like your awareness cards much better than mine! Thanks for letting us print them out. The shirts are the best. I would love to make one
Thank you thank you thank you.
I love your cards and will use them graciously!
Hey Mique,
Have a blast! I am so jealous. We recently took William on his first plane trip and we were a bit nervous but all went well. We wrote him a social story all about the airport and how it was going to be very loud and how his ears would feel funny when the plane took off. Not sure if it was the story that did the trick but he was completely unphased. Of course, I know, every kid is completely different. Best of luck with the flying. I love the shirt too. Hope you are well! -Julie Booras
You have worked so hard to make this trip the best it could possibly be. thanks for indulging dad and I in a family vacation that we have high hopes of everyone enjoying!!!!
XOXO
p.s. Can't wait!!!!!
My son has autism and traveling is always hard. If you ever sell those shirts, I'm totally interested.
Just wanted to wish you a brilliant holiday and safe travels. My son has got a mild version of autism(possibly) and I love your shirts!
Your ideas/info are all great. Sounds like you are all prepared. Now go finish packing and have fun in Hawaii.