832 Miles in a Car With An Autistic Child!

Traveling with children is difficult as most of us know.  When you add autism into the mix, any car trip takes on a life of its own.
 
Last month, I took off on a road trip with my two sons.  The oldest is 21 and has made leaps and bounds in living with Asperger's Syndrome.  Unless you really know him and are familiar with his habits, it is difficult to discern.  My 10 year old is a different story.  He has sensitivity issues when it comes clothing, food, and sounds.  When eating out, his food is always a special order. Nothing is simple. Both of my boys have the special talent of making the most simple task very complicated.  But that is the nature of their Asperger's Syndrome. 

The trip was challenging, fun, insightful and a bonding experience.   Fortunately, both of my boys travel well. Meltdowns were at a minimum.  And together we came up with some wonderful tips to help you with your road trips.

Tips from the boys: 

• To give yourself more room in the car, don't pack more than you need.
• Bring lots of snacks!  Boys like to eat.
• Put the snacks and drinks in the back seat with us so that you don't have to stop driving to get them.
• Bring a game boy and lots of game cartridges.
• Bring books on tape.  They are a lot more fun than listening to the radio fade in and out.
• Bring your own toilet paper for restroom stops.  Recommendations:  1 roll per child.
• Bring a flashlight or book light so that we can read or play on the game boy when you drive after dark.
• Pick a hotel with a pool and free breakfast.

Tips from Me:

• Put the snacks up front so that you can monitor what is eaten - especially if you pack cookies, candy or any item you don't want the kids to devour all at once.
• Books on tape really rock!  We listened to the first Eragon book on tape.  The kids were really engaged.
• Bring toilet paper and wet wipes for road stops. Some of the bathrooms along the way can be really narley.
• Be sure to bring your shopping cards like Kroger and Winn Dixie.  Some offer money off gas and just because you are traveling doesn't mean you won't find a participating gas station.
• Sign up for hotel discounts.  A lot of chains like Best Western have discount programs where you not only get a cheaper rate but also earn rewards.  They also offer a swimming pool and free breakfast.
• Although you will probably use a GPS, stop at your local AAA Travel office and pick up maps for each state you will cross.  The kids love to follow your route.  And if your GPS goes out, you have a back up.
• If you are going to a theme park or attraction, call ahead and ask if they have any special rates or programs for your children with disabilities.  Disney and several other theme parks offer a special pass for children with Autism.  With this pass, they don't have to wait in line as long.
• If you are moving or taking two cars, purchase an inexpensive walkie talkie system so that the cars can communicate with each other without raising your cell phone bill and when you are not in a good area for cell phone reception.
• Don't try to stick to a rigid travel schedule.  With road construction, travel delays, bathroom breaks, and children, your schedule may not be anywhere near the real time frame.
• Enjoy yourself! You deserve it.