Many people enjoy holidays and vacations because it gives them an opportunity to get away from usual routines, see people they don't typically see, visit new places, enjoy old traditions, eat different foods, etc. For other people, elements of vacations and holidays can be overwhelming or disturbing, physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.
Do you have tips for helping people deal with holidays and vacations? Please share information, including tips, links, and available resources, that may help people as they manage their time, sensory systems, emotions, social comfort zone, and more in order to enjoy these changes in routine!
Picture schedules, lots and lots of picture schedules.
ReplyDeleteShort trips, practice runs.
We also never go anywhere new without my daughters sensory bag which is full of all her special sensory things.
Planning and preparation really seems to help, even if it does take away the spontaneous fun.
My husband and I usually take our daughter (now 17 yrs old) to the beach where we rent a place with my mom and a collection of my brothers, sisters, their spouses and my nieces and nephews. My mom takes care of our daughter when we're home, so we have available help when we need it. This year I made a written agenda for the week with activities for morning (walk, exercise), afternoon (beach) and evening (boardwalk, pizza night). I did this after dealing with a meltdown about leaving her with grandma so my husband and I could go to the movies alone- next year we'll make a schedule on the first day of vacation!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea--and what a great grandma! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLaurel Falvo
We recently had a family trip from Australia to the U.S. My son (ASPIE) is no stranger to travelling however being almost 14 he really felt he needed to be a part of the planning. At first I was hesitant but then I realized that having him help plan or outline our daily activities would help him to be better prepared and know what to expect. So I strongly encourage this for all (of course it depends on the age) however even the young can be involved. You can simply show them pictures of the destination and sites on websites or brochures. One word of caution, I had to work through with him that changes might occur even though he had a daily schedule planned out. We discussed reasons why the changes might occur and then worked out various coping strategies for those changes.I think this was one of our best trips ever and I can't wait to have him assist in planning our future holidays. The extra bonus is that he may continue to travel with us for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteCheers from Down Under...Lucy
(To Leechbabe): A sensory bag is an excellent thing to have on hand at all times! "Fidgets," activities, favorite objects, headphones, small activities, etc. can all be helpful to have available for the times when they're needed. Preparation and planning are also important, as is your suggestion of "practice runs." Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete(To Lucy): Thanks for sharing your great information! Often the more we involve others in planning various things, the more "ownership" they take for their positive participation. You're right about the potential pitfalls, but it sounds like you've found a great way to handle the possibly difficult transitions or changes to the schedule. Thank you!
Laurel Falvo