The long summer holiday can be a difficult time for families with children with special needs.  All children thrive on routine and structure and this is often particularly important  for disabled children who may find it more difficult to access the usual leisure activities out of school.  Juggling the needs of your child with special needs, your other children and work and life commitments can be quite a challenge.

A break away, either in this country or abroad can be an opportunity for some relaxed  family time, but also a possible source of stress for the whole family.  The key to success is to prepare thoroughly in advance and pre-empt all the likely difficulties to see if there are ways to avoid the pitfalls.

The SNAP 'Summer Extra' lists organisations that are running summer events and activities.  Planning ahead and booking as early as you can will ensure you have a few organised activities during the school holidays.  Do also refer to the SNAP Directory to find other contacts that may be of help, particularly the Sport & Leisure Activities, Essex Support, and Holidays sections.

Days out can be fun if you organise things well.  Check out the facilities where you are going in advance and see if there are any special arrangements available to make the day go more smoothly.  Perhaps take a friend for your siblings, or an extra carer to help with your special child.  See our article on Visiting Theme Parks for news on changes to their disabled policies.

Holidays with children with physical disabilities

With any trip or holiday, in Britain or abroad, it's a good idea to do some careful planning for the travel part of your trip.  It is important to remember that countries and areas differ and not all services and facilities will be available or accessible to you.  If you need a particular service or facility, check that it is available before booking your trip.

Often a particular impairment is not obvious to other people, so make sure you explain your child's requirements clearly.  Don't assume that staff at travel agents, travel companies or airports will automatically know or understand the needs of your family.

If flying, check with the airline in good time before the trip about the use and storage of major buggies and wheelchairs.  Airlines will not store wheelchairs inside the aeroplane, but will allow you to keep the wheelchair until you board and then store it in the hold.  Check what happens at your destination for retrieving your child's wheelchair again.  Verify any specific seating and assistance needs and ask about facilities and procedures at the often smaller, less developed resort airports in the other country.  In compliance with regulation of the European Parliament since July 2008, all European airports will offer assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility.

When taking medication with you, make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip together with an extra supply in case of delays or emergencies.  Get a letter from your doctor detailing the medication your child needs and keep the medication in its original packaging.  Always pack medication in your hand luggage where possible in case the hold luggage is lost.  You may also need to check with the Embassy or High Commission of the country you are visiting or passing through, in case they have any restrictions on taking the medication into the country.

When choosing accommodation, check with your travel agent or organisation that the buildings and resort are fully accessible for your child's particular needs.

When buying travel insurance you will need to check thoroughly that the policy you choose covers all your needs, including medical costs that may arise from your child's impairment.  Many policies do not cover claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions.  Medical equipment and mobility aids are unlikely to be covered by standard travel insurance so you may have to pay an extra premium, however your household insurance may provide cover for these items.

Holidays with children with autistic spectrum disorders

Going away on holiday, either in this country or abroad, will bring a few challenges for families with a child with an ASD.  Once you have decided on your destination it is best to tell your child well in advance.  Preparation will help to reduce their anxiety.  It may help to compile a booklet about the holiday, including pictures from the holiday brochure or local information leaflets or websites.  Visual supports will help your child to understand where they are going and what it will be like.  It is important to include when they will be coming home again as this may not be obvious to your child!  Use a calendar to show when the holiday starts and finishes.  Show a plan of the journey and include landmarks, different forms of transport and any planned breaks.  Keep any mention of times loose in case of traffic or delays.  Take a travel kit including special toys, foods or comforters.

If you are travelling by aeroplane you may want to visit the airport before your holiday to familiarise your child with the surroundings and watch a few planes take-off and land.  If they have sensory issues with sounds, it may help to acquire some ear defenders to cope with aircraft noise, particularly during take-off and landing.  Ask your travel agent or the airline about any special arrangements for check-in.  They may be able to arrange a time for you to check-in so that your family is able to approach the desk straight away and your child does not become anxious due to the wait in the queue.  There may be a quieter area where you can wait prior to the flight and they may let you board first or last, depending which would be the most beneficial for your child.  Give the airline advance notice if your child has any special dietary requirements.  Tell the cabin crew if you feel there is anything they can do to help, and explain any unusual behaviours your child may exhibit so they are prepared.  See below for the Airport Awareness booklet.

Most people like spontaneity and a relaxed attitude on holiday, but for a child with an ASD this can cause anxiety and may lead to challenging behaviour.  You could build a routine into your days while away with flexibility between trips to a shop, mealtimes, swimming or beach time.  Creating a visual timetable to this effect may be necessary for children who are used to using one at home.  It may also help for dealing with transitions and changes to planned activities.

Behaviour can be harder to manage away from your usual environment.  Create some clear 'holiday rules' and use symbols or write them down if your child can read.  Use clear      language as a reminder e.g. "We don't do that on holiday".  Once you have decided on your rules you must stick with them and be consistent.  This will establish boundaries for the holiday.

Airport Awareness Book

Manchester Airport, with the help of The National Autistic Society (NAS), has produced an information guide to help adults travelling with children with autism.  The free guide uses images to show what to expect on a journey from arriving, to checking-in, to going through security and returning home.

The guide can be downloaded from Manchester Airport's website or can be picked up from information desks at the airport.  Website:  www.manchesterairport.co.uk
 
Unfortunately, London airports have yet to produce their own guides, but the Manchester guide may be worth looking at in the meantime.