Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go! Road trips to visit relatives are one aspect of holiday celebrations that are challenging for some individuals functioning on the spectrum of autism. The long, seat-belted ride and the change in routine can cause agitation and discomfort. And, if one passenger in the car is grumpy, the mood is contagious. The tips below may help make an extended road trip enjoyable and relaxing for our friends with autism who have some problems with long road trips. The ideas can also help enhance the travel experience for seasoned, patient travelers.

Listen Now:

 

 Standard Podcast [4:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

(1) Talk it up. Talk about your trip in advance. Talk about the travel itinerary and the people and places you are going to see.
(2) Map it. Before heading out, gather the travelers around the table and map out your route on a map. Let your friend with autism be the “keeper of the map.” If he is able to do so, he can actually help navigate.
(3) Pack up. Help your friend with autism pack a small car kit. Use a brightly colored back pack or bag so it is easy to locate while traveling. Have your friend pack some favorite items that can help the miles melt away. He might want to pack favorite books or toys, an iPod or CD player with earphones, hand-held electronic games, binoculars, and some favorite snacks.
(4) Pack a sleep bag. If you are traveling at night or expect your youngster will sleep during the trip, pack your buddy’s favorite pillow to make a car nap more relaxing and cozy.
(5) Have fun. If your youngster with autism is able to do so, have him keep a scorecard of the number of cows or the number of 18-wheeler trucks or the number of motorcycles you pass. If you go on a longer trip, you can play the alphabet game by finding words that start with consecutive letters of the alphabet on roadside signs. You can sing rowdy verses of “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain” while traveling down the road. The idea is to participate in fun activities that help the miles melt quickly so the long road trip can be smooth and pleasant for everyone involved.

We welcome your ideas about road trips. If you have hints or suggestions about things that have worked for your family, just click on the “comments” button on our website or send us an e-mail: talk@FAQautism.com

Note to FAQautism.com listeners and readers: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com