Author: Rebecca Manari | April 27th, 2022
Why do parents find it difficult to teach their children with Autism how to toilet train?
Once you become a parent, travel is a whole new ballgame. Gone are the days when you could toss a bunch of clothes and a toothbrush into a backpack and go on an unplanned adventure.
Having children changes EVERYTHING! A weekend trip will now mean packing just about as much as can possibly fit into your bag. That one backpack now turns into a suitcase, and every toy, blanket, and snack your child may possibly need, is going on vacation too!
Well, if you’re a mom or dad of a child on the spectrum, brace yourself… You just may need a slightly bigger bag or two!
Wherever I go with the children, I’ve learned that preparedness is the name of the game. No matter if I’m going to the market, or we are going on a holiday, having my bottomless bag of tools handy helps me keep them entertained and helps me stay calm so I feel ready to handle anything. (almost!)
Here’s my list of must-haves in my ‘magical’ bottomless travel bag:
Fidget toys: These come in all shapes and sizes – for us, a fidget spinner comes with us pretty much everywhere
-Noise-cancelling earphones: Whether you’re off to a noisy fish market or in traffic noise-cancelling earphones come to the rescue.
-Info wristband: Having a band with your contact information is always a good idea if your child is non-verbal and has a tendency to wander off. There are also gadgets that have GPS which can alert you and help you track your child easily in a busy place.
-Sunglasses: Children on the autism spectrum tend to be sensitive to many things and while some children might actually like the bright sunlight, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Having a couple of pairs of sunglasses or a cap can be a good distraction even when the sun isn’t shining.
-Phone and charger: If we are in the car for too long, and my child often gets bored which may result in a meltdown faster than ice cream on a hot day. A child safe phone with favourite songs or audio books can often save the day.
-Timer: Transitioning from one activity to the next is difficult for many children on the spectrum. Having a timer app on your phone is great to let your child know when an activity needs to end so they know it is time to leave or move to the next activity. This is especially helpful when children are on a play date or is engaged in an activity they get immersed in. Abrupt endings are not easy and this is a great tool for softening times-up.
- Portable toilet seat: Little ones can become quite anxious when they are taken to a toilet they are not comfortable with the last thing you need away from home is toilet woes. Since we use a child-safe seat at home, I was quite thrilled to discover foldable ones that can fit in a very small bag. Get your child familiar with your portable loo seat before travel so there are no ‘suprises’.
- Picture cards for communication: If your child is non-verbal, and prefers pictures or signs to communicate, you will want to carry a spare set of cards with you.
- Travel games: Don’t forget timeless classic like, I spy or spot the… adapt to your child ability for some all family fun.
Now that your bag is packed, you and your family are all set to take on the world… Just don’t forget some healthy snacks!