7 Ways to Make Traveling Sensory Friendly
The constant fear of your son or daughter becoming overly stimulated and then having a total meltdown can be a major turnoff for wanting to go on a family trip. However, there may be some solutions to keep your family night out from turning into a family night in. Here are 7 helpful tips and tricks that you can use to help address your child’s needs and keep the good times rolling.
1. Aroma Therapy
Bringing along a fragrance that your child likes can help cut down their anxiety levels. Some soothing and calming fragrances are vanilla, lavender and cinnamon. Try out different scents and make a list of their favorites. Spray it on a blanket, stuffed animal or towel before leaving home so they can take it with them.
2. Headphones
Noise can be a major problem for kids with sensory disorders. Bringing along headphones can limit unpleasant sounds coming into your child’s ears and be used to produce more pleasing sounds. Those that are more pleasing. There are many types of headphones that can both reduce sound and be subtle enough that they can wear them in public without drawing any unwanted attention. Plug them into your phone or tablet and play some nature sounds to increase the effect.
3. Light Sensitivity
Fluorescent lighting is horrible and it is everywhere. Remember to throw a pair of sunglasses and a sleep mask in your bag. This will help your child be able to cope with bad lighting issues that can actually cause headaches making the problem worse.
4. Weighted Blankets/Clothing
Sometimes, the best medicine is a good, strong hug. The weight provided by sensory blankets are the next best thing. There is a wide variety of weighted items that can give your child the pressure they need to stay calm. Some of the most popular are blankets and vests. The bonus is they can be taken anywhere.
5. Activities
So, you’re at a restaurant or airport and the wait time is getting a little lengthy. Try bringing along activities to occupy time. With things like coloring books, word finds, apps on tablets and smart phones, the possibilities are endless. Making mini sensory containers (made in shoebox sized totes) that can be taken on trips with you is another option. Check out our video on sensory bins to get some ideas. (5 Reasons Why We Need Sensory Bins in the video section of the site).
Don’t forget the items for those oral sensations that can lead to biting if they get too bad. Bring along gum, mints, celery or items that are specifically made to be chewed on like Chewlery.
6. Bring a familiar face
We all feel braver when we have support from others. When going somewhere new and unfamiliar, your child may feel more comfortable facing this challenge if they have a family member or friend with them. If it is a situation that requires you to leave them, try giving them a wallet sized photo of you with a short message on the back from you as a comfort tool.
7. Bring their favorite toy
Bringing their favorite toy can calm your child and make them feel more comfortable. You can even buy a new one and dedicate it as a “Travel Buddy”.
Well, there you have it. 7 tips that can help you make traveling and going out a more pleasant experience for your child with special needs. Be mindful that every child is unique and that what may work for some may not work for others. Do you have some tricks that work for your child with sensory needs? I would love to hear about them. Share them on our social media pages or email them to me [email protected]
By: Moshe Levi, LPN, Recreation Coordinator
of Creative Approach Development Center, LLC
www.TheFullestPotential.com