As we finish this series, we need to be realistic about the behavior challenges that may come up while you are on vacation. Even if you plan ahead, make special arrangements, and just generally do everything you possibly can to make your trip a success, there may still be some bumps in the road. Behavior problems from your special traveler or the effect schedule changes will have on your family sometimes can not be avoided. Here are some ideas for when bumps do come up.

Try to build in activities that you know your special traveler will enjoy. A trip to Texas might not usually involve a trip to a train museum but if that is an interest of an individual on the trip then make time for it. These favored activities can also be used as incentives to try new experiences: “first we will go to the museum then we will go bowling. If the activities of the day are not of interest to a particular member of the group allow that person to select the restaurant, offer a special privilege (ex. sitting in front seat or control of radio) or allow choices in the order of activities to provide a sense of control.Pack small rewards to offer for good behavior or redirect an individual when stressed. Know an individual’s limits and do not push them beyond what they are able to do. Make sure there are plenty of breaks so no one becomes over-stimulated.

Anticipate the situations likely to cause stress for the individual. Prepare the individual through discussions, role-play, or social stories. Bring distracters such as hand held video game or develop games like I spy to play when in stressful situations such as waiting in lines. Practice coping mechanism in advance of the trip for use during stressful situations.

When vacationing with an individual with special needs it is sometime important to think two and three steps ahead, anticipating stressors and obstacles and having a plan B. Even the best laid plans can go awry. You were going to have a great family reunion, and then your child had a melt down. The idea of vacation is to relax, so remember that it is ok to skip and activity, take a break, or just head back to the hotel and watch a movie.

One last tip, safety first. Although we don’t like think about the worst case scenarios, sometimes we have to think ahead in order to be prepared. Make sure identification is carried, worn as a necklace, pinned to the back of a shirt or attach to shoelaces in case individual with special needs gets accidentally separated from parents or group. Include the individual’s name, diagnosis, and a cell phone number or hotel address and phone number for contacting a caregiver on the trip as well as anything that a person might need to know to keep the individual safe and calm until you are reunited. Carry a recent photo of the individual to show police in case he/she wanders off.

I hope this series has given you the confidence that you and your family can over come this obstacle. It may take more planning and forethought than most families, but it can be just as enjoyable for your family. Don’t let trepidation keep you from spending time with friends and family during these very special holidays.