TRAVELLING WITH A CHILD WITH ADHD OR AUTISM

Holidays are fun but travelling with a child with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism can be a challenge, especially if the holiday involves a long car trip or air travel.

ADHD is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.

Children with ADHD function best in a structured familiar setting; however, travel disrupts their routine and exposes the child to situations that can trigger impulsive behaviour — eating in restaurants, encountering strangers, sleeping in new environments and at different times.

Children with ADHD or autism can be helped by strategies that prepare them

for travel. These can mitigate the impact travel can have on their behaviour making the trip easier for the family as well as for their fellow travellers.

Involve the child in planning the trip - tell the child where they are

going and why. Children with ADHD can be overwhelmed by sudden changes or shifts in their routine. Help the child prepare for the trip by letting them know where they are going and why they are travelling and who they might be going to visit. Ask them what they would like to see on the trip and what they would like to do and prepare a schedule that includes their activities. Rehearse calming techniques with

the child. Practice calming techniques (deep breathing exercises or relaxing yoga moves) in the weeks leading up to the trip to help a child with autism develop skills to relax and deal with their new experiences.

If and when the child starts to become anxious, encourage them to do the calming exercises. This might help them settle. Having a familiar object such as a blanket or toy can also help them.

Provide structure - set rules and guidelines for travel and provide positive discipline. Children with ADHD or autism like routine, so try to keep as much of their routine intact as possible. If not, set and adhere to a special “holiday” routine. Setting rules and guidelines for travel and communicating and reminding the child of these rules during the trip can also help. Interactive toys and games can keep the child occupied. Avoid exhaustion — arrange for

some downtime. ADHD symptoms can intensify if a child hasn’t had enough sleep — ensure your schedule allows for them to keep to their regular sleep pattern. If this is not possible, ensure your schedule allows enough time for them to have appropriate sleep and rest. A schedule that provides opportunities for the child to be physically active to work off some energy can also help. Pack the child’s medication. If the child takes medication for their condition, make sure you pack their medication and ensure you have enough medication to last the trip, especially if you are travelling overseas. Carry the medication in your purse or in a carry-on, not in checked luggage. You should also carry a copy of the script and a letter from your GP stating diagnosis and medication if travelling overseas as these medications are banned in some countries. Always have medication in original packaging. Check the travel guidelines for the country you are visiting and see if there are extra requirements. Here is a handy link: http://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/health/ Pages/medicine.aspx