Children with autism struggle with communication. Explaining that there will be a change in the routine, as in travel, will provide limited relief to many children who are autistic. For a large number with severe difficulty with receptive language, this strategy will not help at all.
Simple, straightforward lists or picture schedules help many children with autism. Older children and those with Asperger syndrome may benefit from a simple list of words or phrases.
If pictures are used, they can be simple drawings or picture icons created with a commercial picture makers such as Boardmaker ®. Many school districts and public libraries have such programs. Using a list or picture schedule, the child can actually see what is next by looking at the list. This technique can be applied to preparing for a trip as well.
A Picture Schedule for Travel Preparation
The following items could be included in the picture schedule or pre-travel list. Exact items, of course, should be used to represent the steps that the child’s family will take.
- Packing the suitcase
- Taking the pets to the kennel
- Watering the plants
- Preparing a cooler
- Packing the car
Some children will do well with their own packing list of suitcase items. This list could be for the clothes and toiletries they will need. It could also be for the activity bag that the child will take.
Communicating the Timeline of the Trip
Using an individual schedule will help the child understand just how long the trip will be. It could also be used prior to the trip to track the time before the actual travel. An individual calendar can be a pocket-sized calendar that belongs only to the child; a larger calendar posted on the wall, a bulletin board, or refrigerator; or a simple photocopy of that month’s page from an existing calendar.
The calendar should include clear information:
- The dates included in the trip
- The mode of travel
- The destination
- The people who will be traveling or those who will be at the destination
The thing to keep in mind is that the child needs visual information, with minimal surprises.
Children on the autism spectrum live in a world that is confusing and often frustrating to them. When they do not understand what is happening, they can be upset. Behaviors can be less than desirable. The overall travel experience for everyone will be far from enjoyable and relaxing.
Using a list or pictures to communicate travel plans is simply building on existing communication practices. Either method can be the way to minimize the child’s frustration.
Lynn Moore - Moore is a freelance writer, experienced special education teacher, and mother of two. She has worked as a developmental therapist for ...
