Whether you need to bring your child to a therapy appointment across town or you're planning a lengthy family road trip, use these quick tips to help make car travel easier.
Map out the trip ahead of time so you know where potential stops are. Involve your child in planning stops can help ease anxiety or give them something to look forward to.
Prep and plan before you hit the road. If your child requires routine or emergency medications, keep extra in the car along with spare supplies for toileting, feeding, etc.
Make sure your destination is accessible. Whether you're staying overnight or just a few hours, find out ahead of time whether your destination can accommodate your child's accessibility needs.
Help your child prepare for the journey, both physically and mentally. A visual schedule or Social Story can be useful in priming your child, and you can talk about potential changes in the routine.
Combat boredom in the car. You know your child best, so help them prepare entertainment such as audiobooks, tactile toys, fidgets, or snacks.
Handle travel disruptions. It's not possible to prevent every sensory trigger or behavior, but you can be a calm and regulated advocate for your child when something unexpected happens.
Don't forget self-care. Caring for your child and planning a trip can be a lot of work, so build time into the day to decompress or do something fun for yourself.
For more details, examples, videos, and tips, check out our full article Road Trip Tips for Kids with Disabilities.
Save your favorite resources and access a custom Roadmap.
Get Started
