Traveling With Aspies

This week has been crazy busy as we prepare for our Thanksgiving trip to Dallas, and I haven't had time to give much thought to blog posts, as I'm sure you can understand.  So you won't be hearing from me next week as I enjoy time with my parents and siblings.  (Side note:  I haven't seen my brother or my sister for four years, as a result of circumstances, money, and living so dang far apart.  So you can imagine how excited I am!)  Mason and Connor are excited to see everyone, too, but there's always some anxiety that comes with long trips and being confined in the car.  We have a standard size four door, so we have to work to create comfort for us and the boys.  In case you're wondering, the first day we'll be in the car 11-12 hours, then a two day stop with Jodie's brother, then another 6 hours to Dallas.  So, a lot of driving.  In addition to the long car hours, we also have sensory issues and a huge need for personal space.  Plus, extra anxiety mixed with excitement about being out of their comfort zone at home.  Which, when I really stop to think about it, makes me wonder what kind of psychos we are for going on this trip!  What are we thinking?!  Well...I guess we're thinking we want to see my family, and the kids have to learn to adapt and adjust because that's how life is.  Since we're going ahead with this crazy plan, I thought I'd share five things I've learned to do when traveling with my two Aspies. (Though this can apply to any kid, really.)

1.  No matter how small the car, figure out how to create a space they can feel comfortable in.  We put a small cooler in the middle seat between the boys to divide the space and keep them from the dreaded accidental touching that occurs in cars with siblings.  They both get to bring their favorite stuffed animals and blankets and pillow pets.  This way, they have the comfort, and they can pile the things on themselves for pressure if they start to feel overwhelmed.  They also each have their own toys, which brings me to...

2.  Bring lots of activities to keep them busy, and, in the case of a child with Asperger's, bring toys that have to do with whatever their current obsession is.  Connor will have his building blocks which he creates Transformers with, in addition to paper to draw Transformers, and a couple of his Transformer Toys.  Plus, for the car DVD player, we have a selection of Transformer and Mighty Machine movies.  Mason will have his Gameboy Advance with his favorite Mario games, a DVD with Mario cartoons, and his stuffed polar bear, which is his constant companion.  Check, check, and check.  This is not the time for me to worry that all the TV and video games will rot their brain.  This is about survival!

3.  Bring NEW stuff.  I don't know about your kids, but mine get really excited when they get new stuff.  So we got some new movies, like the latest Mighty Machines and the whole collection of Beethoven movies (did you know they're up to 6 or 7?).  When they're excited about new stuff they tend to forget anxiety for a least a little bit.

4.  Snacks.  LOTS of snacks.  I have a huge selection both for the boys and for us.  Even my kids who don't eat a whole lot suddenly are constantly hungry when we're on a trip.  Fruit snacks, animal cookies, pretzels, trail mix, Cheez-its...I am totally stocked and ready!

5.  Stop and refresh often.  I hate stopping so much, because it's such a long trip, but everyone needs a little fresh air and time to stretch.  This is probably the most generic advice, but it's so true!  Even a short bathroom break can perk you up a little bit, which goes a long way when you're in the car forever.

So, there you have it.  Besides school, this is what is keeping me busy this week.  I know none of my tips are earth-shattering or brand new, but they have helped us survive many car trips, short and long.  I guess one more tip would be to go with the flow and don't expect perfection.  Relax and everyone will be better for it.  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  See you when we get back!

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