Tip of the Week for July 2nd, 2012
This Week's Tip: On May 31, 2011, the Autism Society of America released the following tips for summer travel: If you're traveling with an individual with autism this summer, check out the following tips from experts to make the trip more enjoyable for all. - Plan in advance.
- Call ahead and inform the airline, hotel, resort or cruise line of the individual's situation, and inquire what special accommodations (for example, fridge inside room) are available.
- Prepare the individual before and during the trip on what to expect. Use pictures, the web or objects, as appropriate, to communicate.
- Don't hesitate to explain and share information about autism to others you may encounter, including flight attendants, hotel staff, employees at the amusements you visit and other vacationers.
- Bring familiar items that you think will make him or her more comfortable.
- Select vacation destinations with environments you believe the individual can handle.
- Book a cruise or resort vacation during "low season" so there will be fewer guests and the staff will have more time to devote to your needs.
- Travel by car, if flying or other public transportation seems too difficult.
- Choose hotels/motels with kitchen suites or room service so you have the option to eat in your room.
- MP3 players with headphones, loaded with favorite music, can soothe individuals who are disturbed by noises. Personal DVD players can also help make a long trip more enjoyable.
- Adhere as closely as you can to aspects of the individual's normal routine.
- Whatever happens, stay calm and remember tomorrow you can always try again.
Many thanks to the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and Dr. Cathy Pratt of the Autism Society Board of Directors for their work on these tips.
Book of the Week: Survival Strategies for People on the Autism Spectrum [electronic resource] / Marc Fleisher, Jessica Kingsley. 2006. This gives some great ideas and coping strategies. Here's the table of contents: - Summary of Contents and Aims
- An Overview of Autism
- The Worry of the 'What If?' Scenario
- The Vital Role of Communication
- The Art of Independent Living
- Rules of Socializing
- Further Education and Training Survival Guide
- The World of Sport As An Aid
- The Challenge of Sharing Ideas With the Wider Audience
- Dealing With Uncertainty
- Autism In A Nutshell.
This is an electronic book that may be accessed from anywhere in the state. If you've used our ebooks before, this link will take you to the title and log you in: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=158459&site=ehost-live&scope=site You can go directly to SESA's online ebook collection with this link (you will need a user name and password; please call Anne at home at 907-677-1207 or email at afreitag@gci.net). http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=uid
For information on using ebooks, click here: http://www.sesa.org/content/library/ebook-collection.
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