Traveling with a child that has disabilities requires a lot of planning — and even more patience. Incorporate our travel tips into your next vacation to help you enjoy this special time to reconnect with your family.

 Plan and prepare

Prepare your child for all the transitions they are about to partake in with social stories, travel picture books and websites about your destination. If you are visiting relatives, make sure to speak with them ahead of time about any sensitivities or anxieties your child may have.

 Pack with purpose

Bring familiar comfort items like a favorite blanket or sleeping toy to help with tranditions. Pack your child’s favorite snacks and pull them out when they get bored or anxious. Bringing along a handheld video game system or new coloring books to keep your child entertained decreases the chances of negative behaviors. If your child has noise sensitivity, bring along a pair of noise blocking headphones they can wear.

 Flying tips

If flying, make sure to pack a change of clothes and lots of diapers in your carry on for those unpredictable accidents; don’t be surprised if your toilet trained child goes back to habits you thought were gone. You may also want to consider bringing a foldable toilet seat cover. Airplane toilets are different and can be scary for some children.

1). Ask your ticket agent to preboard so your child does not have to wait in crowded lines and has time to settle in before general boarding.

2). Check with your airline about TSA guidelines for carry on of medications and medical equipment.

3). Visit the TSA’s website for more information about traveling with passengers with disabilities and medical conditions.

Ample accommodations

To optimize relaxation and avoid stress, think about booking a small apartment with a kitchen, instead of just a hotel room. The extra cost may balance eating out. It also allows your tired child that may have feeding, sensory or behavioral issues a private and quiet place to eat.

 Schedule sensory

Make sure to identify a quiet place wherever you are going you can retreat to with your child that ‘needs a break.’ Many children with disabilities have complicated nervous systems. Do not overlook your child’s needs to run, swing, wheelbarrow walk or swim in the hotel pool. It is important to schedule these sensory activities everyday to give your child a chance to exert some energy.

 Relax rules

On vacation, keep your schedule flexible enough to adapt to your child’s needs. It’s OK if you relax on your daily routines and rules to keep everyone happy. Your child might not be allowed in your bed during typical home time, but if extra cuddling at night gets them to sleep faster in their new environment, go ahead and snuggle.

Take time

If you’re traveling with your partner, take turns giving each other breaks even if it’s just the chance to take a quick walk around the hotel grounds. If you’re traveling alone, try taking a bath to calm your nerves once your child has gone to bed. A relaxed parent sets the tone for a tense free vacation.

 UPCOMING EVENTS

• Monday: Newsletter assembly, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Tuesday: People First Aktion Club Christmas Party, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Wednesday: Mower County Special Olympics Bowling, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

• Thursday: Cooking for Comfort — Christmas Cookies, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

• Friday to Monday — The Arc of Mower County is closed. Merry Christmas