Have Fun This Summer While Traveling

I have learned that an Airbnb works best for us. They are reasonably priced and a home-style setting helps both my son and my anxiety. It gives him room to walk around freely and allows me to establish a routine similar to our home routine. It can be hard to pack up all your equipment and worry about safety. I have learned most bnb owners are understanding and will let you ship a lot of things to the house prior to your stay. Our nightly routine is simple, I will lay with him until he falls asleep or we pack a pop-up tent that he likes to sleep in because it’s small and gets very dark.

Long overnight traveling isn’t your thing? I hear ya, road trips can be so much fun and a good way to ease into travel. Going to children’s museums, aquariums, water parks, zoos and sporting events are great fun. I always call beforehand and ask about their handicap accessibility. Most places are very understanding and will go out of their way to make it a great experience for your child.

Road trips have you squirmy? Day trips can be just as much fun. Try to find a local park with a splash pad. You can look online in your area to see what is available. On a day trip, we pack like we are going to be gone for 2 days. We pack pull-ups, a change of clothes, fidgets, tablets, equipment, food, adaptive cups, melatonin and medication. I pack everything in the car the night before so we can be on the road by 8 am. If we are still on the road at 9 pm I’ll give my son his meds and let him sleep in the car so the transfer from the car to the bed is so much easier.

Leaving the house for a few hours is great for you and your child. When you make your presence known in the community most of the time you will be well received. There is that one percent chance that you won’t be received well. I had an experience when a typical boy kicked my son in the stomach. I went to talk to his mom and she said: “boys will be boys”. So I walked over to that little boy and said, “we don’t kick people”. That experience led me to create a #TobysTroops card. It’s a simple card about Angelman Syndrome and Toby. I hand them out to those parents who need reminding that we are members of this community too and should be treated with respect.

I have found that the more I go out with my son I notice things in the community that aren’t modified for him and it gives me a reason to call my local legislators and demand adaptive play equipment. The more we can unite the more we can conquer the world. Look at Caroline’s cart – one mom’s idea to help make shopping easier is now available at many retailers around the globe. Some stores will order it when you ask them.

Don’t let Angelman Syndrome stop you from seeing new places, meeting new people and living an amazing life.