Traveling can be a complex endeavor, particularly when it involves children with special needs. Crista, a mother of three from San Antonio, Texas, has invaluable firsthand experience in this area, navigating both car trips and flights with her 15-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum. During our recent interview, she offered a wealth of practical advice for families embarking on similar journeys.
The Art of Planning
When planning trips, Crista’s primary strategy involves taking two vehicles. While it may sound inconvenient, it’s a critical factor in managing her son’s stress levels, particularly during long-distance journeys. “If we’re out somewhere and my child needs to leave because it’s getting too much for him…we can do that,” she explains. The second car ensures her son can leave whenever he wants, reducing his anxiety and offering a smooth travel experience for the entire family.
This idea extends beyond just travel—it’s also applied in regular outings like going to the movies. The flexibility provided by the two vehicles allows Crista’s son to exit any situation at his pace, without impacting his siblings’ experiences.
Flying Considerations
When it comes to air travel, Crista reveals a little-known industry secret: the DPNA code. Introduced by the International Air Transport Association in 2008, the DPNA (Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance) code offers airlines a heads up about special needs passengers and enables them to make necessary arrangements, such as early boarding or specific seating.
Crista and her family also strategically plan their boarding process, paying for early boarding for her son and one parent, with the other parent boarding normally with the other children. This method allows her son to board and settle without the added stress of waiting in line.
Amusement Parks & Attractions
For families planning trips to amusement parks, Crista advises asking about accommodations for special needs children. Places like Disney, for example, offer specific time slots for rides, reducing wait times and making the experience more manageable for kids. This proactive approach can make the visit significantly more enjoyable and less stressful for both children and parents.
Preparation is Key
In addition to strategic planning, Crista stresses the importance of thorough preparation—particularly ensuring that entertainment devices are fully charged, and all necessary accessories, like headphones, are at hand. This foresight helps keep her son entertained during long waits or delays, which are often the most challenging parts of a journey.
This interview was part of an exclusive 1-1 interview with Crista Branch that
will be featured on Stress Free Family Vacations, to attend for free https://relaxationplanner.com/stress-free-family-vacations/.
