Alleviating Transportation Anxiety For People With Autism
Transportation anxiety and other struggles make getting from place to place with kids on the spectrum a task to manage. Some people with ASD absolutely love to take trips in the car while others struggle with it. Furthermore, just because a young one with autism likes to ride in the car doesn’t mean they are suddenly ready for a long road trip or to transition to bus or even plane travel without some intervention. Want to make transportation a little easier for people with autism? Lexington Services has compiled some techniques that you can try at home.
Do Things In Steps
To make transportation easier for people with ASD, you should try to do everything in steps with visual aids in use before you ever put the keys in the ignition. Look at pictures and explain where you are going as well, so you can build connections with the ride and not just focus on the ride. For first timers, try sitting in the car with the ignition off just to get a feel for that environment. When your loved one have adjusted, you can start moving.
Start Small, Move To Big
As your child gets use to the idea of transportation or even the feeling of it, remember that it’s going to take some time for them to get used to the process and concept, especially since trips in the car or on the bus are likely breaks in routine. When you’re just starting out, a short trip is better than a long one. You can actually use short trips to build excitement for the longer ones by making the activity of riding fun. You can drive a bit further and further every time, but just make sure you do it increments.
Preparing For The Unpredictable
Travel is never easy and it can be very unpredictable at times, especially on the roadways. Accidents, construction and weather can all change your route and that can throw people with autism out of their routine during transportation. As soon as you are aware of the oncoming change, you should talk your loved one through and assure them that you are still going to the same destination. As long as that factor remains the same, people with ASD are likely to worry less about the journey.
Take Breaks Where You Can
No matter how well a person has adjusted to transportation methods, everyone needs a break every once in a while. When you plan your route, make sure that you are aware of places to stop that can include parks and interesting things to do, but also just for bathroom breaks. For longer trips this will be crucial, along with knowing where you are going to stop and eat or get refreshments if you need them.
Understand The Differences In Transportation
Transportation modes matter to the success of a day without a meltdown for our loved ones with ASD. Many people can adjust to cars and support vans pretty easily, since they become such a constant. However, if you are planning on taking a flight with someone on the autism spectrum, remember that comes with unique social pressures and the inability to take breaks. Public transportation like buses and the light rail are good places to get loved ones used to the social situations involved in long distance travel that also offer people the ability to get on and off as they please. Whatever the case, take time to adjust and transition and always approach the situation with patience.
Transportation At Lexington
Did you know that Lexington offers transportation services? It’s one of the things that makes us unique. We believe that no one should be limited from growth and community because of transportation conflicts. While restrictions apply and there are only a limited number of seats we can offer every year, it’s just one more thing that Lexington does for our member so they can thrive in this community. Would you like to know more? Contact a member of Lexington staff today by calling 480-900-1009.
Click here to read more from Lexington Services.