Travelling can be a delightful experience, offering a chance for families to create lasting memories and explore new horizons. However, for families with children who have special needs, like autism, the idea of travelling might seem daunting. Mohammad Azry and his wife, residents of Singapore, share their journey and practical tips for travelling with their 10-year-old non-verbal autistic son and their young daughter.
Preparing for the Trip
Credit: Mohammad Azry
For Azry and his family, preparation is key to a successful trip. They ensure they have a sufficient supply of diapers, which are vacuum-packed to save space. Comfort items like their son’s favourite toys, a special pillow, and a tablet are packed to make the journey smoother. Clothing preferences are also considered, with t-shirts and bermudas being the go-to outfits for their son.
"We also have pictures of food and drinks on our phones to help him indicate his preferences," Azry adds. For drinks, they carry a special tumbler that keeps beverages cold, as their son prefers them that way.
Overcoming Apprehensions
Credit: Mohammad Azry
Understanding the potential challenges and fears associated with travelling with a special needs child, Azry emphasises the importance of creating unforgettable memories with both of their children. "It might not be perfect, and there might be hiccups, but the experiences are worth it. We adopt a 'just go' attitude and handle situations as they come," says Azry.
Communicating and Understanding Needs
Credit: Mohammad Azry
Communication plays a critical role in their travels. Azry and his wife stay vigilant for signs of distress or discomfort from their son and adjust their plans accordingly. Familiar foods like biryani and churros are sought out, as these are his favorites.
Ensuring Safety
Credit: Mohammad Azry
"Safety is non-negotiable," Azry stresses. They always keep their son within sight and take turns being by his side. Finding a balance between being protective and allowing their son to enjoy his time is a continuous discussion for them.
Adapting to New Environments
To help their son adapt to new environments, the family maintains regular meal and bath times and introduces new places slowly. "We sit with him until he feels comfortable enough to explore," explains Azry.
Essential Items for Travel
Credit: Mohammad Azry
Some items are indispensable for their travels, such as a tablet, favourite toys, and wet tissues. "These small comforts can make a big difference in how he experiences the trip," notes Azry.
Handling Overwhelming Situations
In crowded or unfamiliar settings, they start with less crowded places to help their son adjust gradually. Azry shares a poignant memory: "Once, he became very distressed at an immigration area. It was challenging, but the understanding and assistance from the officers made a significant difference."
Navigating Public Spaces
Azry advises having strategies for managing sensory overload, which can include making quick diversions to quieter spaces or engaging their son with different sights if certain areas trigger discomfort.
Memorable Experiences
Credit: Mohammad Azry
Reflecting on their travels, Azry recalls their trips to Thailand and Malaysia, where they discovered their son’s love for long-distance sightseeing. "These trips have not only been enjoyable but have also helped him learn new skills, like fastening his seatbelt," Azry shares proudly.
Advice to Other Parents
Credit: Mohammad Azry
To parents hesitant about travelling with a non-verbal autistic child, Azry offers encouraging words: "Never doubt your capabilities. It’s worth trying and learning from each trip to make the next one even better. The challenges are real, but the memories and growth are invaluable."
Azry's story is a testament to the joys and trials of travelling with an autistic child. By sharing their experiences and strategies, they hope to inspire other families to explore the world, one trip at a time, creating precious memories and learning along the way.
This article is contributed by HHWT Explorer Mohammad Azry. You can follow his journey on Instagram. Interested in sharing your story? Email us [email protected]!