TIP of the WEEK: Spring Break

Many of you will be traveling for spring break. Here are some tips for safe and successful travels with your child with PWS.

1. Make prior arrangements with the airline. Most airlines will accommodate children with special needs by allowing pre-boarding and sometimes a tour of the plane while it is empty allowing your child to feel less anxious about air travel. Many parents describe their child as having autism because it is most widely known and the accommodations needed are so similar.

2. Use social stories. Telling your child stories about what happens at each step of travel will prepare them for the transitions through security, boarding and exiting the plane. Use stories for any mode of transportation to ease their anxiety.

3. If road tripping- plot out each rest stop break. There are plenty of online tools that will help you plan your stops. Keep snack time and meal time the same when possible.

4. Bored kids are never a good idea. Pack lots of games, crafts, movies; anything to keep them busy, again, this will lessen anxiety.

Don’t be afraid of traveling with your child with PWS. Planning ahead can make the journey safe and happy for everyone.

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.