TIP of the WEEK: Surviving Holiday Travel

Many of you are starting your plans for holiday traveling. Here are some tips for increasing the odds of a positive experience.

1. Flying. If you are flying home for the holidays be sure to alert your airline that you are traveling with a person with special needs. Many parents simply say that their child has autism because it is more recognizable than having to explain PWS and the needs are similar. You will likely be allowed to board and exit first allowing you to skip the commotion and rush during the boarding and exiting process.

2. Driving. If you are driving be sure to check online for rest stop locations and pack a cooler for meals and snacks so you can avoid having to rely on fast food. Under estimate what you will be able to tolerate as far as distance per day. Pushing it will only lead to frustration and exhaustion on your part which will add to your child’s stress.

3. Book a hotel. If at all possible don’t try to stay with family, especially if they don’t know your child well. Holidays are stressful enough and having your own space to escape to at the end of the day is priceless.

Finally, if you don’t think that your child can handle the travel or the final destination- stay home. You know your child better than anyone and it’s ultimately your decision. Visiting family can be a wonderful thing as long as you plan realistically.

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.