Travel has always been an integral part of our lives, opening up new horizons, enriching our experience and enabling us to learn about the world around us. However, for some families, especially those with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), travel can be a real challenge. The situation is complicated by war, when millions of families are forced to leave their homes in search of safety. For a child with autism, every trip is stressful and requires careful preparation and attention to detail. In this article, we will look at what ASD is, how war affects children with this disorder, and how to properly prepare for moving to reduce stress for the child.
What is ASD?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects various aspects of a child’s life, including social interaction, communication, and behavioral patterns. According to American scientists, every 36th child is born with autism, and this rate is increasing every year. In Ukraine, according to estimates of the Public Health Center, the number of children with autism spectrum disorders increases by 30% every year. These children can have different manifestations of autism: from barely noticeable features to significant difficulties in socialization, communication and sensory perception.
Developmental features of children with autism can vary significantly. Some children may have difficulty interacting with other people, avoid eye contact, have limited interests or repetitive actions. Others may show extreme sensitivity to sounds, light, or textures. It is important to understand that each child with ASD is unique and their needs may differ significantly from other children with the disorder.
How does war affect children with ASD?
War creates additional challenges for children with ASD and their families. Moving, evacuating and finding a new place to live can be extremely stressful situations for such children. Military operations, noise, chaos and constant environmental changes can cause severe anxiety and panic in children with autism. The uncertainty and lack of stability that is the norm during wartime can greatly worsen a child with ASD, affecting their behavior and general well-being.
Many families in wartime are forced to move several times, which makes the adaptation process even more difficult for the child. For a child with autism, stability and predictability are important, so each new move becomes an additional source of stress. For example, such children may experience serious difficulties with sleeping or eating in a new place, which affects their physical condition and general well-being. In addition, children with ASD may have difficulty adapting to new people and new social situations, which is inevitable during evacuations and relocations.
How to prepare for traveling with a child with ASD?
Preparations for traveling with a child with ASD must be very thorough, as even minor changes can cause stress for the child. Psychologists recommend starting preparation in advance, using various methods to familiarize the child with the upcoming changes. For example, you can show the child photos or videos of places where he will go, so that he gradually gets used to new conditions. In addition, it is important to follow certain rituals and schedules so that the child feels more confident and safe in new conditions.
If possible, it is worth discussing the route and travel plan with the child. Using simple words and clear language will help the child better understand what is happening. When moving, it is important to have familiar things with you that help the child feel more comfortable, for example, favorite toys or a blanket. It can become a kind of “comfort zone” for a child in an unfamiliar environment.
It is also necessary to take into account possible difficulties that may arise during the trip and be prepared for them. For example, it is worth predicting the possibility of a longer adaptation of the child to a new place than usual, and have a reserve of time and patience. It is important to be prepared for the fact that some plans may change and to be flexible in these situations.
Traveling and moving for children with autism is an extremely difficult process that requires special preparation and attention. In the conditions of war, these difficulties only increase, since the change of circumstances becomes forced, and adaptation to new conditions is even more difficult. However, the right preparation and support can help significantly reduce stress levels and make travel possible even for children with ASD. It is important to remember that each child is unique, and the approach to preparing for the trip should be individual, taking into account all the characteristics and needs of the child.
