Search Results for: travel

Summer Travel Tips

Take a picture on your phone before you leave home so if lost, it will be easier to identify your grandchild and the clothing worn that day.
Pin identification information and your cell phone number to the back of your grandchild’s shirt.
Check the airport layout and find out how far you will have to go… and plan ahead how to accommodate to get there on time.
Pack extra medication – pack double of anything important and keep one set in the checked bag and one set in your carry-on bag.
Check to see what perks you have as a rewards member or cardholder to see if you can get lounge access or any other perks that will help you.
Download your grandchild’s favorite calming music or games to play while you’re waiting for your flight at the airport… and on the plane.
Let people know you are out with children with autism so they may be a little more helpful (you can do this subtly by wearing our Grandparent Autism Network caps.

More travel tips are available on our website.

TSA PASSENGER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS are available to families who are traveling with people with special needs. Families that are concerned about the check point process or that need special accommodation can ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a Passenger Support Specialist who will provide on-the spot assistance.

A Passenger Support Specialist can be onsite when you need them by calling ahead of time at 1-855-787-2227. The TSA website has a kids’ section with a cartoon video to help children understand the screening process at the airport. Check to see if the airport provides opportunities for families to rehearse the flight procedures prior to the traveling. If not, plan a visit there with your grandchild, before your departure, to lower possible anxiety.

More TSA info here

Summer 2022 Newsletter

Travel and Activity Suggestions

Grandparents frequently travel and enjoy summer vacations together with their families. This issue is devoted to travel tips, autism and sensory friendly destinations and summer activities to enjoy at home with your grandchildren.

It is becoming easier to travel with children affected by autism. More staff members at venues are receiving autism training and more vacation destinations are becoming certified as “autism certified” organizations. In order to attain that status, at least 80% of the staff must receive 21 or more hours of autism training, pass a test and re-certify every 2 years. Many of the locations that have been certified are listed below.

Autism Friendly Destinations:

Here are 30 Best Autism-Friendly Vacation Ideas
USA Today also has these suggestions
These destinations provide water activities

Questions to Ask before Making Reservations

State any specific needs your grandchild has to inquire what resources are available on site to meet those needs:

What accommodations exist for individuals with autism?
Are quieter areas or rooms available?
Can substitutions be made for food dietary restrictions?
Is there an accessibility pass available for site attractions?
Are there requirements or restrictions for rides?
Are sensory guides or maps available?

Getting There: Air Travel Tips

Before you travel by air, role play with your grandchild or visit a local airport together so they will know what to anticipate. Explain what they will experience during the security and pre-boarding protocols.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now has special accommodations for people with disabilities. Their website provides a video with additional information. You can print a TSA Notification Card online for your grandchild prior to travel.

At the gate, inform the attendant you are traveling with a child with autism and request your preference for pre-boarding or late boarding. Bring candy, gum or a chew toy to prevent ear popping discomfort, favorite digital tablets, books or toys and snacks.

Apply for an IAC Card

Some parks and attractions recognize the digital IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC), a free resource for individuals with disabilities who need special accommodations at participating amusement parks. Learn more about it here.

You will find additional Summer Travel Tips on our GAN website

At Home Summer Activities

Plant vegetables or flowers in the garden.
Share recreational activities and encourage exercise. Try walking, hiking, camping, skating, golfing, bowling or riding bikes together.
Visit a local park, playground or museum.
Create water games. Run through sprinklers, fill balloons and toys with water. Create an obstacle course together around the sprinklers.
Watch a movie. Check your local theater to see if they offer sensory friendly shows or watch movies together at home with favorite snacks you prepare together.
Engage in sensory play. Fill a small plastic pool or large topless storage container with sand or water and place some small toys in it.
Make homemade ice cream. Here’s an easy recipe.
Prepare summer fresh fruit popsicles. These look as good as they taste
Read together. Visit a local library. Provide a selection of colorful magazines, books and graphic novels that explore cultures, people and animals from around the world or cater to your grandchild’s special interests.
Build with blocks or Lego sets. Create a design together.
Make music. Use rhythm instruments, drumsticks, pots, pans, wooden spoons and spatulas to play along with a favorite song. Dance together to the music.
Make art and crafts projects. Provide supplies and encourage drawing or doing needlework together.
Make an easy recipe of clay. Go here to view 5 recipes you can make with some ingredients you may already have in your kitchen pantry.

GAN Logo Caps

GAN receives many requests for logo items and they can be especially helpful in some social situations. If grandchildren act inappropriately when accompanied by grandparents, some people may assume it is because the grandparents are too permissive. Wearing an article of clothing with an autism logo makes the public aware that your grandchild’s behavior may be due to autism.They will be more likely to be supportive to you, your family and autism causes.

The navy GAN logo cap is made of high quality 100% brushed cotton twill. It has 6 panels and a pre-curved visor with white trim. It measures 4-3/8″ H x 23″ circumference and the adjustable strap with a Velcro closure ensures that it fits both men and women comfortably. GAN’s logo is embroidered in turquoise, purple and green surrounded by “Grandparent Autism Network” in white. The caps are very attractive and make great gifts year round.

You can receive a GAN logo cap for a donation of $25.00. This includes shipping and handling costs to addresses in the U.S. You can order caps here.

New Family Research Opportunity: SPARK

Stanford University is conducting a new online research study that will be the nation’s largest study ever conducted. All ages are encouraged to enroll. Joining SPARK is simple – registration is online and participants provide a DNA sample via a saliva collection kit in the comfort of their own homes. Learn more online and encourage your family to enroll in the study here. Help to ensure a better future for all individuals and families affected by autism.

Stanford SPARK Study Flyer

STAY-AT-HOME CLEANING

Now is the perfect time to sort through cupboards, drawers and closets. Most of us have collectibles and other worthwhile items that our children do not want. Donations to the Grandparent Autism Network are tax-deductible. Create more space for all the fabulous things that you love AND benefit grandparents and their families affected by autism.

All donated items are sold through our e-Bay for Charity store, raising money to support our programs, services and websites. We welcome donated goods such as:

New unwanted gifts
Collectibles, Home Accessories, Craft Items
New Clothing, Shoes and Handbags
Fine, Vintage and Costume Jewelry
Mobile Phones, Tablets and Laptops

You can mail or drop off donations for GAN at the store located at 23785 El Toro Road, #103, Lake Forest, CA. Contact us at info@ganinfo.org for possible pickup options in Orange County, CA and for tax-donation forms.

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Tax ID# 20-5230144

Emergency Preparedness Documents for Individuals and Families

The Emergency Preparedness documents in this library contain information and tips to help individuals and families prepare for an emergency. Information in these documents informs people on what to do before, during, and after an emergency. Download these PDF documents for FREE by simply clicking on the image or the document name.

Prepare for Emergencies Now – Information to Get Ready (PDF Brochure)

An excellent outline of what it takes to prepare an emergency including: being informed, making a plan, building a kit, and getting involved.
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Prepare for Emergencies Now – Information for Older Americans (PDF Brochure)

A brochure with emergency preparedness tips specifically directed to older Americans on things to consider when preparing for an emergency.
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Prepare for Emergencies Now – Information for People with Disabilities (PDF Brochure)

A unique brochure with information specific to Americans with disabilities and other access and functional needs regarding emergency preparedness.
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Prepare for Emergencies Now – Information for Pet Owners (PDF Brochure)

A unique brochure containing information for pet owners and suggestions for proactive pet emergency preparedness.
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Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs (PDF Booklet)

This booklet contains emergency preparedness information to inform those with disabilities and other special needs prepare for an emergency.
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Helping Children Cope with Disaster (PDF Booklet)

This booklet provides parents with information about how to help their children cope with disaster.
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Food and Water in an Emergency (PDF Booklet)

This booklet contains useful information on food and water needs before, during and after an emergency.
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Family Communication Plan for Parents (PDF Form)

A two page form designed to help families document important information that will be needed in the event of an emergency.
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Family Communication Plan for Kids (PDF Form)

A two page form designed to help families document important information that will be needed in the event of an emergency.
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Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book for Children (PDF Booklet)

Designed to help parents and educators teach children about the basics of emergency preparedness. This booklet contains information to help parents and educators explain the different types of disasters that can occur how how best to react. It also contains coloring pages for children.
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Commuter Emergency Plan (PDF Form)

A one page form to help individuals develop a plan should disaster strike when traveling between work and home, or other commonly visited locations.
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Preparing for Disaster (PDF Booklet)

A document that outlines four essential steps to preparing for a disaster: Get Informed, Make a Plan, Assemble a Kit, and Maintain Your Plan and Kit.
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Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – EFFAK (PDF Booklet)

The EFFAK is a flexible tool designed to help individuals and families at all income levels collect and secure the documentation they would need to get on the road to recovery without unnecessary delays, should disaster strike. The EFFAK also includes helpful tips and suggestions regarding how to safeguard important information, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to work with others to strengthen community preparedness.
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Some of the documents in this library are authored by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. While FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security provides permission to EmergencyKits.com to publish these documents, FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security is not affiliated with and does not endorse EmergencyKits.com.

Plan Ahead for Spring Visits

If you are traveling to spend Spring vacation with your family, you may want to prepare your grandchild, in advance, for your visit. It is helpful to provide a visual schedule of activities before you arrive so your grandchild can anticipate the sequence of events you will share. Use drawings, cut out pictures or download them from the internet to help them understand what to expect. Put together a visual calendar of places you plan to go and activities you will share and send it to them before you arrive.

Be sure to include your picture, too.

This visual planner is a great tool for plotting out Spring vacation activities – events can be viewed daily, weekly or monthly and you can add custom images (from your phone/iPad), record sounds, and add videos for modeling.

View the app here

Raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is extremely challenging for parents. Your children will always appreciate your support and reinforcement. Be sure to comment about how much your grandchild has improved since your last visit and compliment their parenting skills throughout the visit.

Great Apps for Summer

A great app from the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Camp Discovery is broken into assessment, learning trials and mini-games that serve as a reward. The app also tracks your child’s progress and allows the parent to personalize the experience. Find out more here.

Endless Reader

Endless reader combines visual and audio learning with fun animations that allow your grandchild to read and put together the “sight words” that are so important for early reading. After the animation, your child can move the letters into the word to spell it, and as the letter is moved, the app reinforces the phonetic sound of the letter. Find out more here.

Five Little Monkeys With Nothing To Do

Join the Five Little Monkeys in this interactive book app as they prepare the house for Grandma Beesie’s visit! Explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize the story with your own narration. Find out more here.

Model Me Going Places

This app helps children learn appropriate behavior for various community locations. Find out more here.
Helps kids understand how others are feeling, making eye contact and developing social skills. Find out more here.
Helps teens and young adults learn basic money skills. Find out more here.

Smart Fish: Frequent Flyer

Helps kids experience what it’s like to fly including packing, going through security and boarding the plane. Find out more here.