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We are adamant about taking Leo on as many excursions as we can, to stores, movies, restaurants, parks, and other destinations. He is an able-bodied and energetic boy, and he likes a good adventure as long as we respect the limits of his tolerance. We want Leo to be a boy-about-town so he gets used to being part of our community, and our community gets used to him.
Outings aren't always easy. But I have no intention of leaving Leelo home when we might succeed. I do not care if other people think he behaves strangely or makes funny noises; as long as he is not harming or interrupting anyone, we carry on with heads raised, meeting stranger's stares with confident and unapologetic smiles that I will admit to having practiced in the bathroom mirror.
Here are some of the tactics that make excursions with Leo, and hopefully some of his friends, a bit easier. Please feel free to add your own tips to the comments section.
Go Early, Go Off-Season
We arrive at popular local destinations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Exploratorium right when the doors open, and we go elsewhere during summer. We do this to avoid crowds. Kids with special needs don't always do well in mobs, especially if they are bolters who like to run away and disappear into throngs, cannot tolerate crowd noise and jostling, need extra time to navigate, have gear that requires extra space, or -- like Leo -- just take up a lot of room.
Plan Ahead
If you're worried about a new excursion, try searching the knowledgeable souls on special needs parenting email lists, blogs, or tweets. Tell people what your child's needs are and ask after positive experiences. You should get some good suggestions. (SF Bay Area locals: I recently blogged my favorite Bay Area Hikes with Leo, and tips for visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium.)
Some museums and science centers have special events, extra hours, or will arrange special tours for visitors with special needs. The Exploratorium in San Francisco recently had a free Autism and Aspergers Families Night, to facilitate and encourage those families' attendance, and the Long Beach Aquarium is hosting an Autism Families Night on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 (you'll need to reserve a spot by June 19th).
Be Open to Failure
Success to me means going out on top. When Leo shows signs of stress
beyond that which can be cajoled or bribed with treats, it's time to go. My son does not deserve to be someone else's cautionary horrorshow. We recently left a showing of Up for this very reason.
Leo had a meltdown at Costco a few weeks ago. I had all three kids with me, it was the late afternoon witching hour, we took too long because I needed to buy too many items, and the checkout people were passing out balloons that I didn't want Mali to have. She started crying, Leo went ballistic: hitting, screaming, stomping. I'm not sure how we made it back to the car.
And we went back the next week and everything was fine. Because of our spectacular failure, I had learned what not to do. We'll make a second attempt at Up, as well.
Take Advantage of Anything That Will Make Your Outing Easier
If you don't already have a disabled parking placard (rear-view mirror hanger to use as needed) and you think you might ever need one, get it. In California, all you need is your doctor's approval, and signature on the application.
I haven't turned in our signed application, but there have been a few times when we had to do an emergency extraction of a howling thrashing boy, and it wasn't really safe for us to haul him across a parking lot. I really should get that placard, as should you. I know you won't abuse it.
Lots of places, e.g., Disneyland, have special passes for kids with autism or other special needs. Call ahead of time to find out what your destination can do for you. I am often pleasantly surprised by existing accommodations.
Have an Escape Plan
Park as close to your destination as possible. Disabled parking and parking in general can be limited at popular destinations, which is one more reason to arrive early.
If you're going with a group, consider taking two cars. It's nice if everyone doesn't have to leave because one child is having a bad day.
Scope Out Quiet Areas for Recharging
Can you find the child
