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Holidays with an autistic and anxious adolescent

Liz E

Does anyone have tips on how to make holidays easier for an autistic teen?  We purchased a camper van as our daughter can’t cope with sleeping at other people's homes and we hoped it would be a home from home.  We’ve used it twice and she didn’t enjoy it.  My husband ended up in the cramped up cabin up top and my daughter shared a small double with me as she was so anxious.  We want holidays to be a positive and restful experience however we came home early and completely exhausted.

thanks Blush

Parents

  • It can take a few trips to get used to a camper van. My first night I hardly slept, not helped by the police helicopter hunting a convict or something! But I eventually got used to it and now find it as comfortable as my bed at home. Best to try one night close to home, then gradually increase either distance or duration or both depending on how it is going. If possible maybe even sleep in it on the drive of your own home. Let her customise part of it to feel more friendly to her if she likes. Have you asked her what she did and didn't enjoy about it?

Reply

  • It can take a few trips to get used to a camper van. My first night I hardly slept, not helped by the police helicopter hunting a convict or something! But I eventually got used to it and now find it as comfortable as my bed at home. Best to try one night close to home, then gradually increase either distance or duration or both depending on how it is going. If possible maybe even sleep in it on the drive of your own home. Let her customise part of it to feel more friendly to her if she likes. Have you asked her what she did and didn't enjoy about it?

Children
  • in reply to AuTriker

    Thank you -  I am really hoping that she will get used to it. We were hoping that the pop up would be a little safe space for her but she wanted to be next to me. I think she will get there eventually.  We have done a driveway sleepover which she enjoyed. It was quite noisy with the wind and rain at night! 

    Good idea to ask her to tell us good and bad points. It is really great for travelling as she can sit at the table and has loads of space. 

    We've booked the same campsite for a few nights in the summer as we find familiarity helps. Also we hope it will be warmer in August!