I've heard it said that the Secretary of War should be an autism parent. We plan for every eventuality. We not only have a plan B, but a plan C, plan D, and more. We think through possible roadblocks and speedbumps, make exhaustive lists, prepare everyone thoroughly for the road, and we always, always, have an exit strategy.
Amigo, a teen with a vision impairment and Asperger's, is actually a very good traveler. He loves road trips. In fact, we print the route plan for ourselves and in Braille for him. He is a helpful navigator, despite his lack of usable vision. When I drive, I put him in charge of the cell phone and the radio. It keeps my mind (and eyes) on the road, and lets him explore any region's local color through its radio dial.
In order to stay the course with fewer hiccups, we plan more details than most parents. The route file for our upcoming trip includes these statements and more.
"After this stop, Mom will need to sit in the front to help watch highway signs in the big city for Dad."
"This stretch will be a long haul."
"We should get gas before we get on the tollway."
"And now we stay on highway 80 until we reach Ohio. Easy, huh?"
"If we're feeling spunky when we reach Cleveland, the Indians are playing at 7:00."
"When we cross the border into Maine, ask 'Are we there yet'?"
Amigo was an active participant in planning this trip. In fact, he suggested getting up early the first day and hitting the road by 7:00 AM. Granola bars and cappuccino for breakfast anyone? I packed my favorite travel coffee mug. After all, besides an exit strategy, what's more important to a road trip than coffee?
This post is crossposted from Compost Happens. It was part of Scribbit's Write-Away contest for June. Her theme was "Going Places."
Amigo, a teen with a vision impairment and Asperger's, is actually a very good traveler. He loves road trips. In fact, we print the route plan for ourselves and in Braille for him. He is a helpful navigator, despite his lack of usable vision. When I drive, I put him in charge of the cell phone and the radio. It keeps my mind (and eyes) on the road, and lets him explore any region's local color through its radio dial.
In order to stay the course with fewer hiccups, we plan more details than most parents. The route file for our upcoming trip includes these statements and more.
"After this stop, Mom will need to sit in the front to help watch highway signs in the big city for Dad."
"This stretch will be a long haul."
"We should get gas before we get on the tollway."
"And now we stay on highway 80 until we reach Ohio. Easy, huh?"
"If we're feeling spunky when we reach Cleveland, the Indians are playing at 7:00."
"When we cross the border into Maine, ask 'Are we there yet'?"
Amigo was an active participant in planning this trip. In fact, he suggested getting up early the first day and hitting the road by 7:00 AM. Granola bars and cappuccino for breakfast anyone? I packed my favorite travel coffee mug. After all, besides an exit strategy, what's more important to a road trip than coffee?
This post is crossposted from Compost Happens. It was part of Scribbit's Write-Away contest for June. Her theme was "Going Places."
Perhaps the president of the United States should also be an autism parent. You are one amazing Mom.
Posted by: Nina | July 03, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Thanks for the support!
Posted by: Daisy | July 03, 2008 at 07:17 PM
When dealing with teenagers in general - there is no more important tool than coffee.
On a more serious note, you have my full admiration for being a great mother.
Posted by: Suze | July 03, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Ah, the coffee. I never travel without it!
Posted by: Daisy | July 04, 2008 at 10:03 AM