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Behaviour/development

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Holiday help or advice

1 reply

66babe · Today 13:52

Not sure if this is in the correct section but am looking for some advice or guidance on taking a 6 year old with significant ADHD / Autism / PDA on holiday
There are 2 other children who are NT , my daughter and the children have not had a holiday for over 4 years , mostly due to our fear of managing DGD behaviour, emotions , how to navigate an aeroplane , hotel , change of scenery, routine , food .
I would absolutely love to book us a very kid friendly all inclusive water park on site kids club and play area for next year but am so worried as to how we would be received on a plane if she kicks off , maybe refuse seat belt / Refuse to sit down / etc
This is the most beautiful loving little girl who can switch in a second from being quiet , loving and calm , reading her book or colouring into a violent screaming totally defiant strong completely overwhelmed whirlwind
I would hate to ruin anyone else’s flight experience or be next door to a child who often can go full nights without any sleep and will scream for hours if not allowed to put a knife into an electric socket .
My daughter is probably more worried than I am , I’ve been there with children and know I can cope if things don’t go well , no tantrum lasts forever and she will eventually settle down
Do hotels exist that can cater or are known to be supportive of children with additional needs ? Can I speak to airline in advance or on arrival ?
As it’s the first time she’ll have been anywhere , it could all be absolutely fine but it’s not guaranteed so I’d like as much advice or guidance as possible
Thank you to anyone who could give me some personal experiences and help

OP posts:
Another1DD · Today 15:46

The bit about her going from calm and colouring to completely overwhelmed in seconds really stood out, and that unpredictability is exactly what a visual schedule can help with. Breaking the journey into picture steps (bags, security, gate, seatbelt, landing) and rehearsing each one like a script beforehand can take some of the fear out of the unknown. Many airlines have special assistance teams you can contact ahead of time, and some airports offer a quieter route through security on request, so it's worth asking before you book. Keeping the holiday simple once there (familiar mealtimes, one low key activity a day) often matters more than the destination itself.

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