Why we like it: Camping can be a challenging experience for a child with autism. My child has a fear of automatic toilets, and flying insects. He also doesn’t particularly like grass or dirt on his feet. However, we feel camping is a great experience to expose him (gently) to his fears, meet new people and develop coping skills in the real word.
Preparation is key:
1) Choose a camp site where there are a lot of kid friendly activities: We like places with large pools, water slides, playgrounds and recreational activities. A restaurant on site is also great if the camp food doesn’t go over well
2) Have a plan to help them manage their fears: we brought a large blanket so he had a space free of grass. We bought a tent with enclosed netting to help manage the bug fear. We brought urinals and a portable toilet to manage his fear of automatic toilets (which limits us going to the washroom at rest stops).
3) Bring favourite foods and snacks: Meltdowns often occur more easily when the kids are hungry. It is important to make sure you have well liked snacks that are easy to grab when you’re in the car, setting up equipment and cooking.
4) Prime your child on what to expect: Discuss before hand a general game plan, the drive, rest stops, setting up equipment, activities available and downtime. Avoid having a rigid schedule as flexibility is required.
5) Bring some favourite activities: allow them to have some time to spend with their repetitive interest to help regulate their emotions
6) Bring just in case items: prepare for rain, cold weather etc, to avoid negative experiences.
We have camped twice this summer, and we a third trip planned. We have learned from each experience and improved our preparation for each trip. Both of our boys enjoyed the experience, and aside from screaming at a few bugs there were no major meltdowns. We were able to meet some other kids and practice our conversation and play skills. The boys are looking forward to our next trip.
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