Traveling with Children Who have Special Needs and Medical Challenges
Children with disabilities and medical challenges often require carefully coordinated, specialized care. This can make traveling away from home complicated, but not impossible with proper planning and resources. In this guide you’ll find resources that may help make traveling less challenging if your child has special needs or a medical condition to consider. This guide and the resources listed are not meant to replace consultation with medical professionals, or to diagnose a medical condition. Please reach out to a professional for advice and assistance.
Transportation & Travel Safety Resources for All Families
Whether you are taking a long trip or just driving around town, safety should always be the number one concern. Regardless of how you choose to get to your destination there are safety precautions to take into consideration when traveling with any child.
HealthyChildren.org, a publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has compiled a list of their favorite On-the-Go Safety Resources. And once you have reached your destination this guide can help you keep your children safe in the unfamiliar surroundings of a hotel.
Finding Accommodations for Travelers with Special Needs
If you have not yet decided where to travel, you may want to select a destination based on the accommodations they provide.
This is a list of 10 amusement parks throughout the United States who offer many accommodations for travelers with special needs.
If you are considering a cruise check out this video and this article for suggestions on cruise ships that may be more likely to suit your unique travel needs.
Disney Vacations
There’s nothing quite like a vacation to a Disney theme park or attraction. But for some children with special needs, all the fun and excitement that comes with trips like these can make getting overwhelmed easy. For tips on how to visit the most magical place on earth with special needs children, check out the following resources:
Know Before You go
Regardless of how you choose to travel, getting your family from one destination to another can be a complex process. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can not only be a time-saver for your family, but provide emotional aid when traveling with children with special needs, disabilities, and medical conditions.
The United States Department of Transportation’s travel guide can help you prepare for air travel with information about the rights of an individual with a disability.
TSA Cares is a service offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to help airplane passengers with disabilities, special needs, and medical conditions.
Whether it is your family's first time flying, or you’re all seasoned pros, this list by the TSA can help you prepare for your next trip by outlining what you can and cannot pack when traveling by plane.
This resource outlines flying essentials for travel with special needs children.
If you are traveling internationally, this resource from the United States Department of State offers tips for getting to your destination safely.
Traveling on an airplane for the first time can be scary for children with autism spectrum disorder or other sensory processing challenges. Find Social Stories for air travel with these resources from Project Play Therapy, Autism Little Learners, and Kidmunicate.
Additional Resources
For more information on how your family can stay safe and healthy while making the most of your next trip, check out the following resources from RedTreehouse.org, the Ronald McDonald Family Resource Link:
Medical identification accessories can be useful tools for alerting travel personnel of your child’s special needs. Find out more about the different types available, what to include on them, and more in this guide.
If your child has a food allergy, check out this guide on caring for children with food allergies, including travel resources.
Check out this guide for tips on staying active and making healthy food choices while traveling with children.
For more general information on service, emotional support, and therapy animals, including travel resources, check out this guide.
If your child has a rare or complex diagnosis, finding a community of support with parents and caregivers who understand the challenges you are facing can be a great help. Your support community can help you prepare for travel with tips they have gathered during their own experiences. For information on building a support community check out this guide.
If your child has a terminal or life-threatening illness, they may be eligible for a travel experience through a wish-granting organization. Search the entire Ronald McDonald Resource Link for opportunities and organizations that may be available to your child.
Written by Emily Gambino-Walker, Ronald McDonald Resource Link Content Contributor.