Camping With an Autistic Child

I intend to do a lot of camping with my kids once Spring arrives. I know, I have a little while before that comes. However, it is never too early to plan. Since I have never been camping with my autistic son, I asked for some advice regarding what I could do to make the experience the best it can be for him and us. One good thing is that my son loves being outside and looks forward to me taking him camping. Below are some quotes that I thought were helpful and two products that you might like. The hammock swing is something I will consider getting. I asked for the directions for putting it together and they seemed easy to follow. The feature that I like the most is the weight limit allows for both my son and me to sit in it together.

“I have a 13 year old son who we have camped within the past.
Necessities: His own tent and sleeping bag to use throughout the day as his go-to-place. We bring fav toys, fidgets and books. Our other must have item is a net hammock. We set this puppy up and he swings in it, as well as gets wrapped in a blanket and lays in it. (It’s a fav with ANY kid or adult!) Night time has never been an issue. He has his own flashlight and he loves to look at the stars. Plus, the camp fire is a big hit, too.

Using the restroom while camping might take some pre-planning, social story or something, depending upon the type of facility. That can be tough for anyone, never mind someone with sensory issues!”


Cheryl Bransford

“Really it all depends on the severity of the autism. Every one is different. But here are a few things I came up with related to our campers at Camp Caglewood.
1- Things to keep him/her busy – games, crafts, sports, etc… And pick a campground that offers many outdoor activities to keep your little camper busy and interested, hiking, playgrounds, and many things to see. But stay away from loud music or sounds and crowded places.
2- Again, crafts, games (horseshoes, Frisbee, balls, etc….), hammocks or hammock chairs are great, sidewalk chalk (if you will have concrete). Really anything that addresses hand eye coordination and sensory issues. Children with excess energy can find an outlet with outdoor toys such as bicycles or ride-on toys, swimming pools, climbing walls, or jungle gyms, rather than inappropriate behaviors. Anxious children can often be soothed by the motion of toys like rocking horses, sit-and-spin toys, swings and hammocks.
3- Remember that every autistic child is different, some are a lot more severe than others. Know the child’s comforts and know the things that make them uncomfortable, and just plan your trip accordingly. There are many small things that you can pack to keep your child engaged and happy.”

Jessica Jordan Freeman
Camp Caglewood
Co-Founder and VP of Programming
www.caglewood.org
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." -W.C.

“1. What are some tips on making a camping trip better for a child with autism?
#1, it depends on what area of the spectrum they are on. some kids with autism need lots of structure, as you know. maybe have some schedules, not specific, but general ones with breakfast, activity, lunch, rest, activity, etc. you don't have to put on specifically what the plans are. it also depends on what they or if anything they are sensitive to. i would do some activities with more sensory integration. Get their whole bodies involved. simon says is a good game. (crawling, jumping-esp. in patterns, hopping-different ways, running-in all directions, wiggling, rolling, etc.), BUBBLES, having fun with food (have some good fun things if you'd like them...), sidewalk chalk, make homemade play dough and then use different things to play in it/draw on it with a non sharp pencil, puppets, PLAYING IN THE MUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have a whole book i can some ideas and email them to you...
2. What are some items that would be great to have on a camping trip for a child with autism?
sensory toys are GREAT!!! kush balls, stress balls, weird little water wormy toys, you can usually find some cool stuff at the dollar tree. i'd take bubbles. i kept stress balls and bubbles on me most of the time during the summer. this is also depending on their place on the spectrum... finger paint!!! little hand held fans, things that are bright. music would be good too!! just bring speakers and fun songs on your ipod/iphone...
3. Any other interesting tips or tricks?
once again, it depends on where they are on the spectrum... i have a book you should get 1001 great ideas for teaching and raising children with ASD by ellen notbolhm.
- A former Camp Caglewood boardmember/volunteer. She went on to be a Summer Camp Program Director for Talisman Programs. “

Hearth Song
Swing Seat with Tote

Available Styles
Cabana
Jardin

Size
Swing Measures 48" x 24" x 33"
Bottom Pillow measures 24" x 24"
Back Pillow measures 19" x 24"

The hammock includes storage bag, wood spreader bar, and a pamphlet with simple hanging instructions. The pamphlet tells how to hang the hammock, and it also has a listing of the hardware needed (sizes, etc.) which can be found at any local hardware store (or lowe’s, home depot, etc.) Weight limit is 350 pounds.



“FAIRYTALE WISHES, INC. MAKES DREAMS COME TRUE
FOR MOMPRENEUR OF TWO AND ANXIOUS CHILDREN NATIONWIDE

HIGHLAND PARK IL (JULY 2009) – Mompreneur Debbie Glickman spent restless
months searching for remedies to get her two young children to overcome
anxieties associated with going to sleep. She bought everything from books
to nightlights and even gave them warm milk at bedtime, but nothing worked.
Then, after reading all about the attributes of lavender as a soothing and
calming therapy, she came up with the idea of spraying lavender on their
pillows. “I told them a story of how the magical spray will make scary
thoughts go away, and it worked like a dream,” says Glickman, who is now
introducing her Sweet Dream Spray to help children fall asleep more easily.

In addition to Sweet Dream Spray, Glickman’s new company, Fairytale
Wishes, Inc. is unveiling a full line of naturally derived aromatherapy
sprays that are designed to alleviate common childhood anxieties including:
bad dreams and sleeplessness, fear of monsters under the bed, separation
and self esteem issues. There are currently four products in the line that
allow parents to help children naturally with the power of persuasion and
scent therapy, and Glickman has several more in the works.

Fairytale Wishes products make transitioning children through common phases
of childhood as painless as possible, and in the process may give them the
ability to learn how to conquer anything.
Each four-ounce bottle (MSRP $10.00) comes with a mini fairytale written by
Freddy, the magic Fairytale Wishes frog, which explains how a particular
scent can help children overcome their fear.“

The company sent me a bottle of the Happy Camper Spray to try. It is a sweet smelling scent and I can see my daughter using it on a camping trip. However, I only recommend using it if is a family camping trip and no one has allergic reactions to scents. I do and so does my son, so that means that my daughter can only use it on her pillow at home.