Moving is an incredibly stressful time, no matter how often you do it. But for parents of children with autism, the process is even tougher. Not only do you have to worry about packing and unpacking, but you also have to help your child cope with a massive change in their routine. When it comes to moving, autism, and children, you need to be patient, understanding, and willing to try new things. Here are a few tips to make your move a pleasant experience.
Let Them Know What’s Going On
Surprises can be the kiss of death for calm when it comes to autism and children. The more your child understands what’s happening, the more smoothly things will go. So, tell them about the move ahead of time. Try to get them excited about it and mention all the fun new things they’ll get to do at the new house.
Get Their Belongings Set Up First
Every move has different priorities, but when you’re caring for a child on the spectrum, you need to make their world one of the top priorities. Before they move in, try to get their room set up and unpacked first. This will help give them a sense of stability and shows them that everything they love is right there at the new house. That’s not to say that you can’t prioritize other rooms—just make sure the house is autism and children-ready at the same time.
Pack an Overnight Bag
No matter how organized the packing process is, you’re going to misplace certain items. While this is fine for those holiday decorations you don’t really use, it’s not okay if it involves medication or that treasured toy your child can’t sleep without. Save yourself the stress of digging through boxes by packing an overnight bag for every member of the family. Pack clothes, medications, and any essentials you could need to get through the transition. This way, you won’t have to worry about unpacking immediately and can focus on making sure your child is safe and feels comfortable.
Managing moving, autism, and children all at the same time can make any parent feel stressed and overwhelmed. These simple tips should make your upcoming move at least a little easier. Just remember to focus on the needs of your child and your family. You know what works best for them, what might trigger a meltdown, and what will bring a smile to their faces.
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