For families raising and caring for a child with autism, travel can present an especially large challenge. An organization, Autism Family Time, aims to help families overcome this problem.
Autistic children have extremely sensitive senses, and are often startled or upset by touch, bright lights or loud noises, all of which can be unavoidable problems during travel.
Autism Family Time provides an opportunity for families with autistic children to enjoy leisure and recreational activities in spite of having to deal with autism.
"These activities help families share meaningful and enjoyable connections," the web site reads. "The focus is strengthening and supporting the whole family and building positive relationships in the communities where they live."
The organization aims to offer resources, programs and services to help families deal with autism.
The organization offers "customized, therapeutic, educational travel programs utilizing the services of other not for profit organizations and travel industry partners that are sensitive to the needs and challenges of Autistic individuals, siblings and caregivers," according to the web site.
The organization offers a Learn Through Travel program, which allows families to connect with animals in a safe environment. The aim of the program is to serve the needs of the autistic child while also including support for all family members participating in the program.
The program aims to help families "to travel and learn simultaneously, accommodating the needs of children with autism, yet incorporating supports, interaction and enjoyment among all family members participating in the experience," according to their vision statement.
The organization also has the "We Dream Athletic Team" which helps autistic families participate in cycling events and triathlons.
According to a survey from Harvard School of Public Health in 2006, one in 150 children are diagnosed with autism in the U.S.a It's a complex developmental disability that usually appears during the first three years of life, significantly impairing the assimilation of information, resulting in problems with social behavior, communication and learning.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
