It is the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act“. This should be one of the laws you must be familiar especially if you or someone you know have autism or other diabilities. IDEA give educational rights to children aged 3-21 to have a special eductional program designed specifically for their special needs. IDEA assesses a child first before putting him in a special school or if your child can follow and cope, he can get in a public school.

What is the American Disabilities Act?

This act that all should be familiar with discourages discrimination against people with disabilities in work, public places and by the government. you should not be refused or treated indifferently because of your disorder.

The constitution protects people with disorders to have equal rights with people. one is the right to vote and to express themselves.

By knowing the law and how it applies to you and or others with autism, you can be sure that they can be treated in a fair way and not be ignored or mistreated.

How should you plan your itinerary?

You should keep in mind that certain locations can greatly influence your autistic child. you should choose based on your child’s special needs. Vacations by the beach, lake or going camping can best suit your child if he or she is sensitive to sound. All in all, you should also consider the enjoyment of the other family members,

Timing also plays an important role during vacations. You may want to avoid large crowds that may confuse or scare yoour child. You can do so by either going to a place very early or late or you may consider going on a vacation during the off-season if your child’s school will not be affected.

Distance should also be considered. How far away from your home? How will you get there? You will have to map out your area. Search the nearest hospital in case of accidents etc. What are your transportations to be used? You have to educate your child with the different types of vehicle or transportations you may encounter during your trip. You may prepare your child about security especially if you need to go through an airport.

Everyone should be able to enjoy during vacations. But we should not neglect learning and social interaction opportunities for an autistic child. Outdoors, especially the beach can be a comfortable place for an autistic child especially if he or she likes to shout without upsetting others. Museums can also be a great learning place for kids who are normally quiet where they can ask questions and vice versa.

How do you deal with other people around?

Sometimes we will meet people who have never encountered autism before. Try to understand their lack of knowledge yet at the same time defend your child if he or she is being treated unjustly. Satring usually happens so try not to be rude to the people who do. Instead just ignore them and focus on making your vacation a happy, memorable and a learning experience for everyone.

You are not alone in your situation. A lot of parents and caregivers experience the same as you do.

What should you do?
Support groups are essential when dealing with disorders and diseases. join one. Keeping in touch with others who experience the same challenges and stress can certainly be of help especially if your child has just recently been diagnosed with a disorder. You can contact National Autism Society of america then trace local branches near you. Your other children can also join a suuport group to better help them cope with your home situtaion.

If youre married, you can get marriage counseling. Common problems that arise when having an autistic child are blaming and neglect for each other. this can seriously put a strain in your marriage. with the help of a counselor, couples can be helped to understand and support each other and also help their child better.

Educating yourself to become your child’s advocate. Some doctors are not experts in autism so they may recommend improper treatments and medical opinions.

By doing so, you are not the only one benefitting but your family especially your autistic child as well.

People do stereotype. Because not all people are educated about the disorder. this lack of knowledge more often than not results to hatred, disgust, embarrassment and other unhappy situations. by being knowlegeable on the subject, you can educate the people in your area to better understand the disorder.

Not all autistic people are the same. Autism is a very complex disorder taht everyone reacts in their own way. People who have this are judged according to how functional they can be and how their symptoms affect and how they are able to control it.

Most autistic persons have trouble communicating their feelings. This fact makes the people think that autistic people can not feel or incapable of forming straong relationship bonds such as love and marriage.

What people see in the movies and television also play a part in the way they see an autistic person. they have this idea that if you are an autistic then you are a genius. Although true to some autistic people, some jsut function outside the normal range of any skill.

Many people also think that autism is a form of mental retardation. Maybe true to others but most are not mentally retarded.

Patience and understanding are very important in dealing with autistic people. Learn about the disorder and educate others to help create a more peaceful and stereotyped environment for the autistic people.