School’s Out, Summer’s Here! Tips for Enjoying the Summer Months With Your Ad/hd Child

As children count down the days to the end of school, many parents with children with AD/HD and executive dysfunction start to worry about what to do during these less structured months.  Many of these children thrive on the structure of the school day, knowing what they are expected to do, and following familiar routines.  While many neurotypical kids cannot wait for the school year to end, many of my clients are ambivalent about school ending.  They want to know, “Now what will we do?” 

Here in the Northeast we are fortunate to have several quality day camps (and a few sleepover ones, too) that specialize in working with children who have attentional, and/or social difficulties.  These camps fill quickly, and can be quite expensive. Some families do not have the means or access to such experiences, so here are some tips to enjoy the summer with your kids. 

1.       Set up a daily routine and weekly structure at home.  A child who thrives on structure will not do well with a “find something go do” approach to summertime.  Post your daily schedule somewhere at home where everyone can see it and check it if they want to know what will happen next.  Have some “anchor” activities that happen every day-  One example: 

·         breakfast

·         get dressed

·         outside play

·         lunch

·         free choice fun

·         quiet time

·         dinner

·         TV

·         get ready for bed

2.       In your daily schedule, plan for outside play time.  I often hear my clients say they sat indoors all summer and played video games.  This is not good for brain or physical health. Get outside!!

3.       Create a “What to Do When I Am Bored” list with your child.  Inevitably, children will come to parents and say, “I’m bored.”  Plan ahead by sitting with your child and listing 5-10 things she can do when boredom hits.  The list should include outside and inside activities such as read a book, color/draw, play with bubbles, help mom with housework, plan a dinner menu, listen to music, etc.  This list will have much more success if your child comes up with the activities.

4.       Prepare children in advance for change in routine. For example, if one day is going to be gloriously sunny and warm and you decide it will be a great beach day, tell your child ahead of time, so he can get used to the idea and not resist when you are packed and ready to go.

5.       Explore nature.  There is a growing body of evidence that says children with AD/HD function better when they have exposure to nature and all things “green.”  Go for a nature walk, plant and tend a family garden, rent a canoe and go for a paddle, check out tide pools, or (my all time favorite) fly a kite on a windy day.

6.       Plan vacations with your child’s social, emotional and sensory needs in mind. A well planned vacation can be a relaxing way to bond as a family.  A poorly planned vacation can leave everyone feeling anxious and miserable.   For example, if your child needs a lot of active running around during the day, do not plan a road trip where he will be sitting in a car for long periods of time.  If she has sensory/tactile issues a trip to the beach with sun, sand and water may not be the best choice. 

7.       Get together a box of bin with “summer surprises” you can pull out when the kids have just run out of things to do.  These can include:  sidewalk chalk, bubble soap with cool bubble wands, new crayons and coloring books, new books, funky shoelaces to re-lace shoes, squirt guns, water balloons, etc.

8.       Kids at a loss of what to do during free choice time?  List fun activities on slips of paper and have kids pull them out of a hat.  Activities can include playing in the sprinkler, making popsicles or ice cream at home, rearranging the furniture in the bedroom, a family walk, choosing what is for dinner .  Get creative with your kids and have them write things down (that you approve of first).  This is a great way to give your child new experiences within the structure of the day.

Many of us have great memories of our own childhood carefree, unplanned summers that seemed to go on forever.  Parents hope to pass on those experiences to their children and can become disappointed when it is suggested they structure the summer as much as the school year.  The reality is: some kids just thrive on structure, are happier and more productive when they know what to expect and they will remember a happy, safe, carefree summer because someone cared enough to plan it for them.

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities- Part 2

When you make your reservation, communicate your needs to the airlines. Make plans ahead of time for items such as: oxygen supply for origin, transfer hubs and destination, a porter to help with luggage, and/or a wheelchair to help you move through the airport with ease and with less stress.

All passengers with disabilities should arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours early. You should always ask the airlines for a gate pass at the time of check in. Gate (escort) passes are for relatives, companions, or assistants who are not flying but accompanying the passenger to the gate. A gate pass is subject to the airlines discretion. Place identification tags on all checked baggage, carry-ons, equipment, and mobility aids and devices. Remember that your medical equipment, mobility aids and devices are exempt from the 2 carry-on or checked baggage rule.

Passengers should always consult their doctor for the best method of screening. Passengers with a pace-maker, defibrillator or insulin pump should choose the full-body pat-down. Any metal detector could drain the battery in your medical device. If your doctor tells you that your medical equipment cannot go through the x-ray machine or needs special handling, inform the screener and ask for a visual inspection.

There are alternative ways for a passenger to be screened if they do not want to or cannot walk through the walk-through metal detector. When a passenger with a disability approaches a screener, the screener should always be discreet if the person’s disability is discussed and not visible. They should also ask the passenger if they need assistance. The screener should offer all screening methods. They will ask the passenger if he or she prefers to walk through the metal detector, receive a hand-wanding or a full body pat-down. It’s the passenger’s choice. You do not need to disclose your medical condition if you choose to take an alternative screening method. If the passenger walks through the metal detector and it alarms, then the screener will conduct secondary screening using a hand-held metal detector or pat-down.

Ask the screener to change their gloves before undergoing a full-body pat-down or hand-wanding. This will eliminate other people’s germs from spreading. You may ask to sit before, during, and after the screening process if you need to. If you cannot remove your shoes because of your disability, then don’t. Other screening procedures will be performed to clear your shoes through security. Inform the screener of all sensitive areas on your body before undergoing hand-wanding or a pat-down.

At no time during the screening process should a passenger be asked to take off a prosthetic device for screening, nor should a passenger volunteer. Expect an alternative screening procedure, which will include an explosive trace detection test. This will test your prosthetic for explosives and is required by federal law in order for you to proceed to the gate area.

Sometimes screeners need to be able to visually clear a medical device worn on the outside of the body. If this is the case, a private screening should be offered as a requirement by the screener. If this doesn’t happen, the passenger should then request it if they want it. There should always be 2 screeners of the same gender as you (one being a lead or supervisor), you and your family member or companion. Ask for a supervisor or manager if there are only 2 of you going into private screening. You should never be separated from your family member, assistant, or companion when going through the screening process, unless dictated by you. Once your family member has been screened they can offer assistance or directions on the best method for screening if you are not able to communicate it to the screener.

Travel with less stress and be flexible with the changes that come your way with airport security.

15 Important Tips Revealed: Airport Screening for Children with Disabilities!

Children are born to move. They have tons of energy and need an outlet to burn it up, so it can be tough to get them to be still and listen. It is even more difficult for children who have special needs or disabilities to be confined to an area.

Most large airports have a designated lane for passengers with a disability. It normally is marked with a universal handicap symbol (blue placard). If you have a child with a disability, you may utilize this lane if it is available at your airport. You can also use the kid friendly lanes. If you don’t see a blue placard right away, then tell the boarding pass/identification checker that you will need to use a lane designated for children with a disability, and he or she will direct you.

Some smaller airports may not have an extra lane; therefore, you may be directed to a lane for secondary screening. If you are not selected for secondary screening, you shouldn’t have to wait behind those passengers who are. A screener should screen you first. If this does not happen, ask to speak with a supervisor. I suggest you call the airport ahead of time and ask if security checkpoint has a person with disabilities lane available.

If your child is in a wheelchair, expect the screener to ask you if the child can walk through the metal detector. This question will be asked for the sole reason to prevent the child from having to go through secondary screening which includes the dreaded hand-wanding or pat-down. If your child cannot walk, screeners are trained to screen him or her either by a pat-down with the child seated in the wheelchair or a hand-wanding if he or she can stand. It is completely up to you, the parent, how you want your child to be screened.

The same guidelines apply to children as they do for adults for prosthetic devices, oxygen, casts, braces or any medical condition or device. If your doctor tells you that your medical device cannot go through the x-ray or you cannot walk through the metal detector, then don’t. Have your medical device hand-checked and ask for a pat-down.

The screeners, like the parent, want what is best for the child during the screening process. Screeners want a positive experience for everyone and do their best to get you on your way.

TIPS

1. Go directly to the boarding pass/ID checker, bypassing the line. You do not have to wait in line.

2. Stay together. An adult always needs to be present during screening if the child is a minor.

3. Ask the screener to change their gloves.

4. Ask for a chair at any time if your child needs one during the screening process.

5. Ask for a private screening if you don’t want the screening to be conducted in public.

6. If your child cannot or does not want to walk through the metal detector, then ask for a hand-wanding or pat-down.

7. If your child is in a wheelchair, he or she can be screened sitting down.

8. Tell the screener what your child’s physical capabilities and limitations are.

9. You should always have a clear view of all carry-on baggage.

10. Parents should assist if they feel it’s necessary after they have been screened.

11. Parents should communicate the best way to screen their children.

12. The screener or porter should assist you by placing your carry-ons on the x-ray belt.

13. The screener should reunite you with your carry-ons and any medical devices once they have been screened.

14. The screener will not move or lift your child from his or her medical device.

15. Call the airlines ahead of time and make arrangements for a porter to assist you and for any medical aids or devices you need for your trip.

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities- Part 1

When traveling through airport security it is important for all passengers to be comfortable with the screening process. Passengers with disabilities should go directly to the boarding pass identification checker, bypassing the line at security checkpoint. The checker will direct the passenger to the lane that is recognized for people with disabilities or special needs. Ask if the lane is not clearly marked or noticeable.

This lane allows the passenger extra time if needed to go through the screening process without additional stress. Screeners can and will assist passengers with disabilities once the passenger arrives for the screening process. Screeners should always ask permission before touching or helping you. They can offer a hand, arm or shoulder to assist the passenger through the walk-through metal detector. They also can assist with loading and unloading your carry-on baggage.

A passenger should never feel rushed. Most airports have porters in front of the airports to assist all passengers with their luggage. A porter also has a dual function of assisting passengers to and from the gate and throughout the airport when necessary. A person who requires additional assistance throughout the screening process should contact the airlines ahead of time and arrange porter service.

Always consult your doctor prior to traveling for the best screening process for you and inform the screener how you want to be screened. Screeners should always inform the passenger of the process whether they are in primary or secondary screening. A private screening should be offered before the process begins. You may request a private screening at any time. Two screeners of the same gender as you should be present during private screening. Whether you are in private screening or not, always ask the screener to change his or her gloves before they touch you or your personal items. This will reduce the amount of germs picked up from other people’s baggage.

Liquids, gels and creams that are used for medical conditions or devices are automatically exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. 3 ounces or less, one zip-top bag and 1 bag per person. If your liquid medication is over 3 ounces, place those items in a separate plastic zip-top bag and hand it over for inspection. Only take enough medication in your carry-on baggage for the flight. Place all additional liquid medication in your checked baggage.

All medication must be clearly marked with a manufacturers or pharmacy label. Normally, medication is x-rayed; however, you can request a physical inspection if your doctor recommends it. Always use a plastic bag and pack your medication separate from other carry-on items. To avoid contamination or damage, you will be asked to handle and repack your medication throughout the visual inspection process. Any medication that cannot be visually cleared must be x-rayed to allow you into the sterile area of the airport.

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities

1. You will be screened in your wheelchair or scooter if you cannot stand or walk.

2. Ask the screener to assist you with taking off or putting on your shoes. Shoehorns should be available.

3. Companions or a family member should make suggestions on the best way to screen a person with a disability or may accompany and assist you through the screening process.

4. Contact the airlines in advance for their procedures in handling additional medical aids, such as an oxygen supplier or a wheelchair.

5. Discreetly discuss with the screener what your physical limitations or capabilities are before you start a hand-wanding or pat-down procedure.

6. Medical supplies, equipment, mobile aids, and/or assistive devices are exempt from the one carry-on plus one personal item rule.

7. If you have a medical device implant inside or outside your body, always check with your doctor prior to traveling for the best and safest way to be screened at checkpoint. Ask if it is safe for you to walk through the metal detector or to be hand-wanded. If it is determined that you cannot walk through the metal detector, then quietly ask for a full-body pat-down.

Some Practical Tips While On Vacation In Washington DC

Europeans no longer need a visa when visiting Washington DC on vacation, a full European passport is all that is now needed.

Airlines will issue you with a Visa waver form on the aircraft before landing and also a Customs Declaration card. They must be handed into Customs when going through passport control.

Ronald Reagan International Airport is the main International airport and is 4.5 miles from down town DC. There is also a large airport at Dulles International and it is 26 miles west of down town DC. Baltimore International is 28 miles north of DC.

When clearing customs you should hand in your customs declaration form, listing all the things that you have brought into the US. You must note that you cannot bring in fresh meat, fruit, drugs and plants.

Disabled travellers will find ramps, wide doors, lifts and other wheelchair provisions in major public places. You should contact your car hire firm for written proof of their policies towards disabled drivers. On arrival in the state, the car hire company should direct you to the local county office in order to claim disabled driver status. Please remember that in some cases you may have to wait up to two hours to get your disabled visitor badge.

European drivers can drive in Washington DC on a full driving licence issued in their own country. However under 25′s may find it difficult to hire a car or may have to pay much higher rates of hire and insurance. Many airlines now offer Fly Drive holidays which offer competitive car hire rates.

When hiring a car in Washington DC you must ensure that you have the correct insurance. It is advisable to take out Collision Damage Waver. You may find it to be expensive, but it is essential to take out as it covers you for all conceivable events.

Most hire cars in Washington DC are automatics and come with air conditioning. You now generally find that the main car hire companies are now bases at the airports which makes collecting and dropping off the car much easier.

In Washington DC they drive on the right hand side of the road and it is preferable for first time visitors to arrive in day light in order to familiarise themselves with the road networks.

The interstate roads are the best for long journeys and have anywhere up to six lanes. Please remember that Americans overtake on both sides which can be a shock for foreign tourists on their first visit. Also remember when using a toll road in Washington DC to have money to pay at each toll booth.

The speed limit in Washington DC is 65mph and in outer city limits it is usually 55mph. In built up areas it drops to 30 – 35mph. If you are stopped by the police, wait in the car and be polite. Washington police do not appreciate rude drivers.

Drinking and driving is not tolerated in Washington DC and it is regarded as a serious offence. If stopped on suspicion of drink driving, you can be locked up on the spot until you have taken a urine test. You should not drink drive under any circumstances.

If you are unfortunate enough to break down while driving in Washington DC you should wait in your car with the bonnet raised and wait until the Highway Patrol stop to help you.

In Washington DC the standard electrical supply is 110-120 volts and if bringing your own electrical devices from Europe, you must use an adaptor.

Travellers from Europe do not need any inoculations before visiting Washington DC. Water is safe to drink but in some cases may be heavily chlorinated. In Washington DC there are excellent pharmacies.

There is no state funded health service in Washington DC and so you must have travel insurance as medical care is very expensive in Washington DC.

When coming on vacation to Washington DC many tourists now rent holiday homes or Villas. This usually works out cheaper than staying in hotels and provides much more independence. It also allows the tourist to get a true feel of the Washington DC way of life and culture. Holiday home rental is now one of the fasted growing areas of tourism in Washington DC.

Traveling Tips For The Disabled

Just because you are a handicap or disabled individual doesn’t mean that you cannot have the chance to travel and enjoy a vacation. Your disability should not hinder you from having a great time exploring and discovering a new place. In fact, traveling today has been made more convenient and it opens its arms to people from all walks of life and from different backgrounds, so whether you are white or black, disabled or not you have every right to travel just as everyone else does.

Before you make any travel plans it is imperative that you go check with your doctor if it is okay for you to travel. It would be best if you undergo a routine check up to ensure your health condition. If your doctor gives the go signal then start planning for the trip. Have your doctor list the necessary medication that you need to bring along with you if needed. Ask your physician for numbers of doctors in the area which you will be visiting in case you need their assistance. Have the address and contact number of the nearest hospital in case of any unexpected emergencies.

Since you have a special condition, planning for this getaway is very crucial and important to ensure a pleasurable and enjoyable trip. Whether you will be taking the bus, train, boat or plane always make the other party aware of your disability. For first time travelers, I advise that you choose locations that are not so far from home and short trips for a start would do. Prior to making any reservations on accommodations do a research about the hotel. Never neglect to mention your condition so that they could make the necessary recommendations or better yet prepare for your arrival and ensure that you get the assistance needed if you so require it.

Most places would be accommodating to your special needs and requirements so phone in advance places you would be planning to visit like museums, tourist spots, and other sites so that they could make the necessary preparations on the day of your visit.

Asking for the help of travel agents in booking for your trips would be of great assistance. They can recommend what’s best considering your situation. They might even be able to offer packages suited for people with your condition. You can also source from the internet travel packages which you think will be suited for you.

If you have a disability, I strongly advise that it would be best for you to travel with a companion rather than to travel all by yourself.