A perfect escape for kids with autism

With spring break coming up, you might want to take a look at this great article in the spring 2012 edition of Special Parent magazine. The piece is called Five Travel Ideas for Families with Kids on the Autism Spectrum, and I appreciated the way Author Cindy Richards acknowledges that it’s tough to predict what destination will work for kids on the spectrum — in fact, places that work for kids on one part of the spectrum don’t always work for kids with Asperger’s and vice versa.

With that caveat, the author offers five suggestions: book a condo, house or suite (rather than a small confining hotel room); visit during a less chaotic period; look for places that offers special programs for special needs visitors; visit a dude ranch; and consider Madison, Wisconsin.

Richards goes into detail about each suggestion, and I was especially tickled to read about Madison. My son’s group home is near Madison, and it’s a great place to go with Gus: vibrant, yet calming at the same time.

The article is spot on when it says, “The capital of Wisconsin has a small town feel, but a plethora of autism-friendly attractions and support programs.” And I’m giving the city of Madison extra points for having the wisdom to have an autism expert on staff. Richards quotes Judy Frankel (public relations manager for the city’s visitor bureau) in the piece, and Frankel has a son with autism.


 

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