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Topic: Caravanning with special needs kids

Feezee

02/10/2015 at 8:54pm
Location: Gloucestershire
Outfit: Renault Trafic van

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I love caravanning but more and more it is becoming really hard with my lovely but slightly special child.

We try and give him more freedom than at home but it is difficult because he has no impulse control and goes off, attaches himself to people, wants to hang out with bigger boys and then can't handle it socially as he can't read the signs.

So we end up intervening, he ends up having a melt down, gets rude and gobby, and our poor neighbours' peaceful holiday gets ruined (not to mention the frosty looks we get because he is so vocal).

Has anyone got any hints or tips on how to make it less of an endurance test, types of sites that might work better, or ones that are special needs clued up? or should we just admit defeat, send him to his aunt for a few days and have a bit of time off?
Cheers.
Feezee

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Took a break like everyone over covid, flogged the caravan and got a campervan!

kate w

02/10/2015 at 9:29pm
Location: Derbyshire
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How about a bit of both, i'm sure a break now and again would be good but at the end of the day he's got to live in the world with other people.

Have you got friends who enjoy camping and caravanning? We were recently on holiday at a site where there was a group of families with children with differing special needs. They were having a great time. Other children were joining them to play games, everyone looked like they really enjoyed themselves.

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Fiznlil

03/10/2015 at 1:04am
Location: West Yorkshire
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Have you thought about sites which are not adult only, but perhaps have no playgrounds and so don't have many children?
A thought - a long way from you though - is Serenity near Whitby.
Lots of space for him to play and a little pond/wildlife area and ducks which wander all over the site which may interest him but without other children to distract him or cause confrontation. Sending you an internet hug.

Feezee

03/10/2015 at 8:51am
Location: Gloucestershire
Outfit: Renault Trafic van

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Thanks Fiznlil and Kate W.
Both good ideas and got me thinking.
First - share the burden with family or friends so we can get some peace
Second - go to smaller sites with less distractions.

Worth a try.....
Cheers
Feezee

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Took a break like everyone over covid, flogged the caravan and got a campervan!

Fiona W

03/10/2015 at 1:09pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs

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You're brave, well done. There are organisations in the States dedicated to just these camping holidays, but there are tips at http://realfamilycamping.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/camping-with-special-needs-kids.html That mum recommends going with another family, and fishing trips seem to work well.

www.badaguish.org - Speyside Trust, based at Badaguish Cairngorm Outdoor Centre is a small independent charity helping children and adults with learning difficulties and other special needs. They have a dedicated campsite, or you'd be able to camp nearby, I'm pretty sure.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

Mick S.

03/10/2015 at 3:11pm
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It might not sit well with some, but when im away in the caravan, i dont want anything spoiling my peace. If i wanted noise and racket id holiday in Butlins or Benidorm.
Be it 'normal' kids, 'special' kids, dogs, teenagers (very rare to see a teenager on the campsites we use), or rowdy adults - i dont want it, nor should anyone have to wear it - out of misplaced sympathy, in this case.

I may have thought there were set ups available to accommodate those who need a bit more attention or organising; where their behaviour is expected and more accepted, and their needs can be better suited.

That said, i may also have thought the parents/guardians would relish a bit of respite away now and then. Especially if the person in question could take or leave the caravan holiday.

freeatlast

03/10/2015 at 4:38pm
Location: Teesside
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What a sad response Mick. Have you ever thought what parents like Feezee go through with children like theirs? Setups for children like them??? Yes there are a few charities around, but as far as state support goes, it is minimal. It takes years for a diagnosis to be made, and then if the parents are lucky they may, just may get a place in a special school, which probably will not be ideal for their needs.

I occasionally do see children like this on campsites, and happy for them to be there.

weegmack

03/10/2015 at 7:19pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669

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I have heard really good things about Badaguish, near Aviemore. Check them out or email them.

I think it would be good for you to have a break now and then too. But remember, your child has a right to be on holiday - wherever that may be - just as much as any other child. ANY child can make a pest of themselves sometimes lol! ANY kid can be loud. Lots of grown-ups can be loud too!

I'm sending you a big hug. Don't let anyone put you off taking a family holiday with your child. But, there's no harm in you getting a wee break to yourself too sometimes. Xx

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Gillian

craft lady

03/10/2015 at 9:43pm
Location: scotland
Outfit: Lunar Delta TI

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I agree with Freeatlast's reply. I hope and pray that Mick S never has a child of grandchild with special needs. The set up that he is on about are very few and far between and they cost the earth and you could have upto 100 children trying for 10 places. Plus a hoilday in a caravan are the only holiday's some familes with special needs get. Not everyone has family and friend to help with respite.

For Feezee. We have a special needs grandson that we take to the caravan every fortnight, ( we are seasonal) he love's it and no way would we stop him going for anything. What we do is to try and keep him busy with lot of different thing like, getting him to help get the water, taking the rubbish to the bin, building lego, colouring, a list of things to find on the site. We have a note book that we take and we ask him what he wants to do then we add what we would like to do to. We also play a game with a map of the area which we get him to try and find places would could to go then we write down the direction get in the car or walk and he has to tell us the way to the place. We try to be as busy as we can. We also play games where he is going to be rewarded if he compleltes the day with out much fuss. We do have our melt downs to but we try not to make a fuss about them and he soon forget's and get's on with the next task. The other thing we do if we see him getting up set we have a little worry bag we use, we write down what's upseting him then we scrunch it up and bag it, then bin it, then it's all gone away with the rubbish. (We use the food bags with the zip so the worry can't get out an upset him again) This works for him it might not work for your child. I hope you don't give up caravaning because most people understand. Life is hard enough so enjoy your little breaks. Love and hugs

Rustybus

03/10/2015 at 11:00pm
Location: East Woodhay
Outfit: Passat TDi and Sprite Alpine :-)

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Back in 2002 we camped next to a family with a special needs boy (Declan), he was about 4 years old and had a severe condition (can't remember what). My kid were around the same age and we took him under our collective wings as a family, this ensured that his parents had a break, his brother had playmates and Declan had a holiday he would never forget (if he was able to retain any memory)
I recall we all cried at our parting knowing our paths would never cross again, but we all have fond memories of that special holiday and it taught my kids a very special lesson that they have never forgotten.
Sadly Declan was not expected to see his teen years and I often wonder what became of him. So I recommend taking any special needs child on holiday with you as they can make it even more special and personally I don't care what other think on the campsite as life can be too. short.

Feezee

04/10/2015 at 7:45am
Location: Gloucestershire
Outfit: Renault Trafic van

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Thanks for votes of support! I do see Mick's point. Hard to achieve, though, given it takes all sorts to make a world.

There have been some great suggestions, thank you. Craft lady i will try some of those, although my boy has high distractability so I may have to adapt.
Scotland is probably too far, but I may contact them to find out if they know of anywhere else like them in England. There must be, surely!

Rustybus - when I was a kid my mum used to take me to a Down's social club once a week in Birmingham where she provided support. It certainly set me up to be inclusive and taught me some valuable lessons.

You've given me a spurt of enthusiasm to not give up on it just yet.x
Feezee

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Took a break like everyone over covid, flogged the caravan and got a campervan!

warbis66

04/10/2015 at 8:47am
Location: Bristol
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I rarely get cross about posters comments on here but Mick you are a pompous selfish ignorant etc etc
What bubble do you live in
The OP was asking for suggestions not to be slammed down and made to feel that she shouldn't darken your door step.
Holidaying with kids is hard, holidaying with children with special needs is even harder. Melt downs are common place and no parent should have to be worrying about other people when these happen.
Please just take time to think about how your attitude can really offend people and try to change it. (Moan over)

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France Lover

Taylor56

04/10/2015 at 10:02am
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Typical selfish answer from Mick S, hope you are happy all alone in the corner of your field.
As a floorlayer I have worked in many special needs schools and have met lots of fabulous people and kids.

Katieep

04/10/2015 at 10:02am
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Mick
Live and Let Live - I'm sure there are things you do on the campsite that may irate others - I'm sure just the act of you getting to the campsite towing your caravan has annoyed at least one person. We don't live in a bubble and you can't expect tolerance and consideration from others if you are not prepared to give it back.

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