One of my younger sisters, Janie, 10 years old, has learning disabilities: dysgraphia, ADHD and Irlen Syndrome - also called Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome. I am Helene, and 10 years older than Janie. This 10 year spread has given us enough age difference so that Janie has seen me more as a surrogate elder than just a sibling. I've enjoyed our times together under the same roof.

But, when it's time to take a trip, our family has found from experience that, even then, keeping to a daily schedule benefits us, because it keeps Janie more focussed.

Here are some tips my parents have found useful for traveling by car:

- Wake as early in the morning as possible to take advantage of the calm time of the day.

- Eat a good breakfast - either as a picnic in the van as we get started, or after driving 100 miles. We seem to make the best time before noon. After that is when Janie and all of us start getting restless.

- Take a lunch break at noon where we can all get out and walk or run around. We usually picnic for lunch from a cooler which we've brought with us.

- Make one big driving effort till about 4pm and call it a day. On the road if we're not camping we stop at a motel with a swimming pool and use it!

- Then have a casual dinner at a pizza place or fast-food restaurant where excessive good manners are not needed.

- Then back to our room for a sound night's sleep so we can again get on the road bright and early.

I hope you'll find these tips useful in your family travels on the road!

Daily Schedules
Holiday Schedules
Weekend Schedules
Family Travel by Car Schedules
Irlen Syndrome
Dysgraphia
Benefits of Yoga with Learning Disabilities

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Editor's note: At their request, author's and child's name changed to protect their privacy.