One of my friend's younger sisters, Janie, 10 years old, has learning disabilities: dysgraphia, ADHD and Irlen Syndrome, (also called Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome). I am 20 years older than Janie. This one generation spread has given us enough age difference so that Janie has seen me as a surrogate elder. I've enjoyed our times together visiting and doing activities with her family.

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

Here are some tips her 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 after getting started, or after driving 100 miles. Her parents seem to make the best driving time before noon. After that is when Janie and everyone starts getting restless.

- Take a lunch break at noon where everyone can all get out and walk or run around. A prepared lunch from a cooler works well.

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

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

- Then back to the room for a sound night's sleep, so traveling can begin again bright and early.

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

Irlen Syndrome
Dysgraphia
Benefits of Yoga with Learning Disabilities

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Editor's note: At the parents' request, the child's name has been changed to protect her privacy.

Article by Susan Kramer