Go on holiday without the iPad - are you crazy?

 

As a family with two autistic kids, we'd never go anywhere without an iPad. It's one of our absolute essentials for doing everything from going to the shops, out to dinner or away for a break. Half term has just finished here and once again out iPad came around with us.  But does it always work?

It won't be long before people are thinking about going away for the festive season. Maybe to visit family, lapland or even to the sun?  Would I take an iPad to these places if I'm travelling with my autistic kids - of course I would. But there are some challenges when taking your tablet out of the home and travelling.

The Pros - OK, let's remind ourselves why I go everywhere with an iPad.

Kids can access a range of sensory input anywhere

David's iPad can give him a whole heap of sensory input which he can even combine with other things like being squashed, rocking in the rocking chair or yes, even jumping across the room. If this is what he needs to feel level, it's great he can do it. I'm not saying it's not annoying sometimes when we are struggling to hear our own family conversations at home. We are trying to help him learnt to 'turn it down' or cope with headphones, but overall, it's worth putting up with.

Tablets can have educational value

There are many educational activities that kids can also use tablets for while travelling. This includes completing maths and word games, reading eBooks and even completing homework. While travelling, kids may also be able to use translation apps and apps to identify animals or parts of the world.

IPads can occupy and entertain

A tablet can keep kids occupied longer than most toys and activity books. This is because tablets provide access to a wide range of entertainment options for kids such as watching their favourite TV shows, photos, music and so on. In essence, they’re a portable digital toybox. And you can customise them with apps aimed at their age and evolving personal interests - which my autistic kids always have. This isn't just entertaining, it's calming and reassuring too which is essential if going somewhere unknown or overwhelming.  

A tablet is more practical than giving your kid your phone

While a smartphone can offer many of the same entertainment solutions as a tablet, it’s often not convenient to have to give a child your phone. Giving children a separate tablet allows you to still use your phone for contacting people or whatever else you need like accessing your boarding passes for example! IPads also have a bigger screen, allowing multiple kids to more easily watch movies from a single device. On top of this, you can more easily set up parental controls on them - you don't want to have to restrict your own phone!

Another benefit of tablets is that they don’t take up much space. They can slip easily into any of my bags or suitcase. I won't buy a handbag unless it can fit the iPad in it as what's the point? They’re less bulky than bringing toys which is great as they've always got that something familiar with them.

IPads make my kids feel safe

If David has the iPad then he is the one in control of his environment and time. He is able to decide whether he needs an input or calming activity. He can make decisions about how he feels and what he wants to do. Interpreting their own feelings can be difficult for some people with autism and this is part of a process for him. 

I think the iPad is extremely comforting for David. Many individuals with autism need routines as a way to cope with change. The iPad is a programme after all and this means it has no surprises. The games always play out the same way, time after time after time and this is incredibly reassuring and enjoyable for David. He doesn't need to look for other ways to stay calm.

The Cons - OK what's the challenges and how have we overcome some of them?

Screens can make some kids travel sick

Some kids start to feel sick if they’re staring down at a screen in a car. If your child already experiences travel sickness when drawing or reading in the car, you may find that a tablet has the same effect. If this is the case, you may need to find something else like favourite comforts or sensory toys.

Wi-fi connection can be an issue

For activities like streaming movies or playing certain games, an internet connection may be necessary. You’re not allowed to use the internet on a plane and there are many places around the world where it may be difficult to secure an internet connection. It is possible to download movies and games directly onto a tablet and even if it is they often have a 'watch by' or 'watch within' time so the programme will delete after 24 hours or a week of starting to watch it.  This is worse than having nothing at all as it disappears and takes away something that was relied on. 

Content may be restricted by region

When it comes to streaming movies and TV shows, you may find that certain content on certain streaming platforms is restricted abroad. Streaming platforms use your ISP to determine whether you are allowed to view content in certain countries and may even prevent you from watching downloaded content if there is a wi-fi connection.  This means I can't stream BBC iplayer out of the country and I only see the options for Netflix based on my current domain.  That said, it may still be possible to remove ISP blocking using a VPN if it's necessary, however, this often comes with charges. 

Kids may become addicted and reject other activities

For some kids, a tablet may be too effective at occupying them. This may lead to them wanting to use the tablet constantly while travelling - even when trying to do other activities like playing board games or spotting local wildlife. We have times when we put the iPad away (hence the iPad size handbag).  It's never been ziplining with us but it's also never been far away. 

They can run out of battery

Tablets are notorious for running out just when I need them to last five more minutes.  It is easier to keep them charged up than it used to be. In a car and on planes now, you can plug them into the power outlet to charge them up. Alternatively, you can bring a portable power bank to charge them from - just remember to have it charged before you leave home. When travelling abroad, make sure to bring the right adaptor plug otherwise it's all useless!

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not to bring a tablet. I wouldn't go without one but we've learned how to work them for our kids an they've learned to understand that they aren't always 'online' even when using it.  If I'm not sure the internet connection is good enough we won't join it and I won't download anything that can't be visible for the whole time we are away. 

If you've got some helpful tips we'd love to hear them.