Eight tips for traveling with special needs kids

If a cruise is not for you or if you, have to fly to a port of departure, here are eight tips from family travel expert and author Eileen Ogintz regarding journeys with a child that is on the autism spectrum or has special needs:

1. Preparation is the best defense. Call ahead and inform the airline, hotel, resort, and cruise line of your child’s condition and ask what special accommodations are available. Ask if you need a fridge, inside room, etc. Bring your child’s own sheets, if you think that will make him more comfortable.

2. Select an environment your child can handle.

3. Talk online with other parents who have been there, done that. Simply Google the destination and “kids with autism” and you likely can connect with a local parent’s group.

4. Book low season on a cruise or at a resort like Club Med, so there will be fewer children and the staff will have more time to devote to yours.

5. Travel by car if you think flying will be too difficult. Opt to stay some place where you can eat some of your meals in your room.

6. Be forthright explaining the situation to those you meet.

7. Develop “social stories” complete with pictures that explain to your child exactly what you will be doing and where you are going.

8. Whatever happens, stay calm.

LIU Summer Sports Camps

This July and August, young athletes will have the chance to participate in week-long athletic camps at Long Island University designed to connect them with NCAA Division I coaches to learn fundamentals and help improve their skills -- all while having fun and making lifelong friends. Camps are open to children entering grades 2-8 at any skill level. Select from 18 camps at one of our two campus locations in Brooklyn or Long Island. &nbsp; &nbsp;Sports include: Baseball, Basketball, Cheer, Dance, Esports, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Lacrosse, Marching Band, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling.

Future Stars Summer Camps

The Ultimate Summer Camps Experience!&nbsp; For over 40 years, Future Stars has helped campers build skills, character, friendships, and lasting memories. We offer flexible weekly scheduling in over 40 Sports, STEAM Education, and Specialty camp programs for boys &amp; girls entering grades K-10.&nbsp; TRAIN &ndash; PLAY &ndash; BELIEVE&nbsp;

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;