Joanna Fortune: My child has sensory issues—  how do I keep them happy on holiday?

My other children are excited, but get upset when the youngest struggles

Joanna Fortune: A sensory-friendly holiday is possible and will be enjoyable for all of you. iStock

We’re heading off on our first foreign holiday in August. The children are excited except for the youngest, who is six and has sensory issues. The feeling of the sand against his body upsets him, and he’s frightened by the waves rolling in and out. The older two get upset whenever this happens at home, saying he spoils their fun, even though I’ve explained why their younger brother struggles. What can I do to ensure we all have a good holiday?

Foreign holidays can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to manage the travel part and the holiday itself. I wonder if you’re travelling with a partner. If you are, this would allow you to divide and conquer for some of the time.

One of you could ensure that the older children get to stay out on the beach having the fun they want to have, while the other could take your six-year-old to do something else if the beach becomes a challenging sensory experience for him.

Alternate the pairings so that everyone gets time together and gets to do a variety of things. If your youngest can manage restaurants then you can all come together for mealtimes, so you still have that family connection too.

Spending time together as a family is very important on holidays so maybe think about bringing some travel/portable games that you can all play together. Make sure you bring any sensory aids that you know help him, like noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, preferred footwear, fidget toys, safe snacks that are familiar, or anything else you know helps him feel safe and regulated.

Do some research before you go so that you can structure your days in advance. Check if your accommodation has any sensory spaces or even quiet spaces that will help you support him. Also research the restaurants or supermarkets nearby to see if they have any of his favourite foods (if that is an issue to consider).

You don’t say how old the older two are, but if they are still very young, simply knowing about their sibling’s issues may not be enough to garner full empathy, especially when they are excited and want to make the most of the beach and fun on their holiday.

You will have to remind them that their brother experiences the world differently and he needs their understanding and support. It’s good to remind them that all members of your family are valued and respected and this means making certain accommodations for him while on holidays.

Share with the older two that you have a plan in place, and you will ensure that everyone has a fun time.

I don’t know how long you’re planning on being away, but it’s also good to take your youngest child’s tolerance for disruptions like this into account when booking your holiday.

If you can, before you go on holidays, share images or photos of the area you are going to and your accommodation so that it feels a bit more familiar. Include some images and the plan for the different modes of transport you will be taking and make sure you register for your airport’s specific lanyard for those with additional needs so that you can access priority boarding.

No doubt, you will learn a lot from this experience that will strengthen and enhance future holiday planning. A sensory-friendly holiday is possible and will be enjoyable for all of you, it just requires meticulous planning based on what you know about your child’s sensory sensitivities.