Those of us who have or work with children with learning disabilities, especially Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD or the previous designation – ADD), understand that they can be a handful in almost any circumstance. However, when traveling, this can become nearly unbearable. Even just parenting them can be daunting, since it is hard to discern their abilities from their disabilities, and how much is well – just being a kid! Parents may feel a range of feelings, like inadequacy, anger, fear, grief, guilt, and more. Therefore, it is a great thing to learn to take care of yourself better. And the kids themselves also go through a range of similar feelings. Understand that, as well.
Let’s get back to traveling. Normal kids have a hard time sitting for any length of time, staying quiet and still. Add in some disabilities like ADHD, it is even more difficult to keep kids’ behaviors manageable. In one story published in ADDitude, a child was flying with her mother. A very astute and understanding flight attendant answered all of the child’s questions, and then she allowed her to help serve snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and collected the trash afterwards. This child was even permitted to make the “prepare-for-landing announcement!” Apparently, the other passengers were enjoying this, and they did not seem disturbed at all. Disaster averted!
Children with ADHD and other learning disabilities may have special things to do which can help keep them occupied, although this can be different for different kids. ADHD kids often can play computer games for hours on end, even when they can’t sit still in any other type of scenario! (Don’t ask why….) Some kids like to color so you can bring crayons, coloring books, etc. Others like using worry beads and squeeze balls. Providing frequent breaks (plan to include them in travel time) sometimes helps so they can stretch their legs and maybe run around for a short while. While these suggestions only work to a point, it is a good idea to travel prepared.
If you’re flying with a child with a disability, even a learning disability, you may be able to be boarded ahead of other passengers. This gives you a chance to settle your child in before others board. Try to keep as much of your normal routine intact when traveling. If possible, travel in off-season times, or at least when it is less crowded.
Nutrition can also play a major role in how calm a child with ADHD or other learning disability. Make sure that before, during, and after traveling, your child is not eating foods with additives and sugar especially. Sugar and overly processed carbohydrates, while not causing ADHD, tend to worsen symptoms. Gluten has been linked in some studies to ADHD so if your child appears to be stimulated when consuming it, perhaps avoid those foods which contain it. Be wary of giving your child fruit juices, even when there are no added ingredients, as they are high in sugar. Caffeine is found in soda and chocolate, in addition to corn syrup, so this can worsen hyperactive behavior. Try to avoid artificial colors (food dyes), which have been shown to be able to increase hyperactive behavior. Artificial flavors are often found in cake mixes, candy, pre-packaged baked goods, etc. So, you might want to bake goodies with ingredients that are not going to stimulate your child and let them feast on them! There are great recipes online.
Feed your kids fresh produce – being mindful that fruits contain a great deal of sugar. Low sugar berries may be your best choice. Spinach and other leafy greens are helpful, and they can be blended with berries in smoothies. (Hide them any way you can!) If your child has an allergy to cow’s milk, goat cheese may be a good snack. Tuna and salmon may be good choices of proteins, as they have been shown to decrease ADHD symptoms due to their omega 3 fatty acid content. Eggs may also be a great protein (providing there is no allergy). Nuts are another good choice, especially Brazil nuts and walnuts. Low levels of iron can be implicated in ADHD, so make sure you include the right foods, like liver and beef (grass fed), navy and black beans, egg yolks, and other greens in your child’s diet. The B vitamins, especially B6, is involved in brain function, so eating meat/seafood which contains this all-important vitamin can help with hyperactive behavior. Remember - a healthy diet for your special needs kid is just as good for kids without identified disabilities.
Above all, remember to plan ahead in general and especially during travel, whether it be in cars, airplanes, trains, camels or by boat!
And as always, please have a happy, holistically healthy day.
Dr. Donna Poppendieck (Dr. P) has over 30 years of experience in the mental health care field. She is a seasoned college professor and instructor for providers. She uses credible, proven holistic health strategies in instruction for parents of children with mental health challenges looking for another approach as well as healthcare providers seeking to implement or understand holistic strategies.