Moving With A Special Needs Child

When it comes to moving with a special needs child, parents of children with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or Down’s syndrome should know what it means to remove their children from the comfort of their daily routines. And nothing could be as disruptive to a child who clings to routine as a physical move to a new home in a new city.

Consider Your Child’s Needs When Planning Your Move

Children with ASD, ADHD, and similar conditions are fickle and picky and needy, to say the least. So, when moving time is inevitably on the horizon for your family, start planning early and planning everything:

• What school/therapy center/doctor will your children attend in your next city?
• Try to establish individual education plans (IEPs), or at least start doing so, before you move.
• Have you told your children that a move is coming?
• Arrange for a transfer of medical care. Make sure the next doctor has everything before you move.
• Have you reached out to groups of parents in your destination town?
• Try to establish friends for your children before the move over the internet so they can look forward to meeting them in person.
• Are you prepared for some regressive behaviors by moving your special needs child to a new home?

Some of the above items, of course, are easier said than done. But the more you do ahead of time, the easier the first months in your new home will be.

Involve Your Children in the Move

While you're moving with a special needs child and they begin to sense that a change is coming, their behavior is going to reflect that awareness. They will more than likely begin to act out their anxiety. The best thing you can do is to involve them in every aspect of the move.

Try these activities with your children as moving day approaches:

• Announce the move ahead of time.
• Get help moving or hire movers so you can spend more time with your children on moving day.
• … Or arrange for your children to spend time with grandparents or friends while the move takes place.
• Use Google Maps and Street View to allow your children to explore their new neighborhood.
• Phrase upcoming changes as “You get to” instead of “You have to.” (i.e. “You get to play at new playgrounds” instead of “You have to leave your favorite playground behind.”)
• Involve your children in the packing process. Allow them to keep their favorite toys with them.

Hiring professional movers will help considerably with your special needs children. This will allow you the freedom to devote your time to them while someone else handles the moving. The calmer you are through the whole process, the calmer they’ll be.

Contact Us Today!

Consider Family Moving & Storage for your next move. Your furniture and all of your belongings will be expertly and delicately handled by our moving and storage professionals. And you can spend that time with your kids. Give us a call and tell us about your move at 321-372-1005 or visit our contact page. If you wish, we can give you a free quote today. We look forward to being entrusted with your next move.