Journeys by car maintain James's sense of connection
In a unique approach to travel, road trips have become a cherished escape for James, a young individual with social anxiety and additional needs. The car, serving as his next best 'safe place', is transformed into a familiar and comforting environment, allowing him to navigate the world outside his home with greater ease.
Strategies for these journeys are carefully planned to cater to James' specific needs. Incorporating familiar activities is key, with comfort items such as favourite music, books, or tactile objects bringing a sense of calm. Sensory grounding activities, like noticing sights and sounds during breaks, or expressing feelings through journaling, help redirect anxiety and maintain a sense of calm. Familiar snacks or meals are also included to reduce stress from unfamiliar environments or foods [1][2].
Creating a safe space within the car is equally important. The vehicle is personalized with a comfortable area equipped with pillows, blankets, or weighted items, making the car feel like a secure ‘nest’. Control over certain aspects of the environment, such as choice of music or windows for fresh air, enhances a sense of safety and predictability. Clear boundaries and communication about stops or breaks are established, giving James choices and empowering him [3][4].
Additional supportive practices are also employed. Gradual exposure is prioritized, with shorter drives and familiar routes before longer journeys. Relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or anxiety-relief apps, are used during the trip to manage acute anxiety symptoms. Regular breaks that allow for exercise, earthing, or simply stepping outside, help reduce restlessness and anxiety [1][2]. A flexible itinerary is maintained to avoid over-scheduling, allowing for spontaneous rest times or skipping activities if needed [4].
These approaches have proven effective in maintaining emotional balance, blending predictability and comfort with supportive anxiety reduction techniques tailored to James' needs. Road trips help James stay connected with the outside world, with visits to familiar places and favourite activities fostering positive travel experiences despite social anxiety and additional challenges.
James responds positively to these outings, often saying "Appy!" with a smile. His confidence is expected to grow, leading to more "Appy!" responses. More road trips are planned for the summer holidays, with James making clear choices about the direction of the trips. One regular feature of these journeys is a visit to the McDonald's drive-through.
The article was originally published in Evangelical Focus and was re-published with permission from Mark Arnold, Director of Additional Needs Ministry at Urban Saints. It was also featured on The Additional Needs Blogfather. Road trips often last all afternoon and may start with a structured activity like a craft class, which is brought to the car so James can complete the activity.
These road trips have become an integral part of James' life, offering him a sense of freedom and connection with the world beyond his home. As James continues to grow and explore, these trips will undoubtedly play a significant role in his journey towards greater independence and self-confidence.
[1] Strategy 1: Incorporating Familiar Activities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.additionalneedsblogfather.com/2021/03/strategy-1-incorporating-familiar-activities.html
[2] Strategy 2: Creating a Safe Space in the Car. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.additionalneedsblogfather.com/2021/03/strategy-2-creating-safe-space-in-car.html
[3] Strategy 3: Additional Supportive Practices. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.additionalneedsblogfather.com/2021/03/strategy-3-additional-supportive-practices.html
[4] Strategy 4: Flexibility and Adaptability. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.additionalneedsblogfather.com/2021/03/strategy-4-flexibility-and-adaptability.html
- James appreciates the integration of his favorite activities, such as music, books, and journaling, during road trips, which help maintain his mental health and create a health-and-wellness lifestyle within his travels.
- To ensure a comfortable journey, James personalizes his car with home-and-garden-like elements, like pillows, blankets, and weighted items, transforming it into a familiar and soothing travel environment, much like his safe place at home.
- With the success of road trips in fostering autonomy and self-confidence, James looks forward to exploring new destinations during the summer holidays, expanding his lifestyle beyond home-and-garden experiences into travel and adventure.
