Adventures on the open road: The bonding experience of journeying with James.
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In an effort to help a child with social anxiety connect with the outside world, road trips have become a regular feature in the life of James. These journeys, planned at least once a week, offer James a sense of predictability and control that helps reduce his anxiety.
James, a young boy with social anxiety, is involved in the planning process of each road trip. His laminated cards, indicating the places he can choose for the journey, are a testament to his growing independence. As his confidence grows, he is expected to say "Appy!" more often, a phrase that signals his approval and participation.
Before each trip, James is prepared by discussing or learning about upcoming locations using books, videos, or conversations. This helps build a mental framework and reduces his fears of unfamiliarity. The car, serving as James' next best 'safe place' after the house, is a familiar and comforting environment for him.
The car journeys are not just about travel but also about experiencing new places from the safety of the vehicle. James enjoys observing the world outside, taking in the sights and sounds at his own pace. Regular visits to McDonald's drive-through are a part of these road trips, providing a sense of routine and familiarity.
To make the experience more engaging, clear goals or missions are set for each trip. For instance, James might be given a scavenger hunt or checklist to complete during stops. This encourages him to actively participate and engage with the world around him.
Independent exploration is also encouraged, within safe boundaries. James is given the freedom to follow his interests and build confidence at his own pace. Practical accommodations are made, like requesting extra luggage for sensory or comfort items, to make the trips comfortable for him.
Emotional connection is a key aspect of these road trips. James' carer is always present, attentive, and responsive to his feelings, fostering trust and security. Shared activities such as navigating, choosing stops, or storytelling can promote bonding and reduce anxiety by keeping James actively involved.
Mark Arnold, the Director of Additional Needs Ministry at Urban Saints and the author of The Additional Needs Blogfather, emphasizes the importance of gradual exposure, predictability, shared decision-making, purposeful engagement, emotional support, and flexibility in planning road trips for children with social anxiety.
With these strategies in place, James' road trips have become a valuable tool in helping him engage with the world outside his home. These journeys not only provide him with a sense of adventure but also help him stay connected with the outside world.
This article was re-published with permission in Evangelical Focus and The Additional Needs Blogfather.
[1] Arnold, M. (2020). The Additional Needs Blogfather. [Blog post] Available at: https://additionalneedsblogfather.com/2020/08/10/helping-children-with-social-anxiety-to-engage-with-the-outside-world-part-1/
[2] Arnold, M. (2020). The Additional Needs Blogfather. [Blog post] Available at: https://additionalneedsblogfather.com/2020/08/17/helping-children-with-social-anxiety-to-engage-with-the-outside-world-part-2/
[3] Arnold, M. (2020). The Additional Needs Blogfather. [Blog post] Available at: https://additionalneedsblogfather.com/2020/08/24/helping-children-with-social-anxiety-to-engage-with-the-outside-world-part-3/
[4] Arnold, M. (2020). The Additional Needs Blogfather. [Blog post] Available at: https://additionalneedsblogfather.com/2020/08/31/helping-children-with-social-anxiety-to-engage-with-the-outside-world-part-4/
[5] Arnold, M. (2020). The Additional Needs Blogfather. [Blog post] Available at: https://additionalneedsblogfather.com/2020/09/07/helping-children-with-social-anxiety-to-engage-with-the-outside-world-part-5/
- James' growing independence and newfound confidence on road trips reflect a positive impact on his mental health, indicating a proactive approach towards health-and-wellness and lifestyle changes.
- As James' comfort zone expands through travel, he gains exposure to various cultures and landscapes, broadening his understanding of the world and contributing to increased knowledge in the field of science.
- To create a nurturing environment for James at home, his family incorporates elements of home-and-garden design that cater to his sensory preferences, promoting comfort and reducing anxiety.
