72 hour kits and Special Needs

If you are the parent of a child with special needs than the idea of a disaster probably causes a panic attack. It may seem like there is no way you can prepare them for a disaster and the idea of how they may react seems overwhelming. But there is no reason why they can't be as prepared or more so than any one else. You could actually teach people a lot about helping a child in a disaster. Use what you already know and put it to your advantage.

—       Food sensitivities and allergies - typically these kids have more of them so plan for them. Include the entire family, especially if the allergies are severe. Food that they wouldn't normally have access to may be available in other peoples packs, or if they've been eating, on their hands and mouths due to lack of ready sanitation. Remove items that could cause a reaction from everyone's packs. Also be sure the whole family knows how to spot and treat an allergic reaction, and where in the kit you EpiPen is.

—       Familiarity is a BIG deal to these guys so be sure the food you pack is stuff that is familiar to them.

—       Include their sensory needs – head phones, weighted vests (or just force them to wear their kit all day), clothing that meets their acceptance (used clothing is better sense they can usually feel  the difference between new and used), sunglasses. All these things will help them cope with the onslot of new stimuli and reduce the effects of over stimulation, hopefully decreasing meltdowns.

—       Comfort items- these need to be used and familiar items. These will extend beyond the normal comfort items. Include silver ware and dishes that they would normally eat with, the same clothes (interchange for a while or wash new ones repeatedly) that they have at home. Your bag needs to be an extension of the home they left.

—       Pay attention to their triggers and what helps them cope. Create a list and add these to your bag and the special needs form (print from http://www2.aap.org/advocacy/emergpresrls.htm)
—       Sensory relief  or stimuli– stress balls, “chewies” – discuss this with your occupational therapist

—       Entertainment should be based on their fetish (history, art, pokemon) and be varied enough to maintain their attention (especially if ADD/ADHD). Don’t pack things that are too challenging or too easy, look for a balance to avoid melt downs. If you have to bring a game boy or DVD player – pack LOTS OF BATTERIES or purchase a solar charger.