- Welcome Message and select excerpts of our first year blog
- Our New Blog
- Contact us
- Travel Advice
- Guidelines for travel agents
- Flying-all you need to know before you book your next plane ticket>
- Cruising-planning the perfect cruise>
- Car Travel
- Traveling by bus...in style
- Hotels-Creating the ideal autistic friendly hotel room>
- Packing -101>
- Ask away -Autistic Globetrotting Free advice service>
- Tid bits-travel advice from our readers in 100 words or less
- Autistic Travels' Golden Rules
- Guidelines for travel agents
- Autisticals-a personal view of autistic travel
- US 10 best in
- The 10 best of Boston
- The best 10 of Hilton Head,South Carolina
- The 10 best of New York
- The 10 best of Alaska
- The 10 best of Texas-San Antonio and Galveston
- The 10 best of Santa Fe and the surroundings
- The 10 best of Arizone-Grand Canyon
- The 10 best of Colonial Williamsburg,Jamestown and surroundinds
- The 10 best of Washington D.C.
- The 10 best of Las Vegas
- The 10 best of Boston
- International 10 best
- Mini autisticals- the darnest travel stories you'll hear
- The Sleeps-our biased and un biased hotel reviews
- The Eats-Tasty challenges from around the globe
- The Shops-what you can buy next
- Collector's Corner-How did these travel trinkets become a collection
- Recommended products
- Giveaways
- Monthly news roundup
- Interviews
- Q&A with Jackie Longino founder of Aspietravel
- Q&A with Tal managing director of ALUTEVA-autistic hotel in Israel
- Eva Bronstein-Greenwald-special needs travel agent and founder of We Belong
- Q&A with Trip it's
- Q&A with David Intercontinental Tel Aviv
- Keri Bowers- film producer of 'Normal people scare me'
- Jamie Grover-Autism on the seas
- Peter Shears
- Clive-guide dog extraordinaire
- John Brown of 'Devyn and Dad' -an inspirational adventure across the United States
- Rose Niehaus Olsen Morris inventor of the safety sleeper bed
- Annette White,counselor for Camp Autism
- Colin Brennan-Canada's new singing sensation
- Dennis Debbaudt-autism safety expert
- Gisela Sedlmayer- author of 'Talon'
- Q&A with Jackie Longino founder of Aspietravel
- Inspirational travel stories by our guest writers
- Danette Schott's-Revisiting family vacations
- Brian R. King-Meltdown at the airport
- Joy's visit to the Aquarium
- Denise Klipsic-An incredible encounter with Princess Tiana
- Tanya Savko- Hope on a river
- Tiffany Robison-Great Wolf Lodge
- Fiona Westner Ramsay -Making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe
- Laura Shumacher-Traveling with autism: a true story
- Phyllis Fanzo Lombardi-s -Vacation Time with Joey
- Kristina Chew-18 Miles On the Bikes At the Beach
- Jeff Katz-Chicago
- Margaret Ann Franklin's visit to the Great Northern Carousel in Helena Montana
- Claire Sarcone-Chessington the aspie way
- Elaine Hall-Tips for summer vacation
- Steve LHeureux -Autism "Outings" need to be planned and appropriate
- Kelly Green-The Gardens of Gilroy
- Wolfie Blue-Tips I learnt by traveling with my family
- Gluten free Disney cruise experience
- Danette Schott's-Revisiting family vacations
- North,Central and South America-pictures,videos and AG's tips
- Arizona,The Grand Canyon
- Alaska Cruise-USA and Canada
- Florida,Orlando-Universal Studios-looking for Harry Potter
- Florida,Orlando-Macy's mini parade in Universal Studios
- Florida-Everglades Park ,Miami,Key West
- Hawaii's big island with a glimpse of Pearl Harbor
- Louisiana,New Orleans-French Quarter,Christmas Parade,Nanchez Steamboat
- Louisiana,New Orleans-in the footsteps of Katrina,Garden district
- Massachussetts-Boston ,New England Coastal towns of NH and Maine
- New York-NYC
- New Mexico-Santa Fe and Bandoliers National Park
- Pennsylvania-Philadelphia
- Texas-San Antonio and Galveston
- Canada-Niagara Falls,Montreal,Quebec,Toronto
- Caribbean-Bahamas- the Atlantis resort
- Caribbean-Castaway Cay-Disney's bahamian paradise
- Caribbean-Roatan,Honduras>
- Caribbean-Grand Caymans-Hell,Turtles,Wild Hens and Stingrays>
- Mexico-Cabo San Lucas(Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Puerta Vallarta (Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Acapulco and Manzanillo
- Mexico-Mazatlan(Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Playa del Carmen's Xcaret eco park>
- Mexico-Tulum and XelHa Eco Park
- Yucatan,Mexico- Chichen Itza,Cozumel's Paradise Beach
- Arizona,The Grand Canyon
- Europe,Asia,Australia and New Zealand,Cruise ships-pictures,videos and AG's tips
- Australia-Sydney and Melbourne
- Austria-Salzburg
- Belgium-Antwerp ,Brussels
- Canary Islands-Lazarote
- Croatia-the walled town of Dubrovnik
- Denmark-Copenhagen
- France-Normandy's D day beaches>
- France- Cannes,Nice,Eze
- France-Paris
- Finland,Helsinki
- Germany-Munich,Dachau
- Germany-Romantic Road
- Ireland-Dublin
- Ireland -Cork,Blarney,Kinsale>
- N. Ireland-Belfast>
- N. Ireland's Giant Causeway
- N.Ireland-Carrick -a -Rede-rope bridge>
- Italy-Venice,Pompeii,Rome
- Italy-Florence,Messina and Taoramina
- Israel-Jerusalem>
- Israel-Masada and the Dead Sea>
- Israel-Tel Aviv>
- Morocco-Casablanca
- New Zealand-Rotarua
- New Zealand-Fjord Park,Dunedin,Christchurch
- New Zealand - Auckland and sheep farm
- The Netherlands-Amsterdam,Delft,The Hague,Rotterdam,Madurodam
- Sweden-Stockholm and the Archipelago
- Russia-St Petersburg's Palaces
- Scotland-Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
- Scotland-Edinburgh>
- Scotland-Inverness>
- Scotland-Loch Lommond,Luss,Sottish sheep show>
- Spain-Barcelona
- Spain-Cadiz and Seville
- Spain-The Alhambra Palace,view of Malaga
- Tasmania-Hobart
- UK-Liverpool and the Beatles>
- UK-London>
- UK-Stonehenge,Bath,Warwick Castle,Stratford on Avon,Oxford
- UK-Guernsey>
- Carnival -Legend
- Aboard the Carnival Legend
- Carnival -Ecstasy
- Carnival- Fascination
- Carnival Spirit
- Celebrity-Century
- Crown Princess>
- Sapphire Princess
- Royal Caribbean-Brilliance of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean-Mariner of the Seas (parades)
- Royal Caribbean- Mariner of the Seas
- Australia-Sydney and Melbourne
- Monthly guest's -Travel videos and pictures
- Web sites and blogs we follow
- Face Book discussions
- Guest Book
Q&A with John Brown of 'Devyn and Dad' -an inspirational adventure across the United States
This month's interview is with John Brown of Pensacola Florida,a single dad raising an autistic teen ,who has launched his own autism awareness campaign 'Autism across America'.The written interview format allows the interviewed person to tell his/her story 'in their own words' ,as much as possible.
AG- What inspired you to travel with Devyn across the 50 states?
Actually, it was in response to a promise I made before he was born. I knew he would be a teenager when I retired and I planned to spend our summers touring our great country. When he was diagnosed with autism I thought "Well, there go those plans". Little did I know that not only would the trip still be viable but could turn into a dual purposed venture. As Devyn was growing up I realized he had a tremendous love of the outdoors. It didn't make any difference if we were in the woods, at the beach or walking in a downpour, as long as he was outside. He also proved early on, by the tender age of four months, that he was a good traveler. At 10 1/2 months he went on a 3500 mile journey from Florida to Washington and experienced his first two flights. So, as our travel advanced to camping, backpacking and various roads trips to visit people I decided to reinstate my original promise to him. In 2009, when we started, I decided to call our adventure, "Autism tours America" and to use it as an autism awareness trip .First, looking at the personal portion of the mission, I had made a promise to my son and the time had come to fullfil that promise. Autism, in most instances, is not a reason to hide one's child. The autistic child can enjoy the outdoors, scenery, and travel as well as other children. In a lot of cases they can do it better.
Second, our mission to autism and to all parents of children within the autism spectrum is to show that our children can be taken on trips, can be taken into museums, caverns and other places of historical or entertainment value. These children can get as much enjoyment value from these travels as any other child. They may not react or show this enjoyment the same way but parents, you know your child, their likes and dislikes, what makes them happy and what makes them sad. Plan your trips with these things in mind. It will make for an enjoyable trip for the entire family.
AG-How many states have you covered so far and which one was your favorite?
We had been to many other states prior to 2009, but since the official tour began we have covered the eight southern and western states of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada. We actually spent the longest time in California at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, visiting various air museums, two presidential libraries, parts of the historic Route 66 and Death Valley. However, the state we actually enjoyed exploring most was Arizona (and we still have to return for the Grand Canyon) as the people were most welcoming and drivers actually adhered to the speed limit!!! We visited the Hoover Dam, Oatman- home of the Gold Rush burros descendants on route 66,the’ transplanted’ London Bridge, as well as the Biosphere Two, Pima Air Museum and the aircraft "bone yard" in Tucson . We even got to meet Sheriff Joe Arapio of Maricopa County/Phoenix.
AG- Describe the planning and preparation that goes into a typical trip.
For us, I'm sure the planning is quite different from the planning done by most people. We traveled this first stage using a tent, sleeping bags and a two burner stove. So instead of planning for motel or hotel accommodations, we basically stopped where we were and spent the night. We did our best to stay off the interstates and were quite successful. We did make it a point to always contact the police/fire departments when we were going to ‘bed down’ in their area, since we didn't want to be pitching a tent where it wasn't allowed. This travel method also proved to be handy as far as places to stay was concerned. We ended up spending one night in the interrogation room of a city police department because they didn't want us pitching our tent due to an incoming storm., while in the Texas panhandle, we were furnished a motel room as it was forecast the temperature would drop down to zero during the night. Another time, a retired sergeant major let us stay at a house he had in San Diego for four nights so we could spend time at MCRD. At interstate rest areas we would set up a lean-to with tarps and bed down (we weren't hassled even once) while during the times when we weren't close to a town we would just find a spot and set up "camp". So I guess I can say that as far as lodging planning went we just sort of "winged it" according to the map. So ,with all things taken into consideration I guess we've been fortunate that change does not seem to be a big issue. with Devyn,like it is with other autistic kids. In fact,I think he handled the different sleeping arrangements , the constantly changing scenery and weather variations(we went from 75 degrees in San Diego in January to 3 below zero in Missouri in February), quite well.
I do realize some children really have a difficult time with change but I feel that can be somewhat overcome if parents would introduce change to them from the beginning. Of course, I'm not a professional. The best advice I received at the time of diagnosis from the doctor was to treat my son just like I did my other children! While realizing that he won't ever have a driver's license or be entirely self sufficient , I was and still am determined to treat him like I did my kids. I wish they would have been as trouble-free as Devyn has.
When stage two resumes(hopefully by 2011), there will be more planning involved, such as locating RV parks that we can use as a home base for a time. We are also getting ideas of where we want to go in order to cover the 50 states (Hawaii being the most difficult to plan for). We plan to park our trailer and spread out for a 150 mile radius, see what we’re interested in and then continue on to another park. Weather will also become a factor as we don't really want to explore Alaska in January with a 33' trailer!
There will have to be much more planning involved and we will have to take general ideas and turn them into solid plans as we go.
AG- Where would you like to be in five years? Also, do you have any international travel plans?
Depending on the success of our autism awareness program I would like to continue traveling for autism awareness. I would like to give presentations describing our unique adventures in the context of autism. I truly feel that we can become great ambassadors for autism awareness.
International travel? I really haven't given it much thought. If we were to travel internationally I think New Zealand and Australia would be first on our list. We will just have to wait and see what the future holds for both of us.
AG- No good trip is complete without bad stories.
Care to share any such stories?
This is so true, but fortunately our bad stories always had good endings.
On one trip, after touring the Carlsbad Caverns we headed south into Texas around five o’clock in the afternoon. Shortly after crossing the Texan border, I noticed the truck was getting hard to steer. I pulled off the two lane road and raised the hood. We had a damaged fan belt. Since my cell phone had zero bars showing, I decided my best bet was to start waving; hoping someone might stop to help. Four cars zoomed by us heading south before one going north bound, did a U-turn and came to see what our problem was. He was from California and was on his way to visit his brother-in-law who lived about forty miles away. After making numerous phone calls and an unexpected number of additional trips, to fix not only the torn fan belt but an idler pulley as well, we were finally able to get back on the road about 9:30 PM. These gracious people did not even consider taking any payment for their trouble, since they thought it was such a great idea for me to be traveling with Devyn. We eventually spent the night in a picnic area where it was a balmy 22 degrees when we got up.
On our California trip, we spent a couple of weeks in the high desert just west of Twenty-nine Palms. As we got ready to tuck in our tent one evening I noticed the weather was beginning to look a little rough. During the night the wind gusts reached 50plus mph as we remained in our tent. By 7 AM the wind had picked up again and I when I looked outside, the rain and sand were blowing almost horizontal to the ground. It was blowing so hard that Devyn's side of the tent was actually lying on top of his sleeping bag. At the first break, we got in the truck and used it as temporary shelter, until we could the tent down. You haven't lived until you try to get a tent down and put away in a 35 mph wind. Devyn was a big help during this time as he had been learning his duties when it came time to break camp.
In Kingman, AZ we set up tent on a side road, off the I-40 about 8 miles east of Kingman. It took about three days but we eventually turned a three season tent into a four season tent when about 4" of snow covered us. This was the storm that almost closed down Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon in January, 2010. But we did live to tell the tale.,so as I previously stated, our bad times always ended up good when all was said and done.
I would like to end this interview with my favorite tip,"Always be proud of your children and NEVER apologize for them being autistic. A man once told me Devyn was not "right." My answer was very simple and stated in a kind manner: "for Devyn, he is right" or whatever term one wishes to use for it. Our kids' love is unconditional as ours should be for them. Plan your trips and enjoy not only seeing your child's eyes light up, but also our great country. "
Please visit Devyn and Dad's website at http://www.autismtoursamerica.com/ for more information and don't forget to sign their guest book.
AG- What inspired you to travel with Devyn across the 50 states?
Actually, it was in response to a promise I made before he was born. I knew he would be a teenager when I retired and I planned to spend our summers touring our great country. When he was diagnosed with autism I thought "Well, there go those plans". Little did I know that not only would the trip still be viable but could turn into a dual purposed venture. As Devyn was growing up I realized he had a tremendous love of the outdoors. It didn't make any difference if we were in the woods, at the beach or walking in a downpour, as long as he was outside. He also proved early on, by the tender age of four months, that he was a good traveler. At 10 1/2 months he went on a 3500 mile journey from Florida to Washington and experienced his first two flights. So, as our travel advanced to camping, backpacking and various roads trips to visit people I decided to reinstate my original promise to him. In 2009, when we started, I decided to call our adventure, "Autism tours America" and to use it as an autism awareness trip .First, looking at the personal portion of the mission, I had made a promise to my son and the time had come to fullfil that promise. Autism, in most instances, is not a reason to hide one's child. The autistic child can enjoy the outdoors, scenery, and travel as well as other children. In a lot of cases they can do it better.
Second, our mission to autism and to all parents of children within the autism spectrum is to show that our children can be taken on trips, can be taken into museums, caverns and other places of historical or entertainment value. These children can get as much enjoyment value from these travels as any other child. They may not react or show this enjoyment the same way but parents, you know your child, their likes and dislikes, what makes them happy and what makes them sad. Plan your trips with these things in mind. It will make for an enjoyable trip for the entire family.
AG-How many states have you covered so far and which one was your favorite?
We had been to many other states prior to 2009, but since the official tour began we have covered the eight southern and western states of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada. We actually spent the longest time in California at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, visiting various air museums, two presidential libraries, parts of the historic Route 66 and Death Valley. However, the state we actually enjoyed exploring most was Arizona (and we still have to return for the Grand Canyon) as the people were most welcoming and drivers actually adhered to the speed limit!!! We visited the Hoover Dam, Oatman- home of the Gold Rush burros descendants on route 66,the’ transplanted’ London Bridge, as well as the Biosphere Two, Pima Air Museum and the aircraft "bone yard" in Tucson . We even got to meet Sheriff Joe Arapio of Maricopa County/Phoenix.
AG- Describe the planning and preparation that goes into a typical trip.
For us, I'm sure the planning is quite different from the planning done by most people. We traveled this first stage using a tent, sleeping bags and a two burner stove. So instead of planning for motel or hotel accommodations, we basically stopped where we were and spent the night. We did our best to stay off the interstates and were quite successful. We did make it a point to always contact the police/fire departments when we were going to ‘bed down’ in their area, since we didn't want to be pitching a tent where it wasn't allowed. This travel method also proved to be handy as far as places to stay was concerned. We ended up spending one night in the interrogation room of a city police department because they didn't want us pitching our tent due to an incoming storm., while in the Texas panhandle, we were furnished a motel room as it was forecast the temperature would drop down to zero during the night. Another time, a retired sergeant major let us stay at a house he had in San Diego for four nights so we could spend time at MCRD. At interstate rest areas we would set up a lean-to with tarps and bed down (we weren't hassled even once) while during the times when we weren't close to a town we would just find a spot and set up "camp". So I guess I can say that as far as lodging planning went we just sort of "winged it" according to the map. So ,with all things taken into consideration I guess we've been fortunate that change does not seem to be a big issue. with Devyn,like it is with other autistic kids. In fact,I think he handled the different sleeping arrangements , the constantly changing scenery and weather variations(we went from 75 degrees in San Diego in January to 3 below zero in Missouri in February), quite well.
I do realize some children really have a difficult time with change but I feel that can be somewhat overcome if parents would introduce change to them from the beginning. Of course, I'm not a professional. The best advice I received at the time of diagnosis from the doctor was to treat my son just like I did my other children! While realizing that he won't ever have a driver's license or be entirely self sufficient , I was and still am determined to treat him like I did my kids. I wish they would have been as trouble-free as Devyn has.
When stage two resumes(hopefully by 2011), there will be more planning involved, such as locating RV parks that we can use as a home base for a time. We are also getting ideas of where we want to go in order to cover the 50 states (Hawaii being the most difficult to plan for). We plan to park our trailer and spread out for a 150 mile radius, see what we’re interested in and then continue on to another park. Weather will also become a factor as we don't really want to explore Alaska in January with a 33' trailer!
There will have to be much more planning involved and we will have to take general ideas and turn them into solid plans as we go.
AG- Where would you like to be in five years? Also, do you have any international travel plans?
Depending on the success of our autism awareness program I would like to continue traveling for autism awareness. I would like to give presentations describing our unique adventures in the context of autism. I truly feel that we can become great ambassadors for autism awareness.
International travel? I really haven't given it much thought. If we were to travel internationally I think New Zealand and Australia would be first on our list. We will just have to wait and see what the future holds for both of us.
AG- No good trip is complete without bad stories.
Care to share any such stories?
This is so true, but fortunately our bad stories always had good endings.
On one trip, after touring the Carlsbad Caverns we headed south into Texas around five o’clock in the afternoon. Shortly after crossing the Texan border, I noticed the truck was getting hard to steer. I pulled off the two lane road and raised the hood. We had a damaged fan belt. Since my cell phone had zero bars showing, I decided my best bet was to start waving; hoping someone might stop to help. Four cars zoomed by us heading south before one going north bound, did a U-turn and came to see what our problem was. He was from California and was on his way to visit his brother-in-law who lived about forty miles away. After making numerous phone calls and an unexpected number of additional trips, to fix not only the torn fan belt but an idler pulley as well, we were finally able to get back on the road about 9:30 PM. These gracious people did not even consider taking any payment for their trouble, since they thought it was such a great idea for me to be traveling with Devyn. We eventually spent the night in a picnic area where it was a balmy 22 degrees when we got up.
On our California trip, we spent a couple of weeks in the high desert just west of Twenty-nine Palms. As we got ready to tuck in our tent one evening I noticed the weather was beginning to look a little rough. During the night the wind gusts reached 50plus mph as we remained in our tent. By 7 AM the wind had picked up again and I when I looked outside, the rain and sand were blowing almost horizontal to the ground. It was blowing so hard that Devyn's side of the tent was actually lying on top of his sleeping bag. At the first break, we got in the truck and used it as temporary shelter, until we could the tent down. You haven't lived until you try to get a tent down and put away in a 35 mph wind. Devyn was a big help during this time as he had been learning his duties when it came time to break camp.
In Kingman, AZ we set up tent on a side road, off the I-40 about 8 miles east of Kingman. It took about three days but we eventually turned a three season tent into a four season tent when about 4" of snow covered us. This was the storm that almost closed down Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon in January, 2010. But we did live to tell the tale.,so as I previously stated, our bad times always ended up good when all was said and done.
I would like to end this interview with my favorite tip,"Always be proud of your children and NEVER apologize for them being autistic. A man once told me Devyn was not "right." My answer was very simple and stated in a kind manner: "for Devyn, he is right" or whatever term one wishes to use for it. Our kids' love is unconditional as ours should be for them. Plan your trips and enjoy not only seeing your child's eyes light up, but also our great country. "
Please visit Devyn and Dad's website at http://www.autismtoursamerica.com/ for more information and don't forget to sign their guest book.
Current update January 2011
After many readers e mailed us with questions about Devyn and Dad,autisticglobetrotting decided to ask a 'round two'
Q-How verbal is he?
A-He's considered non-verbal. He can repeat words and does come out with phrases occasionally but there isn't any conversation involved.
Q-Is he diagnosed as high functioning?
A-He was diagnosed as TMH; trainable mentally handicapped. He does things around the house, etc. He can use the microwave with guidance such as telling him what numbers to push, walks our new family member Rufus, and can follow directions. He sets the table, puts the dishes away as I dry them, and things of this nature. He has no problem operating the DVD/VCR player. He can do things with that and I can't figure out how to straighten it out! He does understand pretty well when he is talked to though.
Q-Does he actively participate in deciding sites to see?
A- He doesn't really participate in deciding where to go and what to see. The length of time we spend at any particular place is dependent upon his interest. If he is really getting bored we usually pack it in and get back on the road.
Q-Sounds like he has little or no sensory issues?
A The only recurring sensory issue I have noticed is loud, shrill noises. If we are in a crowded or noisy place such as a restaurant he will plug up his ears. The same goes whenever he hears a baby crying or a brat kid throwing a fit. He does the same when I have to get loud with him once in a while. He also will not eat eggs so I have to slip them in with French toast once in a while.
Q-Now that he's a teen-does he have any meltdowns that would affect your travel?
A-He hasn't really had any meltdowns. One can tell he's in the teenager range though. Once in a while when I ask him to do something he will give me "the look"! The look says "surely you aren't talking to me!" I think all parents are familiar with this. I guess if he melts during stage 2 we'll just find a RV park and settle in until he unmelts (is that a word?). I probably come closer to melting down at times than he does. Or maybe that's called the onslaught of a depression moment. I'm able to pick up on it and ride it out and thank goodness they are few and far between.
After many readers e mailed us with questions about Devyn and Dad,autisticglobetrotting decided to ask a 'round two'
Q-How verbal is he?
A-He's considered non-verbal. He can repeat words and does come out with phrases occasionally but there isn't any conversation involved.
Q-Is he diagnosed as high functioning?
A-He was diagnosed as TMH; trainable mentally handicapped. He does things around the house, etc. He can use the microwave with guidance such as telling him what numbers to push, walks our new family member Rufus, and can follow directions. He sets the table, puts the dishes away as I dry them, and things of this nature. He has no problem operating the DVD/VCR player. He can do things with that and I can't figure out how to straighten it out! He does understand pretty well when he is talked to though.
Q-Does he actively participate in deciding sites to see?
A- He doesn't really participate in deciding where to go and what to see. The length of time we spend at any particular place is dependent upon his interest. If he is really getting bored we usually pack it in and get back on the road.
Q-Sounds like he has little or no sensory issues?
A The only recurring sensory issue I have noticed is loud, shrill noises. If we are in a crowded or noisy place such as a restaurant he will plug up his ears. The same goes whenever he hears a baby crying or a brat kid throwing a fit. He does the same when I have to get loud with him once in a while. He also will not eat eggs so I have to slip them in with French toast once in a while.
Q-Now that he's a teen-does he have any meltdowns that would affect your travel?
A-He hasn't really had any meltdowns. One can tell he's in the teenager range though. Once in a while when I ask him to do something he will give me "the look"! The look says "surely you aren't talking to me!" I think all parents are familiar with this. I guess if he melts during stage 2 we'll just find a RV park and settle in until he unmelts (is that a word?). I probably come closer to melting down at times than he does. Or maybe that's called the onslaught of a depression moment. I'm able to pick up on it and ride it out and thank goodness they are few and far between.