- 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
Keri Bowers ,filmmaker of 'Normal People scare me'
Labels: advice, autism, keri bowers, movie, travel
A.G-What made you decide to become a filmmaker?
I have been a disabilities advocate for 21 years doing many things to improve options and quality of life for kids with disabilities, their families, and professionals. But I can't really take credit for becoming a filmmaker. It is my son who was the muse and inspiration behind our first film, "Normal People Scare Me."
On the eve of Taylor’s 15th birthday – which is also Christmas Eve., Taylor was involved in a holiday giving project. I had always used community service as a way for Taylor to learn to relate to others, learn skills, and “think” about what helping others means.
For over 10 years, he had volunteered in many capacities in community giving. That particular year, Taylor surprised me when he said to me “Mom, this year I want to pay for the gifts myself.” I was stunned. What a great lesson he had learned over the years! “What can I do to earn some money, mom?” he asked.
“Well, you can clean the swimming pool.” I suggested. With a sigh, a gasp, a roll of the eyes, and a heavy breath (a normal reaction for a teen,) Taylor retorted “Nagggggggh! I want to make videos and sell them.”
As a former paralegal in the entertainment business I had an idea what it takes for someone to make a movie, a record, or create success by writing a book. So I replied “Taylor, you can’t make a movie! You need to go to college. You need to know how to do it…” Bla, bla, bla, I went on a diatribe about why a kid could not make a film. And then, I caught myself.
As I turned and looked at Taylor, so trusting of my words and my attitudes, staring at me, believing me, a thought raced through my head… “Yea, and they said you might never walk or talk and we sure showed them.”
I took a breath and said “Taylor, everything… everything I just said is a lie. It is not the truth. You can make a movie. I don’t know how to do it, but I will help you to get it made if it’s what you really want to do.” He was now smiling.
“I understand that people should write about – or create a film about what they know. You and I know autism; how about that for a topic?” I asked. “Yea, I know autism. Okay.” He replied. That night he came to me and said “Mom, I want to call the film Normal People Scare Me.” And the rest, as they say, is history.
Within one week, the universe presented Joey Travolta to us, and within a month he had agreed to help mentor Taylor to make (at first) a short student film. The film’s screening at a local high school where Joey’s daughter Rachel was a senior, was so successful it got awards and press attention. A couple of articles in the Los Angeles Daily News brought in email from all over the world. Within months, we began filming the feature, 90 minute version of Normal People Scare Me.
A.G. How did becoming a filmmaker change your view about traveling/exploring new cultures/meeting new people?
With the tremendous success of the film, we were asked by organizations, hospitals, colleges, Universities, and other organizations all over the world to come and screen our film and often, facilitate “mom and son” talks and workshops.
Taylor and I had previously traveled to Canada, Europe and short trips to various places in the US, and each time we had issues – sometimes major issues - with various aspects of travel. Long lines, waiting our turn, being on time (many arguments about this one), losing items or leaving them behind, etc., but nothing could prepare us for the learning curve of traveling as advocates on a regular basis.
Airlines, flight attendants, hotel personnel, taxi’s, subway systems, currencies, food, etc., presented daily challenges for me and for Taylor. Taylor is 6’10”, and even so stature was often an issue as well (small seats on planes, beds, and door jams that are often smaller in some countries.)
It was clear that we both needed to learn and adapt to new strategies for the “rules” of travel, including how and what to pack, how little – how much, etc. But there were many other things that were even scary for us.
On several occasions TSA officers got in our faces and asked us to “step aside” because Taylor responded to a question in a “weird” or “suspicious” manner. Then there were the times in Chicago, Manhattan, London and (a few others) when Taylor got lost, sometimes for hours! And then there were the times we nearly missed flights because Taylor needed to use the restroom at the last minute as the plane was boarding.
Then there are the arguments. We’ve had many – and still do, over what I call his “ism” and rigid thinking, and my need to – oh, say – not miss that plane; or not want to pay for a new telephone charger he left behind… Once, Taylor left his backpack on the bullet train in Japan containing over $600 worth of college books that Taylor insisted on lugging around Hiroshima. He never meant to read any of them but insisted “They neeeeed to be in there mom or I will lose them” But Taylor, they will be right where you leave them on your bed when we get back.” He insisted they needed to be with him. Again, this is his rigid thinking.
We have developed many strategies, some that have worked very well, and others, not so much. It’s a trial and error thing. I could go on to write a book on this subjector make a film – which is already in the planning stages called “Autism Travels.” But here’s a short list of 8 things a parent can do – and practice doing over and over if necessary, to help with travel.
Never over pack. Resist the urge to put in those extra shoes and clothing that you really don’t need in favor of a few well selected items you might want to bring with you (see below). Also, carrying bulky luggage adds tremendous stress, expense, and weight to your travel and anything that is not calming should be eliminated wherever and whenever possible while traveling.
Put your name and number on any electronics, computer or game gear, beach towels and other things that get lost or stolen. I suggest that the words “My child has (name disability). If you find this item, my child lost it. Please call…” A lot of people will be more likely to return things if they feel connected to the seriousness of the loss
Call ahead at least 24 hours to the airport and tell them you will be traveling with your child. Ask them what special accommodations they are able to make at the airport for your child’s special needs (lines too long, etc.)
Call ahead to request special seating on planes, in restaurants; to request special hotel accommodations, to places you will be visiting (sight seeing, museums, parks, etc.) Though not all will accommodate you, many are happy to support accommodations – we’ve even been givenfree stuff (food, tickets, etc.) because people want to support others in need. Calling in advance helps you know what to expect, and also takes that off your “to do” list while at your destination.
Have your child carry a “lost and found” card. You can make it on your computer and laminate it. I like the kind that say something to the effect: “I have (name disability). If you are reading this I am lost. My parent’s names are… List contact information, where you are staying, a number of someone back-home (just in case your cell phone dies or you are out of cell service for example.)
You should always carry with you your written itinerary and directions of where you are staying as well. Keep a short, written note attached to your itinerary – and on your person at all times explaining your child’s condition just in case something happens to you and you are unable to speak for yourself. This will help others who may encounter your child and your emergency situation while you are traveling to understand at ;east something about your child at a glance.
Bring something memorable and comforting for your child from home. A special blanket, small pillow, small stuffed animal, a favorite small framed picture; something that can be easily folded and packed. When you get to your hotel or other lodging, if you can, get into your hotel room before your kid does. Have someone traveling with you watch him/her in the lobby or distract them at the door long enough to get into the room to place the “surprise” item on their designated bed. Then make a grand entry and say tothe effect “Look what’s on your bed! How’d that get there?” Establish familiarity within the environment.
Bring a small “sensory bag” on the airplane. This is not the toys, game gear, computers and other things parents naturally bring on trips, but rather the sensory bag contains things that calm with touch, smell, squishes, etc. Things like a brush; a squishy toy, a mirror for viewing emotions, a small puzzle, special socks or slippers, or a washcloth to wipe off tears.
Know Your Destination. Once you decide where you are going, research the area(s), local transportation, review local maps, and everything else you can think of in advance. Sitting in your hotel room and saying “where do you want to go now?” or asking the Concierge about theater tickets at the last minute causes stress for everybody.
A.G-What is the message you want your audience to discover/relate to in your films?
The main message of my film is hope. Expect miracles. If it appears that you are not getting “your” miracle today, delight in someone else’s miracle.
Together, my films have over 100 interview subjects in them. Young, old, boys, girls, men, women, some with lower abilities and others with higher abilities (there’s never really a way to say that and be politically correct for everyone is there?)
On one level or another, audiences will relate to at least one subject in my films. It’s always good to relate isn’t it? My films are meant to educate, inspire, connect, make people laugh and cry, but most of all, to let people (you) know you are not alone in this thing called disabilities.
A.G.-What/where would be your ideal film location if money was no object?
I sooooooooo badly want to go on an autism cruise to film it! All my life I have loved to cruise for fun. Now I’d love to cruise and work! Presenting my films and workshops for family enrichment while on board - all while filming it all for my travel film project would be ideal.
A.G.-What would be your advice to our autistic globetrotters?
Learn to be “zen” – at one – with travel. Keep your breathing regulated, and breathe into the experiences good or bad. Show your child you are calm and in control – even if they are not.
Traveling with a child with autism and other disabilities can be really hard. Small situations can turn big, loud and ugly fast. Keep your wits about you. Have a friend back home whom you can call day or night at the “ready” to take a call from you and (in advance) agree they will not engage in your problem, but rather help you to relax around whatever the problem is. In other words a support system to keep you calm, focused, and ready to solve your challenges and not build them bigger than they are.
Keri Bowers is a filmmaker, consultant, author, and workshop leader in disabilities advocacy, with a specialty in autism. Films include "Normal People Scare Me," "The Sandwich Kid," and "ARTS". Books include "Mapping Transitions to Your Child's Future," and "Single Pregnancy, Single Parenting".
Currently working on a new movie about autism and sexuality 'Desire',and planning a movie about autistic travel in collaboration with Margalit Francus ,creator of AutisticGlobetrotting..
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