9 tips to help your neurodiverse family strike the right balance between go-time and downtime Pre-kids, my husband Tom and I traveled often. Whenever we had time and money, we took off to see somewhere new. Our vacations were never relaxing. We always took the approach that we were going to see as much as possible in case we never got back to that city or country again. We were up with the sun and out the door shortly after, touring all day and falling into bed at night, then repeating the same schedule the next day. We would jokingly…
Author: Lee Lynch
When our neurodiverse family travels, it’s always an adventure. But it’s not the only kind of adventure we have, or that seems to be worthwhile for us. Living in the Washington DC area, there’s a lot of adventure in our own backyard – all of the tourist sites and entertainment venues of DC (see Rocket Around Washington DC – Part 1); many places to visit in nearby historical cities – including Alexandria, VA (Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon – President George Washington’s home) and Annapolis, MD, (pic); Arlington National Cemetery; different battlefields, national and state parks, and beaches; seasonal…
I love traveling. I am only 11 but I want to go everywhere in the world. But traveling with my brothers, who are neurodiverse, can be frustrating. Here’s my view and how I try to make it fun.
Fun Facts cont. Facts This museum calls its interactive experience for children STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).This museum has 145 million live specimens and artifacts showing the history of Earth and helping humans understand the world and their place in it. How many do you count?The panels on the exterior of this museum are designed to be just like a crown on the head of a statue inside the museum. Ask your parents if you can touch one!More than 311 million people have visited this museum since it opened in 1976. How many do you count here today?As…
Fun Facts about Washington DC Sites Draw a line from the fact on the left to the correct site on the right. Facts Years ago, the land at this site was a village where slaves going to freedom could get housing, education, and medical care.You may have seen pictures of this site before – it appears on the back of the five-dollar bill. Ask your parents to show you!The statues in this site are constructed to make you feel that at least one is looking at you wherever you stand. Which one is looking at you?There are 4,048 gold stars…
ARMY DOGS Army Dogs Messenger Dogs (Courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Army) Dogs are a soldier’s best friend too! After watching the Army Behind the Army video, you know that throughout Army history, dogs have helped out the Army in many different ways. Some of these dogs have received the K9 Medal of Courage and other medals for their service! In this activity below, you can look at different types of dogs in the Army and match them to their job description. Sentry Dogs Search Dogs: My job is to find things that could put Soldiers…
INVISIBLE INK (Courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Army) The Army has a long history of sending messages using codes to keep them secret. From the Revolutionary War to today, soldiers have used many different types of codes to write their messages. Directions: Follow the steps below to create your own invisible messages. Materials needed: ¼ Cup of baking soda ¼ Cup of water ¼ Cup of dark juice (i.e., grape or cranberry) Paper Cotton swab Toothpick or paintbrush to write with Mix together baking soda and water. Dip your writing utensil into the water/baking soda mixture.…
BINOCULARS (Courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Army) Soldiers must carry many items with them. Some Soldiers carry binoculars to see great distances. Follow the steps below to make your own binoculars for your next adventure! Directions: Follow the steps below to create your own pair of binoculars. Materials Needed: Empty cardboard toilet paper rolls Glue or tape Duct tape Spray paint (matte or glossy) or construction paper (green or black) String, yarn, twine, or macrame string Scissors Take one toilet paper roll and place a strip of hot glue parallel down the roll. Place your second…