Trips to see loved ones in another city and family vacations to build memories are treasured parts of family life. However, if your child was recently diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), you may be wondering if travel will even be possible in the years ahead.
For most, travel is still possible, but it takes extra planning and preparation. Here are some key things you may want to consider before packing your bags.
Consider your child’s medical needs
Different children with DMD will have different sets of needs. Much of it depends on their age: older children have more problems with mobility as the disease progresses.
Research your travel plans
Make sure the places you are visiting — and how you get there — support your child’s needs.
If your son needs walking aids or a wheelchair, you should check for accessibility in the locations that you plan to visit, such as whether elevators and other accommodations are available. These include venues such as malls, theme parks and tourist attractions. You may want to check if these venues offer equipment rental, such as mobility scooters. Similarly, check if the hotel you’re staying at has easy accessibility for disabled users.
If you are traveling by flight, you should check whether these have disability access. This is especially important if you’re transiting between flights, given that mobility issues may cause the journey between flights to be longer than expected. If your son uses a power wheelchair, you’ll need to research the airline’s policies: travelling with a power wheelchair can be complex, and airlines may have specific policies on the wheelchair’s battery.
Read more about DMD testing and diagnosis
Prepare for all needs
Prepare for both your child’s regular medical needs and for any emergencies that could arise.
You will want to pack all of your child’s medications and walking or breathing aids, as well as a medical summary. In lieu of bringing along a medical summary, some find it easier simply to wear a medical bracelet. This is important for your child to receive appropriate emergency medical care at a nearby medical facility at a moment’s notice.
In addition, you may want to inform your child’s regular doctor if you plan to be away for long.
Listen to your child
Oftentimes, the best guide for what travel activities are enjoyable and indeed doable is feedback from your child. Spend some time gauging what your child finds fun and not too physically exhausting, and plan your vacation around that.
For children who are more adventurous, a trip to a theme park with accessible rides may be great options. A visit to a zoo or theme park may be better options for the less adventurous or who need a trip that is more low-key.
The takeaway
In summary, when traveling with a child with DMD, consider your child’s medical condition, including disease stage and their mobility, as well as your child’s natural interests. A diagnosis of DMD does not necessarily preclude travel, but you should take the necessary precautions to ensure that your child gets the care they need throughout your time away.
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