Have you tried Melatonin it is natural and non-habit forming.

Bethany, a non-verbal child has even more need of identification. It is hard because bags and even clothing can be lost or left behind. Use a Sharpie to write important information on your child’s arm whenever an emergency occurs. That way he can be identified and returned safely home if you are ever separated. Keeping to routines helps for many kids, but a bug out situation will be far out of their normal routine. This can cause stress for any kid, but more so for kids with special needs. I have heard of people helping their kids adapt more by taking their kids on hikes and camping trips regularly so that if a bugout situation occurs they will be used to hiking and camping. It will not be routine, but it will be something they are used to so it will help lower their anxiety levels. The use of comfort items will be more important too, as a non-verbal child will not be able to voice their distress, so lowering that stress may help. Keeping a notebook in their bag that has information can also help them. If they are at a pre-reading age like your child pictures will do as well. It can help with communication at least. Another thing you might be interested in is a piggyback backpack. This allows your child to ride on a platform while you carry your pack and them. This may allow you to keep your child closer and not overtire or exhaust your Childs physical capabilities. As you stated that you are a single mother and would not have any help, I would suggest that you look for a prepper group. Having backup and help will be so valuable, if you can find a trustworthy group to travel with, then it will allow all of you to divide supplies and back up in child care while you forage or do other tasks necessary.

Melissa, Great point. One of the items that I have always made sure were in my family bugout bags was a Sharpie in a waterproof container. The intention being that I would write pertinent information on my daughters arm, just incase we were separated. The Childs name, age, address, emergency contact, parent, and even medical conditions written directly on her arm in Sharpie works as a little insurance of getting her home safely. If she were unconscious or in shock when found and unable to communicate it would make the difference in her getting home or not. I suggest the arm not the hand because the hands are used for everything and washed more often. The writing may fade too soon. The Sharpie could also help groups leave notes for separated members, or mark their path with a prearranged symbol.

Audrey,
Great idea on school books. My daughter was recently enrolled in an online school so that she can stay safely close to home. I took many of their lesson guides and transferred them into a spiral bound notebook, leaving the backs of each page blank for her to practice on. Many lessons for kids can be done this way, while other lessons will of course have more verbal components. This has worked for our travel needs as well. After all, a spiral notebook with a pencil or pen in the spiral doesn’t take up much space or weigh a great deal but it will allow me to cover the basics she will need. If there are extra spaces in the spiral, it can also work for entertainment as it will provide a canvas for journaling, writing, drawing, and collecting notes during rest times.

Hey Charles, and all. I was also concerned about TP in my bugout bags, but it was so bulky, even when I removed the cardboard tubes and pressed each roll flat. I shopped around and found an awesome item. It is the compressed towelettes. They come in small pods about the size of a Mentos. You simply place them in water for a few minutes and you have an instant wet wipe for washing up, TP, first aid and many other uses. They are great tinder when dry, and you can get organic ones that will decompose naturally. I bought mine on Wish.com and received nearly 500 for just $8 and $2 shipping. I loved them so much, I gave them out to all of my friends and family that are Prepper inclined.