Tips for Traveling with Autistic Children

By raluca.olariu@…, 30 November, 2021
camera, book, and map

Traveling when you have autistic kids can be challenging as any change in their routine can cause distress and overwhelm them. It's not just about the traveling itself, but also about how to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.  This article outlines some tips and tricks for making the traveling experience less stressful and more enjoyable for children on the autism spectrum.     

8 Tips for autism-friendly travel

1) Have a plan before going on vacation.

As autistic individuals are often very sensitive to changes in their environment, planning ahead is important. Try to find out what activities will take place during the trip so that you can prepare your child accordingly.

2) Make sure that your child is comfortable in their environment.

If your child has sensory issues or anxiety, they may need extra time to adjust to new environments. This may mean spending more time at home than usual until they feel ready to go. Also, try to avoid taking them places where there are lots of loud noises. If your child does get anxious, this could lead to meltdowns and tantrums which could ruin your vacation.

3) Do some research beforehand.

It might help if you know what things to expect from the location you're visiting. Check if the place is autism-friendly and see if there are any special accommodations available for people with autism. You should also check if there are any medical conditions that your child needs to watch out for. For example, if your child has epilepsy, they need to be aware of certain foods that trigger seizures.

4) Ask for help.

When you're traveling, it can be hard to know who to ask for help. But asking for help is actually one of the best ways to ensure that everything goes smoothly. You may want to contact local organizations like Autism Speaks or The National Autistic Society to find out whether they offer support services for travelers with autism. They may even be able to provide tips and advice on how to make your travels safer and easier.

5) Be prepared for unexpected situations.

No matter how much you prepare, there will always be something that might come up unexpectedly. So, being prepared for these kinds of scenarios is essential. For instance, if your child gets sick while you're away, do you have someone nearby who can care for him? Or if you lose your wallet, is there somewhere you can leave your credit cards? These things are easy to forget when you're busy packing and preparing for your trip, so having a list of emergency contacts handy can really save the day.

6) Take breaks.

Autism isn't a condition that disappears once you start doing something else. In fact, it tends to worsen as we become distracted by other tasks. Therefore, taking regular breaks throughout the day can keep your child calm and happy. When you're driving, stop every hour or so to let your child stretch his legs. When you're sitting down, give him a chance to move around and play with toys.

7) Keep an eye on your child's behavior.

While you're away, you'll probably be too busy to notice all the little things that happen. However, paying attention to your child's behavior will help you spot potential problems early on. For example, if he seems agitated or restless, this could indicate that he's feeling overwhelmed by the situation. It might also show that he's getting bored or tired.

8) Have fun!

Traveling with kids isn't just about making sure they don't miss their favorite TV shows. It's also about enjoying yourself. If you're going on a family vacation, then take advantage of the opportunity to spend quality time together. Make sure you plan activities that everyone enjoys and remember not to overdo them. Too many trips to theme parks can cause stress and exhaustion in children with autism.

Read about Preparing Your Autistic Child for a Dental Visit.

Tips for traveling by car with autistic children

Traveling by car can be stressful for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for parents who have an autistic child. There are some important considerations to keep in mind before heading off on your next road trip. Here are some tips for traveling safely and comfortably.  

  • Check your car's maintenance status. If it's due for service, get it done before you go on holiday so you avoid situations that might trigger anxiety in your child. An unexpected breakdown could cause meltdowns in children with autism who don't handle changes easily.
  • Keep your child occupied during long journeys. Car rides can often seem endless, but try to break them up into shorter segments. A good way to do this is to listen to music or talk to your child about what you see along the route.
  • Take your child to familiar places. If you're visiting new cities, it might be helpful to visit some of your child's favorite spots first. This might help them feel more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
  • Organize a shorter road trip before going on a longer one especially if your kid is not used to going on road trips. In this way, you will give them the opportunity to adjust to unknown situations and learn to cope with change.
  • Take a sensory tool kit with you. This includes comfort items and toys that will help your autistic child if the travel experience becomes overwhelming. A sensory tool kit can contain noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, weighted blankets, or sunglasses.   

Tips for traveling by plane with autistic children

Traveling by plane can be an extremely triggering and heavy sensory experience for children on the autism spectrum. The following tips can help make flying easier for families traveling with autistic children:

  • Explain to your child what they should expect from the whole experience. Explain that they may have difficulty coping with loud noises, bright lights, and crowds. Tell them that they are welcome to ask for special accommodations such as extra quiet or dark areas, earplugs, and eye masks.
  • Explain your child's needs to airline staff. They need to know ahead of time that your child has sensory issues and that they need extra space and privacy when flying.
  • Use flight apps. These apps allow you to track flights, check in, and receive updates about delays and cancellations. It also allows you to set reminders so you don't forget important details like your child's medications and any other information that could affect their safety.
  • Use visual tools to prepare your kid for the flight experience. You can use these tools to create a picture of the airport layout, the terminal where you'll meet your family, and the route between the two. Include landmarks along the route that your child recognizes. This will help them get oriented during the journey.
  • Don't arrive late at the airport. Arriving late means missing out on security checks, which can cause anxiety and stress for kids who are already dealing with sensory overload.
  • Have a plan B in case of bad weather. If there is severe weather forecasted, it might be best to stay home rather than risk getting stuck in an unfamiliar place with unpredictable weather conditions.

Traveling with autistic children can be stressful and challenging. However, with some preparation, planning, and communication, you can ensure that your family travels safely and comfortably. Hopefully, the insights found in this article have helped you better understand how you can provide the best conditions for your child's well-being.   

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