While traveling provides once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to have new and unique experiences, many parts of the experience can be stressful. For families who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), unique needs can make vacation planning even more complex. This summer, we want to help your family find all the tools they need to have their best vacation yet. In this article, we will walk you through common pain points for those traveling with autism. Using our knowledge as therapists, we will make suggestions as to how you can best prepare your family. Additionally, we will introduce you to some of the many services and resources designed to make vacationing fun for everyone.
The Unique Challenges of Traveling with Autism
When planning a vacation, consider the challenges your autistic loved-one faces and when these challenges present themselves during travel. With thoughtful planning, you’ll be able to plan a vacation that’s manageable for everyone. Though every individual is unique, there are two common Autistic traits that may inhibit a person’s ability to enjoy traveling: sensory issues and a desire for predictability.
Individuals with Autism often experience sensory inputs uniquely, meaning that they have heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, and smells. Crowded environments full of sensory inputs like the airports, large cities, and amusement parks may be overwhelming. They may need extra preparation and tools to navigate these experiences.
In recognition of people on the spectrum, it is becoming more common to see Sensory Rooms offered. These spaces allow neurodiverse travelers a chance to reset themselves. Always schedule in time for a break to reset the senses, and bring along tools that help find balance.
Many individuals with Autism prefer to live their life by a structured, predictable routine. Vacations often entail unfamiliar surroundings, unpredictable schedules, and exciting new experiences, which can be difficult for those with autism. For many, even small discrepancies in their daily routine can lead to meltdowns and shutdowns. Consider how you can ease your loved-ones stress by creating a schedule and sticking to it. You can build in breaks for resting and recharging. Take time to walk your loved one through this schedule. That way, they will go into the experience with a clear idea of what to expect.
When considering options for travel, remember to consider your loved ones likes and dislikes. What kind of vacation would bring them the most joy? How can you plan a vacation that celebrates their unique interests? Get creative and research your options. Does your loved one enjoy the sensory experience of going to the beach? Do they have a special interest in a certain museum subject? If you have a Disney fan, you can even look into Disney’s Services for Guests who are Neurodivergent. Your vacation should include something fun for every member of your family!
Packing
Wherever you go and however you get there, it is essential to pack the right tools. Remember to pack Sensory items like noise-cancelling headphones or weighted blankets, activities for downtime, and favorite stim toys. Having familiar items will ease your loved one’s sense of newness, while also providing an appropriate outlet for self soothing. Encourage your loved one to make choices about what they would like to bring. This will give them a sense of choice and independence.
One unique consideration for your family will be dining and snack options. If your loved one has dietary restrictions or is a picky eater, remember to bring along some ‘safe’ snack options.
Air Travel
Air Travel is well known for being an overwhelming experience for travelers of all abilities. Between bright lights, large groups of people, and beeping equipment, the environment in a terminal is quite chaotic. Air Travel can be especially difficult for neurodivergent travelers. Luckily, there are many programs in place to help you navigate traveling with a neurodiverse loved one.
It will be helpful for your loved one to understand what to expect when they get to the airport. Talk with them about what the experience will be like. Consider employing visual aids, like this one designed by JetBlue in collaboration with Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/Jet%20Blue%20teaching%20story%20final%209-23-19.pdf . Experts recommend reviewing the process of air travel with your loved one as much as possible. Your goal is to make the unfamiliar setting as familiar as possible.
Some airports offer “Practice Programs” where you and your loved one will have a chance to visit the airport terminal. You will practice going through TSA, boarding, and deboarding an air craft. You can see a list of Practice Boarding events on Autism Double Checked’s website: https://autismchecked.com/autism-flies/, or check out The Arc’s Wings for All Program https://www.thearc.org/our-initiatives/travel/.
In recent years, many airports have integrated considerations for neurodiverse passengers. Some airports have a sensory room designated for travelers who need space to cool down. Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Airport supports the internationally recognized Sunflower Program. The Sunflower Program gives travelers with disabilities a discreet way to let airport staff know that they may need extra help. The airport trains their staff to provide travelers wearing a sunflower lanyard with extra care and accommodation.
You can see a list of airports with sensory rooms here: https://opendoorsnfp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/US-Airports-with-Sensory-Rooms.pdf
Car Travel
Car Travel has the advantage of being one of the most flexible modes of traveling. You call the shots on when and where to stop, whenever you’d like. However, road trips often take longer than other faster forms of transportation, which is challenging for some neurodivergent people.
When planning your road trip, it can be helpful to plan when to stop and where in advance. That way, you’ll be able to provide your neurodivergent family member with clear expectations about what comes next. This will also give everyone in your party the opportunity to get out, expend some energy, and stretch their legs. Embrace these stops not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to enjoy respite together.
Train Travel
Though train travel is less popular than traveling by car or plane, it remains a unique way to travel. Trains often offer plenty of opportunity to get up and walk around. Seating is generally more spacious than that on cars or airplanes. Train routes schedule “Fresh air breaks” as an opportunity to get off the train. Some trains also feature a “quiet car” where volume is kept at a minimum. That being said, between horns and tracks, trains can be quite noisy. Some guests may find the sound overwhelming. Consider taking a shorter practice train trip before committing to a longer venture.
Amtrak, the nation’s operator of commuter railroads,, offers a guide to accessible travel services at this link: https://www.amtrak.com/accessible-travel-services
Hotels
For neurodivergent people, the prospect of spending multiple nights away from one’s own bed can be overwhelming. For this reason, you may find it helpful to practice staying at a hotel for a night or two. This will help your loved one adjust to the hotel environment in advance of your trip. Research what types of certifications exist for Autism-Friendly hotels to find a place that is both comfortable and accommodating.
Get in touch with the hotel in advance of your stay. Let them know about any accommodations your loved one might need. Examples of accommodations might include a quieter corner room or first floor lodgings for those with mobility aids. You may be surprised to learn what inclusive services are available upon request! Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
Autism Checked plans ‘Autism Stays’ events, where multiple families practice staying together at hotels:https://autismchecked.com/autism-stays/
Dining
Does your loved one has specialized dietary needs or has a limited range of “safe” foods? We recommend doing research in advance about what dining options will be available on your trip. Many travelers consider exotic food to be a highlight of their experience. However, for some travelers, food that is familiar and reliable is preferable. Find a handful of spots near locations you plan to visit that you know have options for your loved one.
Resources
Autism Travel – Directory of Destinations and Attractions Certified as Autism Inclusive Destinations
Autism Checked – Directory of Autism Friendly Airlines and Hotels
Autism on the Seas – Service for Accomodating Neurodiverse Cruise Guests
Autism Travel Club – Directory/App to help families find Autism friendly travel options
Inclusive Experiences
Beaches Resort – Autism Services
Morgan’s Wonderland: ADA Accessible Thempark
Neurodivergent Guests at Disney Parks
Happy Travels!
We hope that we were able to give you strategies to help navigate your vacation with ease. Here at ABA-LLC, we believe in every individual’s right to a fulfilling life filled with unique experiences. Hopefully, this article encouraged you to create new memories this summer while making thoughtful, informed choices about how to make your vacation work for every member of your family.
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC employs around 150 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
In everything the agency does, ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.”