6 Useful Traveling Tips for Families with Kids on the Spectrum

By Jessica Gutierrez

The holiday season is fast approaching. While this is definitely an exciting time for families to get together and participate in old traditions, travel planning is always involved. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for families with children who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s) to opt out of long distance travel for fear of the child’s overall comfort, or safety. However, the key to any successful trip, regardless of whether autism is involved, is preparation, preparation, preparation. 

Read more for 6 useful travel tips to consider for this year’s holiday vacation:

Tip #1: Know Your Child

The best tip comes from understanding your child. If your little one has auditory issues and you plan on going to a holiday concert, pack earplugs. If your child is on a particular diet, then book a hotel room with a small refrigerator.

Think about where you’re going. A skiing trip is a family favorite, but the sound of excited skiers sliding against icy terrain, the cold texture of snow and the feeling of brisk wind against their face could send a child with autism into a meltdown. For new experiences such as this, try showing videos with sound of a group of people skiing. You could even go as far as blending ice to give them an idea of what snow will feel like.

Tip #2: The long driving trip

The dreaded long car ride is a challenging experience for parents, but it’s especially trying for kids on the spectrum. Being strapped to a seat for hours can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience. As a parent, you want to ward off the meltdown for as long as you can. Many parents start the drive in the morning so their little one can sleep for a few hours while on the road. If a morning drive is not an option, consider starting at night so your child is asleep during the entire drive.

Whatever option you choose, bring your child’s comfort item and if possible, purchase new toys. It’s always exciting to receive something new and the novelty will get you through a few hours.

Tip #3: The airplane experience

Prepare your child by beginning a dialogue about what they should expect while flying. Some airlines such as JetBlue offer cost-effective mock simulations for families with kids who have ASD. For those of you who can’t attend a mock simulation, try contacting the airline’s disability department to inform them of the certain challenges your child has like allergies, medications or any other important information.

As a rule of thumb, try booking the shortest direct flight. Remember to be prepared with any special foods your child may need. The last thing to remember is to always dress your child in comfortable clothing, easy to remove shoes and nix items that have metal pieces to avoid TSA pat-downs.

Tip #4: The hotel

Staying at a hotel instead of a relative’s home is a great option for those needing personal space. In fact, many hotels now pride themselves as being “autism friendly.” Some honorable mentions include Disney resorts or even many Holiday Inns. However, if these hotels aren’t an option for your family, you can still keep your ducks in a row by focusing on a few things.

Always bring comfort toys to keep your child both entertained and in possession of a familiar item in an unfamiliar place. If he or she has food specificities they have to adhere to, then request a mini fridge in the hotel room. It’s also not uncommon for kids with autism to have issues with potty training. If your child has a problem wetting the bed, try bringing a vinyl pad to place under the bed sheets.

Tip #5: The Wanderer

Wandering is the biggest fear of most parents, and it’s a realistic one. Suffice it to say, keep a close eye on your child, and a tight grip on your child’s hand. A great investment is a GPS locator which can be used as a child’s watch, can be attached to a belt, or placed in a backpack. Prices range from $20 to $200, but this investment gives you peace of mind your child will be safe or easily located. 

Another option is providing your child with a small backpack-harness which can easily be connected to your clothes. Many parents have qualms with associating a leash to their child, but for many others, it offers additional security should their child begin to wander.

Tip #6 Enjoy yourself

Above all else, have fun. You’re making memories!

Happy travels!