Traveling with Autism: Everything You Need To Know

Traveling can be one of the most eye-opening experiences you can emerge in, but what if your company has special needs? Autism in children can be quite the challenge if unprepared or inexperienced. Nevertheless, taking extra safety measures and planning in advance can save you sweat and tears.

It is reported that autism Spectrum Disorder affects 1 out of 59 children in the United States. Indeed, families who have a child with ASD may face some difficulties when they plan for a trip. This is especially true because children diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder find it hard to go outside their comfort circle.

Nevertheless, it is not impossible to make a change and help your child become more comfortable and get outside their private bubble. So don’t skip planning your trip because you’re afraid your Autistic child may give you a hard time. It is quite beneficial and in this article we will dive into the matter in profound details.

Although not a must, traveling has become a necessity nowadays for different reasons. Some travel to seek therapy, others want to educate themselves and be open to other cultures. Whatever the reason, if you have the opportunity to travel, never hesitate especially if you have a child or a family member diagnosed with Autism.

Benefits of Family Travel:

Like aforementioned, traveling with autism is incredibly beneficial for adults and children as it provides:

Life Skill:

Independence is one of the key characteristics your child needs to adopt if they have autism. When you travel, you acquire experience and you get to take the risk to do things yourself. Your child gets to gain life skills like social interactions with different people, and gets to be open to new cultures and modes of living. Depending on their age and learning abilities, they get to read maps, and budgeting.

Spreading Autism Awareness:

Some parents aren’t fully aware of this disorder and this can be a life threat to the child. The guardian cannot properly parent the child as a result. Hence, that is why awareness is very important and the message should travel across the world. This can be done via traveling. You can expose the world to neurodiversity and educate the illiterate. As a result, people become more understanding and accepting of diversity. difference is no longer perceived as a threat.

Educational Benefits:

Education is not only in the classroom, your environment, your family, and nature by itself is a second school. When you traveling with autism, you are giving them an opportunity to look at the world from a different lense. They see different cultures, religions, historical sites and the list goes on and on. Consequently, this kind of exposure boosts your child’s cultural appreciation. They become open minded, empathetic, and accepting.

Enjoy Family Time:

Traveling connects people together, especially the closest to our hearts. If you’re stuck with mundane activities and you feel you cannot create a bond with your child with autism, then travel. You can build a stronger foundation and a more resilient relationship that cannot be broken between you and your child. Travel creates irreplaceable memories that will be forever engraved in the heart.

Reduce Isolation:

Isolation is a real concern in children with Autism. If your child is diagnosed with Autism, chances that you’ll self isolate are pretty high. Feeling different, unable to socialize, and interact like others can strike a bad blow to our self confidence. That’s why traveling can help in moving the family out of their comfort zone. This makes it apparent to the child that they are not alone after all.

Sensory desensitization:

Autistic children require sensory needs yet many react negatively to sensory stimulation. So an ultimately effective method to subdue this impediment is to desensitize the child to sensory stimulation. Traveling exposes the child to new experiences which can assist them with the challenges they’re facing. Since you are away from the comforts of your home, traveling can be a substitute and renders the process of desensitization more automatic.

So much to gain from a simple trip with your autistic child. You can share a memory, build a stronger and fonder connection, and most importantly help your child experience the world from a different perspective. Nevertheless, good planning should always come first so as to guarantee a memorable experience. The second section will focus on tips for planning.

Early Planning For Traveling With Autism:

We understand that it can be hard to plan a trip if you have an autistic child to take care of. The thought alone can be quite scary. For that reason, early and effective planning is a prerequisite. From determining the destination, booking the tickets to addressing your child’s special needs these are the tips to keep in mind:

Call Ahead:

You have to prepare as early as possible and acquire the necessary information from the airport, transportation, and accommodation services. This way you can educate yourself about the attraction you’re choosing, learn about the accommodation you’ll be booking and match it with your child’s choice.

The Right Destination:

Picking a destination that can reduce stress is the one you should opt for first. Unlike other children, kids with autism can be overwhelmed by the stress of other people. They tend to get overburdened with crowds, noise, and smells. So avoid amusement parks that have a strict schedule. Your destination should include a stress-free environment, a relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful landscapes.

A Destination Based on Your Child’s Choice:

This is the time where you prove to your child that their opinion matters and their voice is heard. Address their special needs and unique requests. Maybe your child doesn’t prefer the heat and thus a trip to a colder region might lessen their anxiety. Maybe amusement parks aren’t their thing and they prefer to visit a museum? Get to know your child’s favorite cities by including him/her in the plan and base the trip on that.

Give Yourself Ample Time:

Raising an autistic child means acquiring a Zen-like patience. You are prepared for the unexpected! So give yourself time to learn and fix a mistake if one occurs. Do not let the stress submerge you.

Reduce Your Own Stress to Improve Your Child’s Travel Experience:

Like we mentioned before, if you are stressed, your child will absorb that energy double. If you need extra time, take the time you need. If you need to prepare the essentials for the trip, then do it. Don’t stress, stop, and take it slow.

Use Pre-Boarding If Possible:

Ask if the airline allows pre-boarding. This way you can settle your child and acquire better assistance.

Practice with Your Child:

Your social and domestic environment becomes your training field. You have to teach your child with autism what to expect. As they grow up they’ll be exposed to life’s hardships and early preparation and anticipation is necessary. By teaching the child that certain things might not go as planned, it reduces stress and anxiety. When a child learns not to overly raise their expectations will save them from a lot of heartbreaks. Home practice is a necessary first step if your child doesn’t have an improved understanding ability.

The longer a child with autism goes without help the harder they are to reach: pic.twitter.com/HkVKgxqs

— B (@globalteacher) December 19, 2012

Creating a Safety Plan:

when traveling with Autism, Safety is the number one priority. This is one of the major concerns parents with autistic children have. Traveling with a child needs extra care especially if they have special needs. In emergencies or forced circumstances, precautions need to be taken very seriously when you have an autistic kid. As their speech and communication skills aren’t well developed, anything can happen. Some here are some tips to never forget about when traveling with a child with ASD:

Consider a GPS Tracker:

This is one of the most useful hacks to do when traveling with autism. Buy a good GPS tracker and place it on your child. So you don’t have to worry if they wander or go somewhere a bit far away from you.

Have a Plan for Dealing With Wandering Behavior:

If your kid has a tendency to wander, then use tether backpacks when traveling. On the one hand, you give your child some freedom, while also keeping an eye on their distance so they can remain close to you.

Consider Temporary Safety Tattoos:

They include your name, phone number and address if possible. Therefore, if anything happens, your child gets lost, The individual who found your kid will reach you.

Have an ID Kit to Help You Find Your Child In Case of An Emergency:

A new photo with a precise description that -states the height and weight- can assist emergency staff locate your child if they get separated from you. For instance, the National Child Identification Program provides you with a way to create an ID packet for your child. This encompasses their fingerprint and their DNA sample.

Keep a Form of Identification On The Child:

Any form of identification that can be used by personnel to identify the child and get to reach out to you in case of emergency.

Use a Medical Alert Bracelet:

In case something bad happens, or in an emergency, your child may not have developed speech to communicate to a staff or personnel, use a medical alert bracelet. Include an emergency number during the trip to be prepared at any time.

Teach Your Child What to Do If Separated:

Although the thought of it is really disturbing, you should always expect the worst case scenarios. So teach your autistic child to identify safe individuals like police officers and staff workers. This is a great exercise for them to improve their skills and identify if a situation is dangerous or life threatening.

Creating a safety plan must be a fundamental part of your trip when traveling with autism. You can also rely on this video to be have additional useful information on your trip

Know What to Pack:

Strategic packing comes in handy and it improves the quality of your travel experience. That’s why you should be mindful about what you pack with you. Always bring the right items for you and for your child to enhance their travel experience. Consider these tips for further support:

Pack a Noise Machine:

It is known that most hotels can be very noisy. Thus, bring with you a noise blocking machine that will help keep a calm and tranquil environment.

Pack Their Favorite  Toy:

It all comes to the attention you give your child so this one should come in easy. If you are not sure about it, then simply ask your child what toy they wish to bring with them. 13Bring items to make sleep easier: It can be your child’s favorite blanket , their comforting teddy bear, or their all-time loving pillow. Pay close attention to their loved items when they sleep and bring them with you on the trip so as to facilitate their sleeping routine far away from their bed.

Bring Items to Make Sleep Easier:

It can be your child’s favorite blanket , their comforting teddy bear, or their all-time loving pillow. Pay close attention to their loved items when they sleep and bring them with you on the trip so as to facilitate their sleeping routine far away from their bed.

Bring Safe Food:

a lot of autistic children can be picky eaters; they tend to be difficult with their personal diet. So try to choose the right snack you want to give your child that is healthy and safe for them. Keep in mind that airports have some restrictive policies regarding packed food in the luggage. so do some research first and ask your airline service provider what can be brought up and what cannot be.

Pack your personal toiletries:

Although hotels and most accommodations provide shampoo and soaps, it is safer to keep your child’s personal items. This to maintain the same smells and textures they are used to and feel comfortable with.

Bring sensory and comfort items:

When experiencing meltdowns or over stimulations then it is preferred to always pack some sensory items that can help them with these challenges. Each autistic child is unique so their preference might be different. Always ask them what the most effective items they feel comfortable with are.

Hitting the Road – Tips for traveling with autism in a car

Car road travel is one of the most popular means to travel from one place to another. It is reported that 80% of families use their ride to travel to a variety of locations. Hence, if you are a fan of the American way of traveling, then prepare your road trip ahead. You’ll be strapped in the car for hours and with a child diagnosed with autism the challenge is double. So here are some tips to get you going if you are traveling with autism in a car:

Tackle maintenance tasks for your car before you go:

Never starts your trip before making sure that your car is all set for the long ride. Any breakdown can be expected if the oil isn’t changed or the tire wasn’t properly pumped. Any missing step can ruin the whole early preparation stage. Remember autistic children cannot handle stressful situations so careful planning is a must.

a sensory tool kit:

a long road trip can be a bit overwhelming and sometimes boring. So bring your child’s favorite sensory tool to make the travel experience more enjoyable. The kit includes sensory toys, earplugs, noise canceling headphones, and other varied comfort items.

Prepare an itinerary:

schedule your stops beforehand. This shall answer questions such as “how much longer” and will avoid any issues when you cannot find a place to stop in case your child wants a break.

Try shorter trips before the big vacation:

In case your child has never traveled before or never sat for prolonged periods, consider shorter distances. On the one hand, your child gets to practice their social skills and prepare themselves mentally for longer trips. On the other hand, you can also prepare for any unexpected surprises or forced circumstances if they occur. It is a good practice exercise for your autistic child to learn how to respond to extended travel periods.

Check car seat installation:

Before you hit the road, consider verifying id the car and booster seats are professionally checked. Poorly installed car seats are not only uncomfortable to sit on but also dangerous.

Pack plenty of snacks:

Long roads mean you’ll be away from a lot of stores. Thus it is reasonable to bring healthy snacks that your kid enjoys. Low blood sugar can increase meltdowns so stack your bag with some yummy snacks. Don’t forget that the snacks need to meet your child’s dietary needs.

Stick to a routine as much as possible:

Autistic children love routine and anything that feels familiar to their comfort zone/space. This completely changes when you hit the road far away from their home. so to keep them feeling like home and maintain that routine, so keep their routine; if you take breakfast at 9 then when you travel keep the same time

Plan for entertainment in the car:

Like we mentioned, if it is a long ride then have something fun prepared meanwhile. You can bring audio books, video players, Ipads and stuff that your child usually loves playing with and/or doing.

Have extra batteries for electronics:

Some cars come equipped with a USB type port that can be used to charge the phone or electronic device. If not, then consider bringing another set of batteries in case the original dies. Always be thoughtful of these small details. They can make a difference.

Schedule sufficient breaks:

Not only autistic kids can benefit from long car ride breaks. Even adults need a breather to stretch, breathe some fresh air and relax their muscles a bit from sitting. Autistic children might get hyper active and feel the need to move. So to improve their mood and reduce the risk of meltdowns give your kid a break to get out of the car and do stuff. It greatly enhances their mood and energizes them for the upcoming adventure.

Be flexible:

Road trips are all about flexibility and with a autistic child the flexibility needs to double. So follow your child’s pace and pay close attention to their cues and you’ll eventually arrive at your destination satisfied.

Watch out for car sickness:

Kids with neurodiversity needs will experience car sickness more often. So pay close attention to any signs of distress or discomfort. Stop the car and take your kid out so they can throw up and get rid of that bad feeling. You can consider TSA guidelines to prepare the needed medications when traveling with autism on plane.

Pay attention to your child’s emotions:

Autistic kids are hyper sensitive to stress and anything that can feel dangerous to their mental health. If they feel agitated, take the time to listen to them and give them the support they need.

Use motion sickness bands:

If the issue with car sickness is constant then make your child wear motion sickness bands to help alleviate the issue.

Take to the skies! tips for air traveling with autism:

If you are planning to go to a more exotic destination far from your home and you want to take it to the next level, then air travel is the option for you. This is by far an over the top travel experience for your child that will serve them well. On the flip side, it will be an extremely sensory experience for them with a lot of unexpected situations that might happen. It is most definitely an overwhelming experience for your autistic child to navigate through a new environment. this segment will provide you with tips to prepare for your air travel experience with your child:

Use videos and social stories:

The more preparation you do the better success rate you have with your child at the airport. So make use of visual tools to tell your kid what they can expect coming their way.

Call ahead:

the majority of airlines provide plans to help passengers with sensory needs. So make a call and inquire about the options that are present.

Practice ahead of time:

Think of all the possible problems/ issues that might occur unexpectedly and what to do to fix them and avoid them. From security check-ups, long waiting time, and boarding the plane, your child should be up-to-date.

Request a TSA Autism Spectrum Disorder Notification Card :

This will serve to inform any TSA official that your child has autism. This will assist you in getting through security smoothly. This card will help you consult with the TSA staff about the methods to go through the security process with no stress.

Understand your rights:

When you travel with a child who has special needs and disabilities, you are protected under the Air Carrier Access Act. Your rights are protected and include; request private screening at security.

Inform the security staff and flight attendants of your child’s special needs before an incident arises:

In case anything unexpected happens or during an emergent situation, passengers can be aware of the child’s disability and thus react more calmly so as to avoid stressing the child.

Remember that other passengers will not know your child has autism:

Try not to take this one too personal as strangers don’t know you or your child. So if your child is having some trouble and you are getting some awkwards stares from passengers, just ignore them. Your main mission is to make your child comfortable and enjoy their travel experience. If it is too much of a hassle, take the time to explain to passengers that your child has special needs and that it is out of their control. They will be a lot more understanding and empathize with your child.

Board the plane during pre-boarding:

This is to avoid any last minute booking and rush hours that cause unnecessary stress.

Arrive early:

No late arrivals are allowed as they cause stress and unnecessary and unexpected situations .

Have a plan in place for delayed flight:

These situations can be a pain to deal with as they can be very frustrating. After planning everything from your side yet there is something that can ruin all the plans. So prepare ahead for such an unexpected situation so you can handle it with grace with your child.

Prepare for the ear pressure problem:

Autistic children might respond aggressively to the feeling of pressure in their ears during the airplane take off and landing. Thus, use chewing toys, chewing gum or any suck-on candy to keep them busy and help them feel relieved.

Sit near the front or back of the airplane, if you can:

This is a great position if you want something quiet and keep yourself unbothered by other passengers. It will put you and your child close to the lavatories. Additionally, sitting in the bulkhead will allow your kid to move her feet swiftly and comfortably without disturbing other passengers.

Have a plan in place for delayed flight:

these situations can be a pain to deal with as they can be very frustrating. After planning everything from your side yet there is something that can ruin all the plans. So prepare ahead for such an unexpected situation so you can handle it with grace with your child.

Check this useful video to have a more detailed tips on traveling with Autism on airplanes:

 

 

Traveling with Autism on Trains, ships and other modes of transportation:

Many children with autism are fond of trains. So if your child is one of them, then traveling by train might be an excellent idea for an unforgettable trip. Nevertheless, challenges are unpredictable and can occur at any time anywhere you go. so in order to prepare yourself to face these challenges, we’ve provided a list of tips to consider :

Get on Early:

Just like other means of transportation, boarding a train early on is always advised to avoid rushes. Gage your child the time needed to get used to the best environment first. It may not be easy at first but it is not impossible.

Prepare for the noise of the engine:

Trains, ships, and buses are generally loud. Your autistic child might be sensitive to these noises so get prepared by bringing noise canceling tools (headphones for example). This way you have the necessary gadgets to avoid any unwanted meltdowns.

Use social stories, videos, and other tools to help prepare your child:

The best strategy is preparation. If you provide your child with visual and auditory tools on what to expect, they can be mentally ready for what is coming.

Prepare for seasickness on a cruise:

Cruising is an incredible method to enjoy your travel time with your autistic child. However, children with autism are more prone to seasickness than the neurotypical child. In such cases, it is advised to prepare with motion sickness medications and armbands.

Bring entertainment:

Although you may be limited with entertainment options as compared to a car ride , think of other entertainment forms that can be brought in a train like toys, sensory items, and cartoon magazines.

Find a quiet seat:

If the train is crowded and noise canceling isn’t doing it, then consider investing in a quiet seat; this is usually by buying an upgrade and getting first class in trains; although it is more expensive and way worth it.

Take the advantage of the ability to move:

One of the advantages of taking trains is the ability to move. Unlike planes and car rides, you have the possibility to move around the train and on board ship. It is a great way to help a child who has trouble staying still or in one place for a prolonged period of time.

Consider traveling in the offseason:

Although most of the fun time is during summertime, try going during the offseason where there aren’t many crowds boarding places. An extra perk is to save money too!

Choose Cruise cabin location carefully:

It is known that cruising ships are famous for their thin walls. So choose your location mindfully to avoid noise stimulation from the gym, engine room, restaurant or other noisy places in the ship. If you can’t seem to find any, then prepare some noise canceling tools with you.

Meet with the cruise company ahead of time:

In case something comes up and you have to deal with your child’s special needs, always create a plan to be fully prepared.

Inform Kid’s club and other cruise staff about your child’s needs:

When on board in the ship many cruise ships provide kid’s clubs. It is a great place for your child to hang out with other children and get to connect with them. In addition, staff members will also be aware of your child’s special needs, so special attention will be given to them .

Keep children with you all the time:

You have to keep a close eye when traveling with autism because your kid tends to wander off all the time.

Hotel stays and Autism:

It is no surprise that children with ASD experience meltdowns and anxiety episodes for multiple reasons. One of the major ones is being away from their homes. It may be luxurious for you to stay in a hotel, but a totally horrific experience for your child. Sounds, smells, and sights that aren’t familiar to your child can represent a huge challenge for them especially during sleep time. These tips will help you tremendously in creating the kind of comfy atmosphere for your child during a hotel stay:

Look for kitchenettes:

If your child is a picky eater and isn’t fond of restaurant food, then choose an accommodation that includes a kitchenette. This way, you can buy groceries and prepare your kid’s happy meal and make them feel like home. If you are in a hotel, then you should choose a room equipped with a continental breakfast and not typical muffins, juice and cereal.

Consider Autism-friendly hotels:

ASD awareness has been growing everyday to teach people how to deal with people diagnosed with this disorder. Hence, special care and attention is needed. If the hotel you chose is autism friendly, you won’t have to worry about the treatment of the staff regarding your child. They will get the love and support they need and deserve.

Request a quiet room:

You want to be as far away from rooms near stairs, elevators and ground floor rooms. These usually are one of the noisiest rooms in any accommodation type. Speak to the hotel reception to request a noise free room if available of course. You might want to book ahead of time either online or directly with the hotel so you get to have better options. Always remember the quality of your child’s travel experience is important for future planning. They get to associate a good time with a particular place and hence can improve their social intelligence.

Ask about the security in the room:

security is crucially important as you aren’t in the comfort of your home. So speak with the personnel about any possible dangers a room has, locks, sliding doors etc.

Consider adjoining rooms:

This way you can set up a room with your child’s special needs while getting another room for watching TV for instance. This way you won’t disrupt your child’s sleep. For security purposes, ensure that the room is equipped with secure locks that cannot be easily meddled with. Another concern is to always check on your child when they are in that room. Forgetting can lead to anxiety breakdown for your kid.

Bring your own sheets and pillows if your child is sensitive to texture:

Even people not diagnosed with autism can struggle with unfamiliar bed sheets and pillows, let alone autistic kids. So for the added comfort, consider bringing your own just in case.

Protect your child from wandering out of the hotel room:

If you have a travel wanderer, then consider choosing a second floor room that is away from the stairs and elevators. This way you avoid the stress of worrying about your child’s quick feet and can manage their distance

Know that free Wi-Fi is a must!

A lot of autistic children use electronic devices connected with the Internet to amuse them and help stimulate their brains. So Wi-Fi is a necessity to make this easier.

Navigating theme parks with children with Autism:

Some children with Autism may not do well in crowded places like theme parks. Meanwhile, other children who are sensory-seeking are actually craving these kinds of environments. So depending on your child’s personality type, if they get overwhelmed in noisy and crowded parks, with some accommodation they can do just fine. Here are some tips for park themes to keep in mind:

Call the customer service ahead of time to request accommodation:

Early planning and booking is one of the first things you should do when you want a good time with your loved ones. So contact the park’s customer service agents to request any special requests, find out their special offers and get to learn about their planning. Choose the right theme park: a lot of theme parks started creating the necessary accommodation for families that have an autistic child/family member. This is in an effort to create an exquisite experience for the child with low sensory parades, quiet rooms, and special guest assistance.

Bring the right sensory tools:

Noises, smells, and visual stimulation can be a bit difficult to handle for an autistic kid. So bring the noise canceling headphones, sunglasses and other tools that will help your child navigate through the hassle.

Avoid problematic clothing:

Wearing the right outfit for the right place is a tip many people ignore its importance. If you’re not dressed well enough to be comfortable, the whole experience will be a pain. So make sure your child wears comfortable footwear and can ease their movement.

Make it easy to track your child:

Like previously discussed in the above sections, use GPS trackers, and for an additional tip, dress your child in matching bright clothes. So if they wander a bit you can easily spot them.

Plan breaks from the action with respite locations chosen beforehand:

We all need a break from time to time to rejuvenate our vitality and take a breath from the activities. This is essential for children with ASD because they need to take a break from all the activities they engage in. Maybe consider going back to the hotel for a coffee time or a 15 minute nap.

Troubleshooting travel concerns with children on the Autism spectrum:

We’ve discussed the importance of planning beforehand and getting ready for any unpredicted misfortune. this is inevitable and problems may arise whether prepared or not so it is reasonable to keep these tips in mind :

Prepare for toilet trouble:

Even if your child is trained and well prepared for toilet needs, they may struggle when far away from their home. Public restrooms and toilets can be frightening to them or disturbing. So be prepared to bring extra pull-ups and changes if your kid accidently did it.

Prepare for strangers who don’t understand:

Autism awareness is growing day by day and people are exposed to this disorder way more than it did before. But not everyone is privileged to or educated enough to understand ASD. So you will run into people who don’t understand and may not give a positive or welcoming attitude towards autistic kids. As heartbreaking as it sounds, you should focus on how to improve your child’s quality life and be the support they need. don’t give an ear to the illiterate and don’t feel compelled to hate on strangers just because they couldn’t empathize. The important thing is that you understand and people you care about understand.

Give your child ample time for transition:

Stress is inescapable whether you want it or not. So give your child some time to process the new transition. Be open to communicate with your child and actively listen to their needs.

Prepare for picky eaters:

Autistic kids can be strict with their diet and be limited to certain types of food and drinks. Hotels on the other hand cannot provide the type of food your child might carve. So it is advised to bring some of the food your child eats on a daily basis as snacks that are healthy of course.

Understand the concern of public restrooms:

A reason why your autistic child may have difficulties with toilet training is the amount of sensory input in public restrooms. There will be loud hand dryers, automatic flushing toilets, bad smells or unusual scents which cause the hassle of going there. So equip the noise canceling headphones and practice visiting the restrooms with your child.

Understand and prepare for the effects of a disrupted routine:

Disruptive sleep in hotels is inevitable and your child will find it a challenge. So with the right equipped tools, toys, and extra mental care, you should help your child in navigating this trip transition. Be flexible with your child and ask them if they want to take a nap, or go to bed earlier than usual.

Watch for signs of sensory overload:

You need to be extra aware when your child just had enough. Don’t tell him or her to just try more or do more when they feel mentally exhausted. Do not encourage over the top activities and sensory stimulation if your child’s social batteries have run out. Most importantly, don’t make him or her feel bad for wanting to stop and relax.

Encourage food exploration:

Just like exploring new destinations, you should teach your child to experiment with new food that isn’t familiar to them. Try traditional foreign meals that are filled with flavor and can be easily digested.

Have a plan B, C, or D:

When traveling with autism, surprises can get in the way and things may not go as planned. So always keep a second plan that goes hand in hand with your child’s needs.

Go to management:

In case your child was exposed to any unfair treatment or discriminatory behavior consider getting help from management rather than pick a fight with the aggressor. Be extra prepared for the company’s disability regulations/ terms and conditions.

Conclusion:

Traveling with autism or alone is always rewarding. It is a way to connect with your child on a deeper level and get to understand their needs. Both of you have an opportunity to spend quality time together, get to be introduced to new cultures and destinations and gain social skills.

So if you ever feel overwhelmed and you don’t know how to prepare, this survival article is your ultimate survival guide. A kind reminder to always remain positive, loving, and caring for your child despite the challenges they may face during the tip.

Share your thought on our guide “traveling with Autism” in the comments section.