10 Tips For Successful Autism Travel

Our family just returned home from a ten-day car trip.  Thirteen states in 10 days and we threw in a family reunion just for good measure. Traveling with autism is not easy!   I am thrilled to be able to offer you 10 Tips For Successful Autism Travel!

Yes, it was risky, especially with a car packed full with 5 of our 6 kids, my mom, my husband, and me!  One of the passengers was our 25-year-old daughter with autism.  The trip was a HUGE SUCCESS!

It occurred to me that I have been doing “this”, traveling with an autistic child for so long that it has become second nature.  An epiphany, the thought stunned me!  Not that I have arrived or that our trip was problem-free but that over the past 25 years I have learned a few things about SUCCESSFULLY traveling with a child or adult with autism.

10 Tips For Successful Autism Travel

1. Starting Talking Now     

I usually start at least a month in advance.  I try to include the important details of our trip and vision cast.  I type out a schedule of events that will take place (one week before).  Discuss things like how many days the trip will take and where we will be sleeping.  I also explain that there is a possibility that the schedule could change and that we will do our best to keep it the same but sometimes things change.  I usually get a response something like this.  “Kill the change”!

2. Electronics

Bring a DVD player with your child’s favorites or stock up on digital downloads.  I have her pick them out and make sure to bring a cellphone with sound-blocking headphones so she can listen to her own music, audiobook, or podcasts.  Bring what soothes your child.

3. Books

I ask Kylie to pack 10 books that she wants to read.  She is a prolific reader.  She always brings her Bible as well as many, many books about dogs.  That is what she is interested in.  What does your child like to read?

4. Essential Oils   

I have found essential oils to be safe, enjoyable, effective, and more importantly, so does Kylie, Having her favorite essential oil rollerballs empowers her to manage her own feelings and emotions. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain. Essential oils can also be absorbed by the skin. Quite frankly, I couldn’t live without these!

5. Take Breaks

We stop for 15 minutes every two hours of travel.  We break for enough time for all of the family to get up and walk around. Take a bathroom break.  Kylie walks in circles and this gives her time to do that, under supervision of course! There is no magic equation here just do what is best for your family.

6. Rewards       

Kylie will do anything for a can of Sierra Mist.  I am pretty sure if you have been a parent or a grandparent of an autistic child for any length of time you already know what will motivate your child.  At this stage of parenting, our daughter is 25, we do not even need to use the reward system daily.  We break out this tool if it has been a particularly rough day.  Some parents may need to reward daily and some hourly.  Trips are special occasions so do what works.

7. Picnic       

Picnicking provides the solution for two issues.  Firstly,  it gives your family time to get out of the car and walk around.  Rest areas of the highway always have picnic tables for your family to access.  The other issue is managing your child’s allergies.  Packing a well-stocked cooler with lunches and snacks will not only save you tons of money, but it will also allow you to make sure the food is not contaminated by things your child is allergic to.

8. Safety Labeling       

Autistic kids are prone to wander.  Period…the end.  Make sure your child is wearing some form of identification on him or her.

9. Notify

If you happen to be traveling by train, bus, plane, or cruise ship make sure you call ahead to let them know that you will be traveling with a person with autism.  You will be able to pre-order food as well as register for programs that are available for people with special needs.  Isn’t it wonderful how things have changed over the years!  You may want to check out  Karisma Hotels & Resorts Every member of staff, at every resort, who interacts with the public has completed the Autism Double-Checked Foundation Course in “Assisting Guests with Autism.”

10. Prayer    

Although, this is the last item on the list, please make sure it is the first thing you do every single day.  Prayer makes all the difference!

Looking for more advice about raising a child with autism?  Check out my book Chosen.

YOUR TURN…

Please share your travel tips!

Blessings,

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Peaceful Haven!

*The Food and Drug Administration has not approved these statements. essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Pregnant or lactating women and persons with known medical conditions should consult a physician prior to the use of essential oils.