Summer is here! Often with the summer season there is lots of travel involved, whether it be for visiting family, or a beach vacation. Traveling with kids can be an adventure all on its own. However, when you are traveling with a child with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, or other developmental delays, ensuring they are safe and comfortable while traveling can present a new set of challenges. We have come up with a few of our top tips for navigating the world of travel with your child:
- Plan ahead. Research where you are going and prepare for any sensory challenges that may arise when traveling is essential. It is important to spend time considering factors such as crowds, unfamiliar places such as hotels or airports, and long car rides. A helpful tip here is creating a visual schedule or a social story to help your child understand and prepare. This can help reduce anxiety around traveling. Click the link to read more about visual schedules!
- Bring snacks, toys, and comfort items your child enjoys. It is always important to pack snacks you know your child will enjoy. Comfort items bring a sense of familiarity and security and can help serve as a coping skill for emotional regulation or a transition item to assist transitioning throughout your travel. To read more about coping skills and emotional regulation, click the link above to access a previous blog on this topic!
- Communicate and advocate. Ensure you inform the airline staff, hotel staff, or other relevant members of your travel journey about your child’s specific needs and sensory sensitivities. It is also a good idea to let your child’s therapists know of upcoming travel plans if you would like to have them implement strategies to help your child prepare and feel comfortable for the upcoming trip.
Traveling with a child with autism spectrum disorder requires careful planning, patience, and understanding. Keeping in mind that each child is unique and has their own sensory needs, especially when traveling, can go a long way in making sure your child stays safe and comfortable. It is essential to customize your approach to suit their individual needs. Have fun creating lasting memories while fostering your child’s growth and development!
Little Spurs Autism Centers offers collaborative and compassionate ABA Therapy to children 0-21 years old. Offering both center-based and home-based care, LSAC is excited to empower families by providing them with the support they need. For more information, please email us at autism@littlespurs.com
