Traveling with Autism: A Guide to a Smooth Journey
Traveling can be both exciting and challenging, and when you're a parent of a teen with autism, there are some unique considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey.
Long-distance travel, whether it's by car, plane, or another mode of transportation, can be particularly daunting. However, with careful planning and a few strategies in your toolkit, you can make the experience enjoyable for both you and your teen. Here's how:
1. Preparation is Key
As with many things in life, preparation is key when it comes to long-distance travel with a teen on the autism spectrum. Start planning well in advance, and involve your teen in the process. Create a visual schedule to help them understand what to expect during the trip. Explain where you're going, how you'll get there, and what they can look forward to.
Pro tips:
Develop a visual countdown calendar that marks off the days leading up to the trip. Each day, your teen can check off a box or move a marker closer to the departure date. This not only builds excitement but also provides a concrete way to track time.
Create a personalized social story tailored to the travel experience. highlight key aspects of the journey, such as waiting in lines, interacting with airport staff, or trying new foods. Use simple language and images to illustrate each step.
2. Familiarize Your Teen with the Journey
For many teens with autism, the unknown can be stressful. To reduce anxiety, familiarize your teen with the journey. If you're flying, watch videos or read books about the airport and flying prior to the big day. If it's a road trip, show them maps and discuss the route you'll take. This familiarity can go a long way in calming their nerves.
Pro tip:
Use interactive maps and travel apps to explore your destination with your teen before the trip. These tools can help them become familiar with local landmarks, restaurants, and attractions. You can even plan virtual "exploration" sessions together.
3. Pack Comfort Items
Comfort items can provide a sense of security during travel. Let your teen choose a few favorite items to bring along. Having these familiar items with them can help ease anxiety during the journey.
Pro tip:
Let your teen be involved in packing their own sensory comfort items.
4. Sensory Considerations
Consider your teen’s sensory needs during travel. If your teen is sensitive to noise, bring noise-canceling headphones. For those sensitive to light, pack sunglasses or a sleep mask. Don't forget their favorite snacks and drinks to ensure they have familiar and comforting options on hand.
Pro tip:
Create a sensory travel kit customized to your teen’s sensory preferences. Include items like a small fidget toy, a soft tactile blanket, a stress ball, or a textured sensory chew necklace. For some more ideas of sensory activities to keep them entertained, check out this blog.
5. Practice Travel Routines
If your teen is not accustomed to long journeys, practice shorter trips or outings to prepare them for the experience and changes in routine. Gradually increase the duration of these practice trips to help your teen become more comfortable with the idea of extended travel.
Pro tip:
Set up a mini security checkpoint at home to help your teen practice going through airport security. This hands-on approach can reduce anxiety associated with unfamiliar routines.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
Traveling with a teen with autism may require extra time and patience. Be prepared for unexpected delays or disruptions to your plans. Stay calm and adaptable to reduce stress for both you and your teen.
Pro tips:
Don’t forget to spend some time on yourself. Do what you can to reduce your own stress before the trip. It could mean breathing exercises, getting some exercise before the trip, or whatever your go-to stress-relief tactics are.
Stay as organized as possible: Create checklists and allocate extra time for hiccups.
7. Communicate with Travel Providers
If you're flying, let the airline staff know about your teen’s needs in advance. Many airlines offer special assistance for families traveling with teens on the autism spectrum. This can include priority boarding, pre-boarding, and even sensory toolkits or quiet zones on the plane.
Pro tip:
Upon arriving at the gate, communicate to the flight attendants that you are traveling with a teen with autism.
8. Plan Breaks
Long journeys can be physically and mentally tiring for anyone. Plan regular breaks during road trips to allow your teen to stretch, use the restroom, or simply have a change of scenery. For air travel, consider booking longer layovers to allow for relaxation between flights.
Pro tip:
When planning breaks, consider your teen’s normal routine and try to plan the breaks around those times. Sometimes frequent, short breaks are better than longer, less frequent breaks, depending on their needs.
Traveling With A Teen With Autism
At PS Academy Arizona, we understand that traveling with a teen with autism requires extra planning and patience, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and bonding. By preparing, staying flexible, and focusing on your teen’s needs, you can create positive travel experiences and lasting memories together.
If you're interested in learning more about PS Academy Arizona and how we can support your teen with autism, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make a difference in your teen’s life and help them thrive both academically and socially. Contact us today to discover the premier school experience we can provide for your teen.
Students with autism and other exceptionalities should be in an environment where they not only are accepted but are able to continue developing their social and academic skills.
We are committed to inspiring our students to reach their full potential both in the classroom and the community. PS Academy Arizona is a private K-12 school for students with autism and other exceptionalities located in Gilbert, AZ. Here students love coming to school. Why? Because here, they aren't defined by their diagnosis. They shine when they identify their abilities, are accepted for their differences, make friends, and discover new skills.