May 31, 2011
By Autism Society
The Autism Society is committed to providing information that will help you live your best journey with autism. In celebration of the unofficial start of summer, we would like to share with you this helpful list of vacation tips. Read on and please share in the Comment box your own experiences and lessons learned while traveling. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
If you’re traveling with an individual with autism this summer, check out the following tips from experts to make the trip more enjoyable for all.
Plan in advance. Call ahead and inform the airline, hotel, resort or cruise line of the individual’s situation, and inquire what special accommodations (for example, fridge inside room) are available.
- Prepare the individual before and during the trip on what to expect. Use pictures, the web or objects, as appropriate, to communicate.
- Don’t hesitate to explain and share information about autism to others you may encounter, including flight attendants, hotel staff, employees at the amusements you visit and other vacationers.
- Bring familiar items that you think will make him or her more comfortable.
- Select vacation destinations with environments you believe the individual can handle.
- Book a cruise or resort vacation during “low season“ so there will be fewer guests and the staff will have more time to devote to your needs.
- Travel by car if flying or other public transportation seems too difficult.
- Choose hotels/motels with kitchen suites or room service so you have the option to eat in your room.
- MP3 players with headphones, loaded with favorite music, can soothe individuals who are disturbed by noises. Personal DVD players can also help make a long trip more enjoyable.
- Adhere as closely as you can to aspects of the individual’s normal routine.
- Whatever happens, stay calm and remember tomorrow you can always try again.
Many thanks to the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and Dr. Cathy Pratt of the Autism Society Board of Directors for their work on these tips.
Topics:Living with Autism
Comments
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Submitted by: Liz Date: June 7, 2011
We have 3 with various forms of autism so we use MP3 players and each of them has a DS which we make sure is fully charged and has extra games. We also make sure that the MP3 players are either charged or we have spare batteries (essential!).
We found one restaurant chain where all three people on the spectrum in our family found an item on the menu they liked. Since it was a widespread chain, we always look for one of these restaurants, and those on the spectrum reliably order the same thing. They find it comforting to have food they know they will like, and the fights over where to eat no longer happen.
A couple of years ago we did a home exchange in France. It was the perfect way to travel with my son. He does fine on public transport, but needs his own hang-out areas at home and this was like being home, but in another country. It really helped!
Here are some tips you may find useful as well that I have written: http://autismcollege.com/library/29/travel-tips-for-families-with-an-individual-on-the-autism-spectrum
My 6yr old always likes to keep her own snacks in her little purse. She carries toys in it too. Seems to help her keep grounded if she's upset in a different environment.
Great ideas! We also include our son in the planning of the trip, and allow him to choose an activity that he "always wanted to do"
We have our 12 year take breaks and or naps in am and pm
Stay hydrated at places like Disney World. Fill small water bottles at drinking fountains. Choose restaurants that offer a wide variety, or can easily adapt a meal or plate, like Perkins.
weighted blanket is awesome!