Traveling Tips for Kids With Autism

When traveling, kids with autism need routine, structure, and predictability. BIANCA’s autism-friendly travel tips help families stay prepared and make the most of their time together.

Enjoy a Fun Family Trip, From the Airport to the Theme Park

Here are some tips that will make family vacations less stressful for both the child with ASD and their parents.

Traveling Tip #1: Wearable Identification

Your child needs to wear identification, especially when going on trips. Options for identification include medical IDs, wallet cards, and wristbands. Include important information such as your child’s name, their diagnosis, and your cell number. Also, carry a recent photo of your child to show police in case he or she wanders off.

Traveling Tip #2: Airport Security Run-Throughs

Going through TSA can be overwhelming for kids who have autism. Parents can prepare by doing a practice run with their child beforehand. Marcy Mullins called her local airport in Cincinnati and explained that her 6-year-old son Marcel had never flown before. Airport personnel allowed Marcy and her son to simulate what would happen when he went through security, step by step. If you are unable to do a practice run, be sure to alert security beforehand about your child’s needs.

Traveling Tip #3: Plan Activities for Flights and Long Rides

Sitting through plane flights or long drives can be boring and even frustrating, especially for kids with autism. “On our last excursion to Asia (my husband was there already) with three kids under 8, including one with autism, I prepared like a neurotic woman on steroids,” says Megan Browne. “Packed in each child’s rolling suitcase, I had prepared gifts wrapped in tissue paper and had enough for every hour on the plane for each kid. The gift included crayons, a new coloring book, Legos, Play-Doh, and a new DVD. They looked forward to each hour so they could open a new thing to play.” Parents can prepare activities such as music, coloring books, and fidget toys to keep their child entertained during long hours of travel. Make sure to bring noise-cancelling headphones if your child is sensitive to loud sounds.

Traveling Tip #4: Accommodations for Overnight Stays

Tip: Children with autism may feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar places, whether it’s a hotel or Airbnb. “Start small,” says Christine Bakter. “Try one night in a nearby hotel or plan an overnight at a friend’s house before attempting a longer vacation. You may have to do this several times.” It’s also important to call ahead and request adjoining rooms or any accommodations you might need. In addition to bringing familiar bedding and blankets, one mom even asks for extra bed padding, as her son has occasional overnight accidents. Requesting a room at the end of the hallway also helps ease any worries about loud noises.

Traveling Tip #5: Familiarize Your Child With the Travel Destination

Tip: Kids with autism might feel stressed when traveling to a different place. “Prior to leaving, the key is to simulate the vacation as closely as possible in as many ways as possible,” says Daniel Openden, clinical services director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in Phoenix. “Parents can show their children pictures or movies of the location or search the Internet together. Teach your child what to expect before you go.” Once a destination is established, it helps to return to the same vacation spot or to videotape family trips and replay them over the course of the year. Doing this will help a child become familiar with that particular destination.

Traveling Tip #6: Go to Autism-Friendly Theme Parks

“For a young child, a very family-friendly theme park can be an excellent choice,” says Dr. Sandra Harris, executive director of Rutgers University’s Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center. “You can stay in one hotel for the whole trip. They are often very accommodating to families of children who have a disability and tend to be forgiving of tantrums, anxiety, and other behaviors that many young children display.”

Theme parks are a popular destination for families and their children. However, waiting in line for attractions may be stressful for kids with autism. Luckily, theme parks offer disability services to accommodate these needs.

Disney Parks: Disability Access Services (DAS) are offered at both Disneyland and Disney World for disabled guests who are unable to wait in queues for long periods of time. DAS allows guests to request an attraction return time for a specific ride or experience that has a long standby wait. You can register online or on-site at the park’s Accessibility Services Kiosk.

SeaWorld: SeaWorld Parks offer a Ride Accessibility Program (RAP), which guests can enroll in at Guest Services located inside the park. Enrolling in RAP grants guests Special Access, which allows them priority entry to select rides without having to wait in line.

Legoland Resorts: Legoland Parks across the U.S. are Certified Autism Centers as designated by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Features include sensory rooms, sensory guides for attractions, and autism-trained staff. Disabled guests can also get special passes that offer expedited wait times for attractions.

IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC): The IAC provides accommodations at select amusement parks. IAC is accepted at locations such as Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags. To get an IAC, fill out an online application and take it to a participating park. View the full list of IAC participating theme parks here.

Get Access to Reliable Autism Resources

Following these tips can make traveling a little easier for kids with autism. For more autism resources, get in touch with Be Involved *Act Now* Champion Autism at (424) 262-2670.