Preparing for a holiday – tips for traveling with autistic children

Most people love holiday’s and really look forward to unwinding and taking a break. Holidays and family vacations, however, can be very challenging and overwhelming for children. 

Understanding and preparation can support a successful family holiday. 

Understand your child 

Find out exactly what their anxieties and fears are.  Some of these could include: 

• Mode of transport
• Uncertainty about a new place, new food, or new people
• Fear of the unknown
• Change in routine 
• Sensory overload 

Holiday Preparation 

Once you have an understanding of your child’s specific needs , you can start to plan your holiday.  

Tips to help your child:

• Talk to your child and ask them about their concerns.
• Prepare them with as much information about the holiday destination as possible through books, brochures, websites and video clips.
• Discuss what part of their daily routine will remain the same and what things will be different 
• Prepare a visual schedule for the holiday that they can take with them 
• Prepare a travel bag with some of their favourite things, including items that help them to calm down or to feel more secure. 
• Give them information about who the ‘safe’ adults are to approach during travel if they get lost or need help, for example, security personnel or a flight attendant. 
• If applicable, wear a medical alert bracelet or carry Autism Alert Card. These are particularly helpful for when a child is lost, they have difficulty communicating or get upset in unfamiliar surroundings.

Tips for parents:

• Consider the accommodation for your holiday, thinking particularly about noise, lights, amount of people and food options available.
• There are options for families to search terms such as ‘autism-friendly’ if applicable, when looking for accommodation and modes of transport.
• If your child has specific sensory preferences, consider how you can help minimise sensory overload, such as through headphones in noisy settings or your child’s favourite calming object.

Planning and preparation can help all members of the family have an enjoyable time together.