Children on the autism spectrum can find travel stressful and anxiety inducing. The following tips should help make traveling a happier experiences for all.
Review & Rehearse: Review with your child what the vacation plan is. You can use social stories with visuals to provide them a calm description of the vacation. Some airport will even allow you to come to the airport at a separate time and allow your child to walk through the process of air travel.
Keep Some Routines: If your child likes the same breakfast, or the routine of an afternoon show, or has a calming bedtime routine, try to keep some of those routines the same. This will provide some feeling of conform throughout the day.
Provide Familiar & Reinforcing Items: Make sure to bring your child’s favorite toy or book. If they have a group of pictures they like, perhaps of things from home that may have a calming effect. Also, be a little more liberal on the use of reinforcement. Reinforce your child for adjusting to the new setting.
Look Into Accommodations: Many amusement parks, such as Disney, will provide wristbands for individuals with disabilities that often eliminates (or at least reduces) waiting. At the airport, you can have another family member or therapist accompany your and your child through security to help them navigate the new setting and wait appropriately.
For more ideas see: http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/family_services/travel.php
http://www.travelmuse.com/articles/special-needs/travel-tips-for-autistic-children
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1893554_1893556_1893538,00.html
http://boston.parenthood.com/BO_Travel_Tips_Autism.php
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