We celebrate neurodiversity and create an inclusive space for all minds.

Welcome! We're proud to be an neurodiverse organization. Having a son with autism has never stopped us from living our best life—and it never will. We’re committed to exploring the world together as a family, and we want to help others do the same.

This page is dedicated to families, caregivers, and travelers who are navigating the world with an autistic loved one. Whether you're planning your first trip or are seasoned explorers, you'll find helpful resources, links, and tools here to support your journey.

Together, let's make travel more inclusive, joyful, and accessible for everyone.

Traveling with an Autistic Child

Traveling with an autistic child requires careful planning to minimize sensory overload and maximize comfort. This includes preparing your child mentally and emotionally, packing sensory-friendly items, and communicating your child's needs to airline and hotel staff. Visual aids, social stories, and a consistent routine can also help ease the transition and reduce anxiety. 


By planning ahead, addressing sensory needs, and communicating effectively, you can create a more enjoyable and successful travel experience for your autistic child and your family. 

Preparation is Key

  • Mental and Emotional Preparation:
  • Use visual aids, social stories, and role-playing to familiarize your child with the travel process, including the airport, security, and boarding procedures. 
  • Plan Ahead:
  • Research your destination, including sensory-friendly accommodations and attractions. 
  • Create a Schedule:
  • Develop a visual schedule or social story to help your child understand the daily routine and transitions during travel. 
  • Pack Comfort Items:
  • Include familiar items like snacks, toys, or comfort objects that your child enjoys. 
  • Communicate Needs:
  • Inform airline and hotel staff about your child's sensory sensitivities and needs, including early boarding options or sensory-friendly areas. 


Sensory Considerations

  • Noise Reduction:
  • Pack earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or a music player to help mitigate loud noises in airports and on airplanes. 
  • Crowd Avoidance:
  • If your child struggles with crowds, consider early boarding, last boarding, or asking for assistance with boarding and check-in. 
  • Sensory Items:
  • Bring sensory items like a fidget toy, weighted blanket, or noise-cancelling headphones to help your child cope with sensory overload. 
  • Dietary Needs:
  • Plan for dietary restrictions and pack familiar snacks and meals. 


 During Travel

  • Frequent Breaks:
  • Incorporate time for breaks, snacks, and bathroom trips to avoid meltdowns. 
  • Visual Aids:
  • Use visual aids like maps, schedules, or social stories to help your child navigate unfamiliar environments. 
  • Communication:
  • Communicate with your child throughout the journey, allowing them to express their feelings and concerns. 
  • Seek Help:
  • Don't hesitate to ask for help from airline and hotel staff if needed. 

  Below are some specific travel tips that you may find helpful



01

Air Travel

  • Early Boarding: Ask for early boarding to get settled before the plane is full. 
  • Seat Selection: Consider window seats for observation and distraction during takeoff and landing. 
  • Practice Run: If possible, do a mock travel experience at the airport before your trip. 
  • Airline Resources: Check with your airline for resources like sensory-friendly rooms, quiet zones, or social stories. 

02

Car Travel

  • Comfort Items: Pack familiar items like blankets, toys, or snacks to help your child feel more comfortable. 
  • Sensory Breaks: Take frequent stops to allow your child to stretch, move, or engage in a sensory-friendly activity. 


03

Cruise Travel

Early Boarding: Some cruise lines will accommodate early boarding to get you settled in before the big crowds arrive


Sensory Bags: These are available through some cruise lines, inclusive of noise cancelling headphones, communication card, and fidget toys. Inquire with the cruise line prior to boarding to ensure availability.


Autism-Friendly Kids Camp: Some cruise lines are certified in working with children with Autism.

04

Hotel Stay

  • Sensory-Friendly Room: Consider booking a room in a hotel that offers sensory-friendly options. 
  • Noise Reduction: Pack a white noise machine or fan to help mask hotel noises. 
  • Familiar Items: Bring familiar items like bedding or a stuffed animal to help your child feel more secure.