Guidelines for Traveling with a Child on the Autism Spectrum

Preparing a child with autism for travel is crucial, as the thought of being away from home and in unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming. They are often removed from their established routines, which can be particularly distressing. The mix of new sights, sounds, smells, and people can feel daunting.

My son, who has autism, finds the unpredictable noises and unfamiliar situations especially frightening. Each airport brings a unique set of sounds and sights that heighten his anxiety, and he always needs to know I'm nearby.

The busy atmosphere of an airport can be intimidating, so I pay close attention to our flight times. Choosing to travel during quieter hours can help ease his anxiety. This is just one of many strategies to help prepare your autistic child for air travel.

Is traveling with your child who has autism easy? It might be a challenge, but it's certainly achievable with some thoughtful planning. I believe that travel is accessible to everyone, and that it's entirely possible for travel and autism to coexist harmoniously.

Here are some tips to make traveling with an autistic child smoother:

Prepare your child well ahead of time

Starting to prepare your autistic child for your trip the night before is not ideal. I prefer to collaborate with my son's occupational therapist to get ready for travel well in advance. Through therapy, we can address what to expect at the airport using social stories, guided modeling, and discussions.

While at home, I like to show him YouTube videos of the airports we'll be visiting.

For children fascinated by transportation, this is a great opportunity to introduce them to the planes we’ll be taking. My son enjoys learning about the specific model of the aircraft, its passenger capacity, and its speed. I believe that addressing these questions helps reduce his anxiety about flying.

I always suggest the program Wings for Autism to my clients traveling with their autistic children. Although it's currently unavailable due to the pandemic, variations of it can be found with various airlines.

At a Wings event, you can anticipate a simulated experience that includes:

• Checking in to receive boarding passes
• Going through the TSA security checkpoint
• Waiting in the boarding area
• Boarding an aircraft (without taking off)
• Exiting the aircraft and retrieving luggage at baggage claim

Programs like this effectively demonstrate the travel experience, helping your child understand what to expect when it's time for your trip. This type of program can provide insights into how your child will manage at the airport and how to implement effective strategies and coping mechanisms.

Choose smaller flights

When planning your travel flights, it's important to think about the airport you'll be departing from. Personally, I prefer smaller airports to minimize wait times, as my son struggles with long delays, which can increase his anxiety.

Smaller airports tend to have fewer crowds, making them ideal for children who are uncomfortable around large groups. While flying from these airports may cost a bit more, the added comfort and reduced stress during your travels make it worthwhile.

If traveling from a larger airport is unavoidable, consider bringing these essential items to help your child:

• A special needs stroller, like the Freedom Pushchair Stroller
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Devices such as a tablet or other beloved electronics
• Sunglasses and a ball cap
• Plenty of snacks
• A cherished toy or blanket (ensure it’s not one that would cause distress if lost)
• Necessary medications

Moreover, if you’re flying from a larger airport, consider enrolling in programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. The lesser-known program TSA Cares can also be beneficial. Individuals with visible or hidden disabilities can request assistance from a TSA officer or supervisor, who can provide a passenger support specialist for immediate help. Members of the Wounded Warrior Program often participate in this initiative as well.

How TSA Cares operates:

• Contact the TSA Cares hotline a minimum of 72 hours before your flight
• Provide your flight details for both arrival and departure
• Inform the agent about any specific needs during the security screening process

I always enroll in this program to assist my son. I did this prior to a long trip to Turkey when I needed support for traveling with my two boys. The agent expedited our passage through security, minimizing our wait time. She also guided me to the lounge and accompanied us to our gate before we parted ways.

Utilize sensory rooms and available support

Several airports are beginning to implement support for individuals with hidden disabilities. Sensory rooms provide a calm and secure environment for those with sensory needs or processing difficulties. These spaces are perfect for taking a break from the overwhelming stimuli of crowds, bright lights, odors, and loud sounds. Collaborating with a travel advisor can alleviate the stress of locating a sensory room at an airport, as larger airports typically have the resources to offer such facilities.

Here are a few airports that feature sensory rooms:

• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

Another helpful strategy for making airport visits easier with your autistic child is to enroll in the Sunflower Lanyard Program. While only a limited number of U.S. airports are involved, many in Europe have been participating since the program originated in the U.K. You can easily find an updated list of participating airports globally here.

Travelers can acquire a green lanyard adorned with a small yellow sunflower. This discreet but noticeable symbol alerts airport personnel to the wearer's hidden disability, indicating they may require extra assistance navigating the airport, additional time at the gate, and more. Participation in this program is entirely voluntary but offers substantial support.

Timing

I always aim to schedule our flights during the times when my boys are most alert. Some parents prefer flying around nap times, but I find that the mix of tired kids and a stressful atmosphere just doesn’t work for us. It’s really a personal choice, and you know your child best.

I arrange our flights to coincide with their waking hours. My son is eager to explore the new places we visit, even if it’s just to see family. He needs time to adjust to our new surroundings before he can settle down to sleep. Keeping him fully awake also helps him navigate the airport more easily and voice his needs when he feels anxious. The more fatigued he is, the more likely he is to have a meltdown. While I can manage a meltdown and work through it with him, I prefer to avoid putting him through that if I can help it.

Travel with friends and family

I’m comfortable traveling solo with my boys, having done so five or six times since my oldest was diagnosed with autism. However, I do enjoy traveling with friends and family. More hands make for an easier journey! Having loved ones along can give you the chance to use the restroom or grab a coffee while getting a brief respite. They’re also invaluable when traveling with multiple children, allowing you to focus on one child for a moment.

Boarding the plane

I always inform the gate attendants that my child is on the autism spectrum. I embrace his autism without hesitation, and I will seek out all the support available to us during the boarding process. Many airlines allow preboarding; some, like American Airlines, ask you to call in advance, while others simply require you to notify a gate agent. Airlines such as Delta, Southwest, and United provide this extra assistance. Even though JetBlue is a budget airline, they have a program for silent boarding, which allows passengers with disabilities to settle in before the rest of the passengers board.

Choosing seats

It’s unfortunate, but with some budget airlines, you need to ensure that you purchase adjacent seats. Some airlines will accommodate requests if you notify them beforehand, but it’s best not to count on it. I always book seats together and buy them in advance. When flying domestically, I’m a loyal Southwest customer. I don’t want to risk my kids being seated separately or relying on a stranger to swap seats with me. Trust me, either buy the seats or fly with Southwest for domestic trips.

I firmly believe that whatever strategies work at home should also be applied while traveling. Utilize the methods you have established at home along with my tips to make your flight smoother. A great bonus tip is to collaborate with a travel advisor who is a certified autism travel professional. They can assist you in booking flights, notifying airlines about your child's needs, and alleviating much of the stress that can accompany travel planning.

You can easily travel with your child on the autism spectrum with some thoughtful preparation and planning. After your first flight, each subsequent trip can become easier by using what you’ve learned. Being informed about the process will make future flights much more manageable.

Don’t believe that traveling with your autistic child is impossible or that you should forgo vacations altogether. Instead, cherish this opportunity to create lasting memories as your child discovers the wonders of the world beyond home. Together, turn your travel aspirations into reality.