Article excerpt from The Points Guy
When you are traveling with a child with autism, it is imperative to prepare them for the travel you will be doing. The idea of being away from home and in a new place can be incredibly scary to some children with autism. After all, they are being taken out of their normal routine, which is difficult for those who have strict routines in place. Add in the new sights, sounds, smells, and people, and the combination of it all can be terrifying, to say the least.
My autistic son is most terrified of sounds and the fear of the unknown. Every airport has new sounds and sights so that always makes him anxious. He always wants to ensure I am always close to him.
Navigating the huge number of people inside the airport can be scary, so I constantly consider the time of day we fly. It mitigates some of his anxiety about flying when fewer people are in the airport. Keep that in mind because it is one of many things you can do to prepare your autistic child for air travel.
Will it be easy to travel with your child with autism? It may be challenging, but it is not impossible — especially with some planning and preparation. I always say travel is for everyone and that travel and autism CAN go hand in hand.
Here are a few of my tips to help make traveling with an autistic child easier:
- Prep your child well in advance
- Fly small
- Use sensory rooms and support
- Timing
- Travel with friends and family
