Traveling with Neurodiverse Kids: Vacation Tips for Families on the Go
🧠 Plan Ahead With Your Child
Talking about the trip ahead of time helps your child feel more prepared and confident.
Try this:
Use photos or visuals of the airport, airplane, hotel room, or relatives’ house.
Tell a simple story:
“We’ll drive to the airport, go through security (shoes off, then on!), fly for 3 hours where you can watch your tablet, then go to a hotel with a pool!”Emphasize positives: Grandma’s cookies, the hotel pool, airplane snacks.
Practice at home:
Pretend play with couch as airplane
Practice sitting still buckled for short times
Talk about ear popping on planes
For road trips, mark rest stops on a map so they know when breaks are coming.
🎒 Pack a Sensory Travel Kit
Having the right items on hand can prevent meltdowns and support regulation.
Include:
🎧 Headphones or earplugs – for airports, rest stops, or just to feel calm
🍎 Snacks & chews – hunger is a meltdown trigger; crunchy or chewy foods help regulate
🧸 Comfort items – familiar blanket, stuffed animal, or even a family photo
🎨 Activities – tablet + charger, twistable crayons, fidgets, magnetic toys
Pro tip: Wrap one or two surprise toys for hard moments💧 Wipes & comfort tools – scented balm, extra clothes, cooling towel
💡 Make a travel “go bag” that stays packed with essentials – it saves time on every trip.
⏰ Keep Routines When You Can
Routines offer predictability, even when everything else is new.
Try to keep:
The bedtime routine: same books, lullaby, white noise, nightlight
Mealtimes and food choices as familiar as possible
Visual schedules:
“Today: Aquarium ➡️ Ice Cream ➡️ Hotel”Daily anchors like morning puzzles or a favorite show
Downtime every day: One outing is plenty; build in hotel recharge time
🚗 Schedule Breaks During Travel
Movement and sensory breaks can make travel much more manageable.
On road trips:
Choose rest stops with grass or space to move
Bring bubbles, a small ball, or do jumping jacks together
On flights:
Walk the aisle or stretch near the bathrooms when allowed
Use noise-canceling headphones during boarding and takeoff
Seek out quiet rooms at airports during layovers
🎵 Consider loading a calming playlist or kids’ mindfulness app ahead of time.
🏨 Choose Autism-Friendly Options
Planning ahead helps you create a more peaceful environment on arrival.
Hotels & rentals:
Ask for a quiet room away from elevators
Choose suite-style or multi-room rentals for better sleep and flexibility
Attractions:
Check for Disability Access Services (DAS) at places like Disneyland or Six Flags
Many museums and zoos now offer:
Sensory maps
Loaner calm kits (noise-canceling headphones, etc.)
Airports:
Call ahead to request pre-boarding or schedule a practice run (e.g., Phoenix Sky Harbor offers this)
Dining:
Look for outdoor seating or off-peak hours
Or pack a picnic and eat at a park
🔍 Search attraction websites for “accessibility” or “sensory-friendly” information before you go.
😌 Stay Flexible & Positive
Even with all the planning, things may change — and that’s okay.
Leave buffer time in your schedule
Let your child help choose some activities:
“Aquarium or train museum today?”Use rewards for flexibility:
“You did awesome on the plane — you get two episodes tonight!”Laugh through the mishaps — they often make the best memories later
📸 Create a scrapbook together afterward — it reinforces memories and makes a great language activity.
💬 Want More Support?
📞 Book your free 15-minute consultation to get personalized guidance.
📚 Read more on our blog for helpful articles, sensory-friendly ideas, and real-world strategies.
🎧 Listen to our podcast for expert insights and conversations with other families.
