16 | Traveling with Autism & Sensory-Friendly Vacations | Dawn Barclay
Traveling can feel exciting for some families and incredibly stressful for others, especially when a child struggles with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, unpredictability, or changes in routine.
In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with travel writer and author Dawn Barclay about practical ways families can better prepare neurodivergent children for travel experiences. Dawn shares strategies from her book Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for the Anxious, the Inflexible and the Neurodiverse and discusses how preparation, flexibility, and child-centered planning can help make vacations more manageable.
This conversation offers realistic ideas for families who want to travel but may feel nervous about sensory overload, meltdowns, airports, hotels, or disruptions to routines.
Listen to the Full Episode
Whether your family is planning a road trip, flight, hotel stay, or theme park visit, this episode provides helpful strategies for making travel feel more supportive and predictable for neurodivergent children.
Memorable Quote
“What children on the spectrum need is a sense of predictability and a frame of reference.”
In This Episode We Discuss
• Why travel can be difficult for neurodivergent children
• Sensory overload and travel-related anxiety
• Using social stories and visual preparation
• Practicing travel experiences before major trips
• Child-centered vacation planning
• Autism-friendly hotels, museums, and airports
• Creating predictable routines during travel
• Supporting flexibility and reducing overwhelm
Key Themes From the Conversation
Preparation Can Reduce Anxiety
One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is preparation. Dawn explains that helping children preview and practice travel experiences ahead of time can reduce uncertainty and make new environments feel safer.
This might include practicing overnight stays, watching airport videos, using social stories, or taking smaller practice trips before longer vacations.
Travel Should Be Child-Centered
Dawn encourages families to plan vacations around their child’s needs, interests, and pacing instead of trying to fit too many activities into one day.
Including preferred interests and allowing flexibility can help children feel more engaged and regulated during travel experiences.
Autism-Friendly Travel Resources Exist
Many families are surprised to learn that some airports, hotels, museums, and attractions now offer autism-friendly supports, sensory accommodations, or specialized training for staff.
Researching these resources ahead of time can help families feel more confident when planning trips.
Common Questions Parents Ask
How can I prepare my autistic child for travel?
Social stories, videos, visual schedules, practice experiences, and discussing the trip ahead of time can help children better understand what to expect.
What if my child struggles with changes in routine?
Building predictability into the trip can help. This may include familiar items from home, planned breaks, visual schedules, and slower-paced activities.
Are there autism-friendly travel destinations?
Yes. Some airports, hotels, museums, and attractions provide sensory-friendly accommodations or autism-friendly certification programs designed to support neurodivergent families.
Why This Conversation Matters for Families
Many families avoid travel because they fear sensory overload, meltdowns, judgment from others, or overwhelming situations. This episode reminds families that travel may still be possible with thoughtful preparation and realistic expectations.
The goal is not creating a “perfect” vacation. The goal is helping children feel safe, supported, and included while building meaningful family experiences together.
Resources Mentioned
Traveling Different
https://travelingdifferent.com
Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for the Anxious, the Inflexible and the Neurodiverse by Dawn Barclay
About the Guest
Dawn Barclay is a travel writer and author who specializes in helping families navigate travel with neurodivergent children. Her work focuses on practical strategies, autism-friendly travel resources, and making travel more accessible for families.
Related Resources for Parents
If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy these resources:
• Traveling with Neurodiverse Kids: Vacation Tips for Families on the Go
• Sensory Processing 101: Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs
• Understanding Autism Meltdowns: What They Are and How to Support Your Child
• Inclusive Holiday Fun: Sensory-Friendly Activities for the Whole Family
Explore more parent resources at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com/blog
