Adults and kids with autism may have more difficulty traveling than others. Those on the autism spectrum with their loved ones may find the trip challenging because of the disruptions in their routines, the lack of predictability, the large crowds, and the novel sounds and sights.
We have high hopes that with some planning and wisdom obtained from the resources listed below, you can take new opportunities for adventure with autistic.
Know The Berries
Nevertheless, for autistic persons, traveling may be a very stressful experience. It is critical to have an understanding of what autism means and how to stay away from typical triggers in order for the experience to be less challenging.
Autism, or ASD -Autism Spectrum Disorder, describes a number of disorders marked by difficulties in interacting with others, repetitive actions, expression, and nonverbal interaction. Keeping this in mind, we must first determine the many types of stress that might lead to problems.
These are some examples of possible triggers that might cause someone with autism:
- A person with autism may feel as if they have lost control of their surroundings whenever there is a change in their routine. This might result in anxiety, which may give rise to “meltdowns” and other behavior that is difficult to manage.
- Even a journey to see loved ones might sometimes need a desire (and the skill) to adapt to new communication patterns, foods, and schedules. This significant transition may be too much for some individuals who fall on the autism spectrum.
- For those on the autism spectrum, navigating public transit may be challenging, and flying is at the top of the list. TSA screenings, delays, and sitting silently for hours may all add to an unpleasant experience.
- While on the road, avoiding or coping with unpleasant sensory experiences might be challenging. There is no way to prevent another person from honking loudly or yelling and wearing a safety belt while driving.
- When traveling, your safety may be a worry in certain circumstances. This is particularly important to remember if the autistic loved one is a frequent “eloper” or has the potential to become hostile.
- Even though many people are familiar with autism and have a basic comprehension of the condition, it’s quite probable that you may encounter others who stare, grow frustrated, or refuse to service the person acting oddly. This may make traveling an extremely uncomfortable experience.
- It may be difficult for certain families to deal with the emotional strain of having an autistic member. Considering the worst-case scenario may place pressure on parents, guardians, and even siblings, which can make even dealing with mundane challenges more challenging than they need to be.
Tips For Traveling While Autistic
It is by far and away the simplest method of getting around with a person who falls somewhere on the autistic spectrum to get back to the same destination on the same date every year. Knowing where your destination is, when you’ll arrive there, how you’ll be reaching there, and the things to anticipate once you get there may eliminate quite a lot of the anxiety that comes with the process. Include breaks and goodies that are appealing to the autistic member of the family, and you should have a pleasant day.
- Determine a location and a time convenient for each member of the family. Persons on the autism spectrum should not be made to feel like they are a bother. Nobody should think their activities are a “burden” or “sacrificing” their holiday. This may be ensured by selecting convenient times and locations for everyone involved.
- If you plan on paying frequent visits to relatives, you should make sure that those people are aware of how to interact with autistic people in their families correctly and that they can do so. This may entail having reduced expectations for embraces, making sure to stock up on favorite foods, limiting the amount of noise, not making nasty remarks about different levels of ability, and keeping people with disabilities in mind in other ways.
- Sustain traditions. Some members of the family may benefit from and even want unpredictability, while others with autism require a more routine-based approach. If fishing at the stream is something you do every year, you should make plans to go there again the following year. No one should make an autistic member of the family go along with a group outing just because the rest of the family enjoys trying new things.
- Pack a sensory package for the trip. Consider items such as headphones, fidget toys, and the like. In a stressful atmosphere, fidget toys like tangles might give additional emotional control; they enable the autistic person to deal more effectively for a bit longer.
- An autistic person should never travel without a mobile phone. If needed, they can call the people they know and mostly interact.
However, there are now more individuals living with autism, which has led to a rise in the array of travel agents and companies that cater specifically to the requirements of communities having autistic members.
These services are not inexpensive, but they may be of great use to their customers. You can look for someone who has completed a training program and received certification as a CATP (Certified Autism Travel Professional).
Final Thought
Here’s how to overcome the challenges of traveling while autistic.
Most persons with autism can and will have a wonderful time on vacation. The important thing is to think about where you want to go, prepare in advance, and have a strategy for dealing with unforeseen circumstances.
However, there are circumstances in which an alteration in routine may be so distressing to an autistic family member that it is not worth adjusting. In situations like these, it is in everyone’s best interest to seek temporary support so that carers may have some time away from their responsibilities.
