April is National Autism Awareness Month, and the end of April is also when families begin to plan their summer vacations. For families with children on the autism spectrum, planning a summer vacation can cause more anxiety and dread than excitement. Figuring out the details of airports, cruise ships, and amusement parks is taxing on any family, let alone parents of children with autism who can be sensitive to how other people will respond to their child’s needs.
As a Certified Autism Travel Professional, I’ve had the pleasure to work with several families in planning and executing vacations where the memories will last a lifetime. After all, memories are the best souvenirs! In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, I wanted to share my five travel tips for children with autism.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Wings for Autism work together to provide families with a “practice run” when it comes to airports and airport security. Families who participate in the program are able to visit a local airport and participate in an airport rehearsal specifically designed for children on the autism spectrum: getting a boarding pass, going through security, boarding a plane, taxiing, deplaning and leaving the airport. Currently, there isn’t an upcoming event in the Dallas/Fort Worth area (there is one in Houston at the end of the month!); however, they are consistently adding event dates, so keep checking!
It is also very important to talk about travel over and over and over. Tell your child what to expect and read books about flying on a plane. You can practice situations at home such as pretending a doorway is a metal detector, or print out boarding passes to turn in while pretending to board a flight.
Helpful Links:
- DFW Airport Accessibility
- Love Field ADA Feedback Contact Page (fill out this form to see if you can schedule a “run-through” at Love Field Airport)
Know Where to Go
All resorts are not created equal. Consider one of the following resorts that are known to cater to children’s special needs.
- Morgan’s Wonderland – San Antonio – This is the world’s first “Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park,” offering numerous attractions adapted to fit all special needs along with a Sensory Village, Music Garden, Wonderland Train Ride, and more. Last year, they added a fully accessible water park as well. This amusement park is also free for guests with special needs.
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – This cruise line is the first “Autism-Friendly Cruise Line,” with programming that offers a unique collection of products and services designed to provide a welcoming and friendly environment. This includes sensory-friendly films and toys, dietary menu options, and overall autism-friendly training for Adventure Ocean staff and more.
- Beaches Resorts – Beaches is the first resort company to complete the IBCCES training and Autism Certification in order to offer families specialized service, engaging activities, and custom dining options. The Kid Camps on Beaches property are Certified Autism Centers, and their Child Care Staff continuously receive competency training so you can feel confident leaving your child in their care while enjoying a little vacation yourself!
- Wyndham Hotels (Wyndham’s Garden Hotel Austin) – Wyndham hotels have begun to tailor rooms specifically to meet the needs of parents and children on the autism spectrum. The Garden Hotel in Austin has five “thoughtful rooms,” featuring door alarms that notify guests when the suite door has been opened, corner guards on sharp table edges, outlet covers, child-proof door knobs and drawer latches, toy bins, a small refrigerator, and a special menu at the hotel’s restaurant. A few other properties are beginning renovations, as well.
Stick to Your Routine and Know Your Child
Nobody knows the unique needs of your child better than you do. If your child likes to be active, then it is best to select a vacation with activities where they can run, swim, and play! If your child loves to read and observe, choosing an activity such as a museum or gallery would be great.
Repetition is great for children with autism and so sticking to a normal, everyday routine is key when they are in a different environment. If your child likes to do activities in the morning and rest in the afternoon, try to mirror that routine on vacation and not deviate too much from normal.
Most of the people you will encounter on vacation are not trained in assisting families with special needs, so it will be helpful to let flight attendants and hotel staff know how they can provide support. Some families will print out “Autism Awareness Cards” created for use in situations where there is an opportunity to educate others about autism. These can also come in handy during travel!
Instructions on how to order an “Autism Spectrum Disorder” notification card from the TSA can be found here: Ease Travel With TSA “Autism Spectrum Disorder” Card
Work With A Professional
Just like resorts, not all travel agents are created equal. A Certified Autism Travel Professional™ (CATP) is defined as a professional who has demonstrated that they are both knowledgeable and capable of providing support and travel-related services to an individual on the autism spectrum as well as their family. Agents who have completed this training are well-equipped to help a family plan a vacation as unique and special as their child.
Certified Autism Travel Professionals have been trained by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards in various competency areas as it pertains to families of children with autism, as well as specific information when it comes to resorts/hotels, air travel, cruises, and road trips. These agents have also spent time listening to various lectures on what autism is; parent perspectives, individual perspectives, as well as a general overview of ASD and sensory awareness.
You can find a Certified Autism Travel Professional here: IBCCES Registry Search
Keep Calm and Roll With the Punches
My number one tip for all families that travel (with children on and off the spectrum) is to keep calm, and travel on! No vacation will ever be perfect, and travel is bound to cause a lot of stress. Do your best to keep cool and roll with the punches.
Know your own stress points, identify situations that would increase your own anxiety to plan for how to prevent them and develop strategies for how to handle them if they do happen. Plan ahead with YOU and your child in mind.
Bring lots to do to eliminate boredom, plan for downtime, be flexible, hope for the best while preparing for the worst…and take lots and lots of pictures! Seasoned parents, what are your travel tips for children with autism?
