Traveling with SPD
Make sure everyone’s prepared. Things you can do to facilitate this include:
Talking about it
Act if out or do pretend play using travel situations (packing, boarding a plane/train, etc.)
Discuss where you’re going, the weather, attractions, and LOOK at pictures of the places.
Use social stories - there are so many easily available online, but creating your own with pictures of the places you will be going can be extra helpful!
Read books & watch shows about travel (for little ones, Bluey has great episodes for travel!)
Prepare for how long the flight will be and practice doing things that take a similar amount of time.
Make a plan of strategies you’ll use if things go wrong (missed flights/connections, lost luggage, bad weather) – have backup items and activities planned.
Have comfort & regulating items ready
Wear loose, comfortable clothes in layers. This way you can easily adjust for temperature changes throughout cars, airports, planes, trains, and climates - you’ll be ready for it all.
Bring preferred fidgets, weighted animals/blankets, music, or other items that you know are soothing to you or your child.
Have noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or eye masks ready to counteract the overstimulating environment.
Having familiar crunchy & sour snacks provides proprioceptive inputs that can be very regulating!
Pack a “sensory travel kit” of regulating items & keep it easy to access!
Depending on your child’s age or size, bring familiar or alternative seating options. If your child’s feet won’t reach the floor during travel try bringing a small blanket or cloth that can sit on the seat underneath their bottom while the other end is tucked into the seat back so your child can sit with their feet up.
Travel can be unpredictable – take control over what you can
As appropriate, have them pick out and pack their items.
Bring toiletries and linens you or your family are familiar with (have travel-size bottles for items you already know you like).
Delegate tasks as possible, but only things that ease stress and that you won’t feel like you need control over.
Schedule in down time & try to stick to usual routines
Try to keep the itinerary light. While having a plan is usually helpful, it’s also important to include time to relax. It’s tough to stay regulated and calm if you’re over-scheduled or planning to be rushed for large chunks of your travel.
If you’re the parent of a child with SPD, not only will they benefit from scheduled rest time but it’s just as important for yourself too! You can’t keep your child calm unless you’re calm.
Try and keep wake & bedtime routines as similar as possible – If you always stretch or read a book before bed, try and plan for this to be a part of your travel routine as well!
Move your body
Take standing breaks and walk when you’re able to – even walking around the airport before the flight is a great way to keep yourself regulated rather than sitting & stirring!
Do yoga poses or light exercises in your hotel or the airport if you’re comfortable!
Do diligent travel prep
Take the time to talk to the travel companies, airlines, hotels, and attractions about possible accommodations - most are very helpful and will have something to offer! This may include ways around lines or long wait times, early boardings, accessible or secluded rooms, etc.
Try “smaller” but comparable new experiences beforehand, such as zoos or aquariums, that will also have crowds or lines like airports and tourist attractions. This can help you trial strategies to figure out what supports would be best for you & your family but in a way that you can still go home and reset afterward before the bigger trip!
Trial out a new bed and nighttime environment beforehand if your child is not used to sleeping elsewhere – have a night camping in the backyard, try a blow-up mattress in the living room, and try a sleepover at a friend or family member’s house nearby.
Companies that can help you plan and manage travel:
Magical Storybook Travels agency
Autism on the Seas (not just for ASD diagnoses!)
Wings for Autism/Wings for All
Certified Autism Travel Professionals
