Summer vacation is always a great way to create lasting memories for your kids and you. For families of children with special needs, traveling sometimes requires a little extra planning and flexibility.
From maintaining routines in unfamiliar environments to anticipating possible overstimulation, preparation before your summer trip can make all the difference. Here are some travel tips to help families make summer adventures more accessible, rewarding and (most importantly) fun for everyone involved!
Tips for Preparing to Travel
- Prepare your child with social stories. You can discuss your travel plans through social stories to help your child understand what to expect. You can include topics such as airport procedures, airplane etiquette, hotel stays, restaurant behavior, and safety rules. Looking at pictures or videos of your destination can also help familiarize your child with new environments.
- Take advantage of airport support services. When you're getting ready to travel, keep in mind that many airports have special services to help people with disabilities. For example, you can call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 - just make sure to do it at least 72 hours before your flight so they can get everything set up for you. Some airports even offer something really cool: practice visits. These are special visits that let kids get used to the airport before they actually travel.
- Pack familiar comfort and sensory items. When packing, don’t forget to bring your child’s favorite sensory items- such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, therapy putty or Play-Doh, or chewy tools.
- Use identification and safety measures. If your child is at risk of wandering or elopement, consider using an identification bracelet, ID tag, or wearable tracking device with emergency contact information for added peace of mind.
- Research accommodations before you go. If you plan to visit a theme park, museum, zoo, or other attraction, you may be able to contact them ahead of time to ask about accessibility and disability accommodations. Many locations offer sensory-friendly spaces, quiet areas, or other services designed to help accommodate your child’s needs.
Tips for Navigating Your Trip
- Maintain familiar routines when possible. Keeping consistent mealtimes, sleep schedules, and daily rituals can help your child feel more secure in unfamiliar environments.
- Build in frequent breaks. Plan downtime between activities to prevent sensory overload and fatigue. Quiet breaks in a hotel room, outdoor space, or a designated calm area can help your child stay regulated throughout the day.
- Use visual supports and clear expectations. Visual schedules, timers, and simple explanations of what comes next can help your child understand transitions and reduce anxiety during outings and activities.
- Stay flexible and follow your child’s cues. Be prepared to adjust plans as needed. Allowing extra time, changing the activity, or leaving an environment early can help prevent stress and support a more positive travel experience for the whole family.
Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the memories! Happy summer!
Author: Ann Diab, OTR/L
