Planning Autism-Friendly Vacations

The Journey

• Airports – Airports are overwhelming for everyone! To someone with a predisposition to sensory overstimulation, they can be downright nightmarish. Organizations like The Arc provide opportunities to practice and become comfortable with the steps required at airports without time pressure or as many high-intensity distractions. Participants can go through the motions of checking in and receiving their boarding pass, completing TSA security checkpoint procedures, waiting in boarding areas, and actually boarding an aircraft. Check out The Arc’s Wings for Autism program or contact your local airport or favorite airline to see if there are any similar events planned! (Incidentally, The Arc also provides educational outreach to teach airport personnel to be more accommodating of neurodiverse guests’ needs, an angle that is invaluable in reducing ableism in our society.)
• Security Checkpoints – While covered in the bullet point above, TSA procedures deserve their own highlight given how intimidating they can be. Uncertainty with new rules such as what items of clothing to remove and where to put them, being rushed by other travelers and airport employees alike, and getting touched unexpectedly during pat-downs can really ramp up the anxiety. Practicing and becoming familiar with these expectations can help but may not completely eliminate concerns. If accommodations are needed, the TSA provides a notification card that can be printed out and presented. This is especially helpful for travelers who don’t communicate vocally or lose vocal capabilities when stressed out.
• In the Air – The experience of one’s ears popping when changing altitudes is in no way unique to autism, but the discomfort can be exacerbated for people who have trouble pinpointing what exactly is causing pain or communicating verbally in general. This can be planned for in advance by using special ear plugs or having gum or another object ready to chew on.
• Carsickness – Autistic people may experience a higher prevalence of nausea caused by motion such as that experienced when driving or riding in a car, possibly due to differences in the vestibular system. Medications like Dramamine can help, but common side effects like agitation or drowsiness can be disruptive and distressing, especially if the road trip is intended to be part of the vacation! Other techniques to avoid and relieve carsickness include looking out the window rather than at things inside the car, avoiding reading or looking at screens, staying hydrated, and sitting in the front of the vehicle and facing forward.
• Cabin Fever – Air and car travel alike require long periods of sitting motionless with relatively little in the way of entertainment. Getting in some vigorous physical activity right before a trip can help to increase tolerance to being stationary. If TV shows, movies, and video games are usually rationed activities, this is the time to embrace the screens and let them distract from the monotony! Fidget toys like stress balls and pop-it squares can also be comforting.