Summer is a season of sunshine, adventure, and family getaways. But for families of children with autism, traveling can sometimes bring added stress and uncertainty. With the right planning and support, however, summer travel can become an enriching and joyful experience for the entire family.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, a national park, or visiting relatives out of town, these tips will help make summer travel more manageable and enjoyable for children with autism—and their caregivers.
Plan Ahead with Structure in Mind
Children with autism often thrive on routine. Sudden changes or unfamiliar environments can be overwhelming. Start your travel planning by creating a visual itinerary. Use photos, symbols, or simple checklists to walk your child through what the trip will look like—step by step.
If your child receives ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis), talk to their autism behavior support team in advance. ABA therapists can help prepare your child for the trip by practicing relevant skills like waiting in lines, using public restrooms, or sitting on an airplane.
Use ABA Services to Build Travel-Readiness Skills
Before your trip, work with your provider of ABA services to target specific travel-related behaviors. ABA therapy can help children learn coping strategies for sensory overload, improve communication skills, and build tolerance for new environments.
For example:
- Practicing how to ask for breaks during long car rides
- Introducing new foods or sleeping arrangements through role play
- Creating social stories about airport security or hotel stays
These strategies, rooted in applied behavior analysis, can significantly reduce stress and improve your child’s confidence.
Pack Familiar Comforts
Transitions are smoother when your child has familiar items to turn to. Bring favorite toys, weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget tools. These can be incredibly helpful in crowded or noisy places like airports, train stations, or theme parks.
Also, don’t forget to bring any visual schedules or communication devices your child uses regularly. These tools provide consistency and predictability in unfamiliar settings.
Choose Autism-Friendly Destinations
Many travel destinations now offer autism-friendly accommodations and sensory-inclusive activities. Look for attractions that provide sensory maps, quiet rooms, or trained staff. Some theme parks even offer accessibility passes or early access for children with autism.
Check reviews or consult your autism behavior support team for recommendations on inclusive travel spots.
Take Breaks and Respect Limits
Travel can be tiring for any child, but especially for those with autism. Build downtime into your itinerary and avoid over-scheduling. Allow for quiet time, and be flexible if plans need to change.
ABA therapists often teach children how to recognize when they’re feeling overwhelmed and request a break. Reinforcing these skills while traveling helps your child stay regulated and engaged.
Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small
Even small milestones, like sitting through a short flight or trying a new food, deserve celebration. Recognizing your child’s efforts builds confidence and encourages future success.
Working with an ABA therapy team ensures you’re reinforcing positive behavior consistently, even during travel. They can guide you in using praise, token systems, or other reinforcers that your child responds well to.
The Takeaway
Traveling with a child with autism requires thoughtful planning, flexibility, and the right support system—but the rewards are well worth it. With help from ABA services and consistent autism behavior support, your summer adventures can be filled with discovery, growth, and lasting memories.
If your child is already enrolled in ABA therapy, consider involving your therapy team in your travel preparations. If not, reaching out to providers of applied behavior analysis before your trip can be a game-changer for your family.
Happy travels!
Checkout our Blog page for more informative resources like making Beach-Themed Sensory Bottles, Improving Adaptive Skills in Autism with ABA Therapy, and Understanding the Facts and Benefits of ABA Therapy.
