Travel, Vacations, and Changes to Routine

The insistence on sameness we discussed in Chapter 7 can make out-of-routine situations like travel and vacations especially challenging. In this chapter, we'll look at practical strategies to make these kinds of changes go as smoothly as possible.

Preparing Ahead: The Most Powerful Tool

The most effective way to prepare for a change is to give information in advance. By preparing a social story (see Chapter 34), you can clearly explain when the trip will happen, where you're going, who will be there, and the return date. A visual "countdown calendar" can also help turn an abstract concept of time ("in 3 days") into something concrete and understandable.

The Power of Familiar Objects

Keeping your child's favorite object (a blanket, a toy, a pair of headphones), their sensory tools (Chapter 23), and familiar snacks with you during travel creates "portable islands of familiarity" that provide a sense of safety in a new and unpredictable environment.

Tip / Practical Suggestion

Look at photos or videos of where you're going beforehand (the hotel room, the plane, the vacation spot). These days many businesses provide these images on their websites, and this "visual preview" greatly reduces the uncertainty of the moment of arrival.

Setting Flexible Expectations

Letting go of the expectation that the vacation will be "perfect" reduces stress for both you and your child. Build some flexibility into your plan: don't feel obligated to take part in every activity, keep the option of leaving early or taking a break open when needed, and notice the signs of overload in your child (see Chapter 8) early so you can step in proactively.

Special Tips for Air Travel

Many airlines and airports now offer special support programs for passengers with autism (priority boarding, quiet waiting areas, extra help at security). We recommend letting your airline know about this before you travel and asking about the support options available.