With December holidays just around the corner, we don’t want you to miss these helpful steps you can take to make your travels as smooth as possible!

Basic guidelines to set you up for success

1. Prep ahead of time - make a schedule

Prepare ahead of time by planning out your trip and expectations. We know that it would be impossible to plan every detail and have it all go according to plan, but implementing a basic schedule will help tremendously. If you are able to prep your loved ones ahead of time with a schedule, then they will know what to expect on the big traveling day. Create a flexible timeline of events that will be happening during specific time frames in the day. An example would be:

• 7:00 AM- wake up and get dressed

• 7:30 AM- eat breakfast and use the bathroom

• 8:00 AM- get in the car

• 8:45 AM- arrive at the airport and park car

• 9:15  AM- arrive at first checkpoint in airport (tickets and luggage)

• 9:35 AM- arrive at second checkpoint (TSA check)     

2. Get in contact with related services

Whether you are traveling by plane, bus, or train, there are guest services that are available to assist you. By utilizing these services, it can eliminate stress and help the day run more smoothly. “There are many travel-related companies that provide a variety of accommodations like advanced boarding times, special meals, rental equipment, travel companions and pre-registering service animals” (De Leon, 2018). Use these services to your advantage.

3. Social stories

Creating a social story that describes your trip and other important information can help prepare your child. This is a story that you are able to customize and create specific to what will be occurring during your travel day. These stories can be used to help explain what will happen when you are traveling.

4. Provide choices

Allowing your child choices during the day can be rewarding and reinforcing. It also allows your child to feel as if they have some control of the situation. These choices could include: snacks they can bring in the car, a game they can bring with them, a comfort item, other favorite toy items, etc.

5. Reinforce good and appropriate behavior

Everyone loves being told they are doing a great job! Let your loved ones know how proud of them you are when they are doing something you would like to see more of! You want to encourage appropriate behavior throughout your travels so tell your child exactly what they are doing correctly. Positive behaviors you may want to reinforce while traveling may include: keeping their seatbelt on, sitting on their bottom, choosing a quiet activity to play in the car, or listening to directions in the airport line.    

Tips for traveling by car:

• Prepare activities ahead of time that your child can bring in the car with them. Pinterest has a variety of free templates and games that you can create for a long car ride.  

• Have snacks and drinks readily available for all family members to utilize, especially when you are unable to stop for a long period of time.

• Provide choices in the car. An example might be to give two choices of playlists they can pick to listen too.  

• Incorporate break times into the schedule where everyone can get out, use the restroom, have a meal, or take a few moments to stretch their legs.

• Allow your child to bring a comfort item from home. These comfort items can help eliminate stress and make them feel more comfortable in new situations and surroundings.

• Be flexible! Often when traveling by car our time schedule may be altered and changed due to traffic or other safety concerns. It is important to be flexible with your time changes based on unplanned circumstances.

Tips for traveling by plane:

• Call the airline ahead of your trip. Some airlines may allow you to bring your child in and do a practice run of what will happen on the actual day. If you are unable to do that, at least you will be able to notify airport security ahead of time that you are traveling with an individual with a disability. “Passengers with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome or autism, can be screened without being separated from their traveling companions if traveling with one. You or your traveling companion may consult the TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. You may also provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition” (TSA website).

• Prepare toys, books, snacks, and drinks in a readily available location in case of long wait times in line or during boarding.  

• Create a  social story that describes the airport, TSA checks, baggage checks, etc.

• If your child has sensory needs, have earbuds or noise cancelling headphones accessible.  

• Allow your child to bring a comfort item from home. These comfort items can help eliminate stress and make them feel more comfortable in new situations and surroundings.

• Masks will likely be required on your flight for your child - If your child struggles to wear a mask, work with your Behavior Analyst ahead of time to help your child become more comfortable with wearing a mask for longer periods of time.

References:

De Leon, Stephaine. (September, 2018). Oh the places you’ll go...with these 10 travel tips. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org