Traveling with Autism
Sometimes it can seem daunting when you think about traveling with a child with autism. Loud noises, small spaces, changes in their routine, lack of control for them (and you). Luckily, lots of businesses/venues have measures in place to make your child's experience more enjoyable. I am only including venues and locations we have personally experienced as a family in this section. If you have a great experience somewhere, please reach out to tell me about it so I can share here!
Flying with Autism
We are very fortunate that Max loves to fly. Even so, flying with autism certainly has it's challenges. We never fly without a charged iPad, headphones, snacks and fidgets. Recently we discovered TSA cares. We had luck with this program on our way out of Nashville on our last flight. However, the airport staff for our flight home were unfamiliar with it. We were out of the country at this particular airport, so I believe this program is stateside only.
With TSA cares you stop at the ticket counter to have a special boarding pass printed that allows your child and one adult to board the flight before everyone else. This is especially helpful if your child is averse to the loud noises in the airport, waiting in line or needs time to adjust to their new environment on the plane.
Wings For All
The Arc's Wings for All program travels around the country making stops at different airports. The program is essentially a rehearsal prior to a real flight. The program aims to help individuals with intellectual disabilities navigate the flying experience while also giving airport and airline personnel the opportunity to observe, interact, and deliver their services in a structured learning environment—improving their disability competency and processes.
Disney World
As far as destinations, lets start with the happiest place on earth. Disney can be a very overwhelming environment for an autistic child. I will share a few tips I used. The most important thing to start with is the DAS pass. This is something you can apply for ahead of time online or wait and do in person when you arrive. I had trouble getting this done before we left due to some technical difficulties. When we got to the park on the first day we found a guest services kiosk and within 10 minutes we had a DAS pass for Max. They do need to interview your child so they need to be with you when you are at the kiosk. This pass allows you to skip the lengthy lines for rides. Please read all about the restrictions of the DAS pass. I have heard very recent changes have been made to it.
Our Max is minimally verbal and an eloper ( runs away ). We put an apple air tag on him every day giving us some peace of mind about being able to track him should he get separated.
Other helpful ways to prepare for Disney can be found on their comprehensive neurodivergent section I have linked below. They have a visual schedule on the website and quiet rooms at several different locations throughout the parks.
Dollywood
We took a very recent family trip to Dollywood and had the best time! I was so impressed with all of the accommodations Dollywood offers to it's neurodivergent population.
Unlike Disney, they do not offer a pass specifically for special needs, but they do offer what they call a "timesaver pass" which allows you to skip the long lines of certain participating rides. The park has a calming room if your child needs a break from the action.
The Dollywood website has a social story you can read to your child ahead of your tip. They also have a visual schedule. They hold special "sensory sensitive hours" as well.
Six Flags
Six Flags offers an accessibility card allowing the card holder to schedule rides at the the park. They also have quiet areas designated for card holders to wait.
Autism on the Seas
This is a CruiseLine dedicated to families of individuals with intellectual disabilities. They are collaboration with Royal Carribean. Not only does the staff assist families with the activities on board, they also provide RESPITE!
Beaches Resorts
Beaches is the first resort company in the world to complete the rigorous IBCCES training and Autism Certification! They offer families of children with autism and other needs specialized service, engaging activities and custom dining options.