How to Plan an Autism Friendly Family Vacation

When planning a vacation that includes a loved one on the autism spectrum, curating the experience is as vital as picking the destination. The important thing is knowing that it is possible and that it can be tons of fun for everyone. Additionally, an autism friendly family vacation that includes your entire crew will make for great memories for everyone.

Autism Friendly Family Vacations

The cornerstone of a great vacation is the same regardless if one of the people going on the trip is autistic. However, preparation is key. Vacations are about meeting the needs of the people on vacation so that they are enjoyed. Everyone is entitled to normalcy. And it’s possible to have a vacation that accomplishes that for everyone involved.

Here are several factors to consider. Additionally, take these suggestions on how to navigate vacations so that everyone has a fun time.

Preparing for a Fun Autism Friendly Family Vacation

Routine is important for a person on the autism spectrum. While experts recommend structured days, many families report excellent results without the structure. In fact, I believe it is important to deviate from routine to help teach your child that life is not always structured.

Additionally, it’s not impossible to take trips with someone on the autism spectrum. While every persons’s needs are different and can’t be entirely addressed through generalized statements — a point that will likely bear repeating throughout this post — it is still possible to break routine and share new experiences with that person.

The key is talking to your child. Prepare your child for the change of routine. What will the vacation involve. Who will be traveling with you. And everything that involves change of the routine. Be as detailed as your child needs to feel comfortable. Repeat this process as often as necessary so that you’re comfortable that the message has been internalized and processed.

Cater to Their Interests

Ensuring a fun time for all the family on vacation is important regardless if the person is autistic or not. Fun and relaxation are the very cornerstones of a vacation. Otherwise, what would be the point? How narrowly tailored the experience itself has to be can depend on the severity of your child’s sensory issues. Furthermore, how well will your child tolerate change? Prepare them for the fun things that they will do on vacation. In fact, it is helpful to focus on the things that they will enjoy so as to minimize anxiety levels. 

For example, if the child is fixated on water — loves taking baths, adores swimming and experiencing the sensations that come with interacting with water — then a water park could be the way to go.

However, don’t lose hope if your child hates baths. In fact, my own child hated baths. But he absolutely loved the ocean and swimming pools if they were a zero entry pool. A Zero Entry Pool is a pool that you walk right into without steps. He would not get into a pool that he had to walk down steps.

A good part of catering to your child’s interests is that it can make it easier to prepare for the break in routine. For people who love swimming, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to break routine to take a dip in a swimming pool?

Of course, the entire experience won’t have to be catered to your autistic loved one’s interests. If your child has been thoroughly prepped for a break in routine, you can have a awesome autism friendly family vacation. There are fewer feelings that go straight to the heart like shared fun.

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Managing Sensorial Experience

Vacations can be as low-key or as crazy as you want. But the intensity of the experience is something that must be given serious consideration. When planning a vacation with an autistic family member there is a lot to think about.

For example, the loud music and gaudy grandeur of Mardis Gras in New Orleans is not something that is going to fit everyone’s needs. But that doesn’t mean you have to find places devoid of high excitement. As tourist destinations become autism certified or autism friendly towards the needs of families with autistic loved ones, there are ways to blend high adventure with manageable fun for those on the spectrum.

Even in theme parks, places known for thrill rides, there are attractions and experiences being created that cater to sensory challenged individuals.

In Tennessee, for example, Dollywood has a calming room with weighted blankets and other items used for soothing. They also have a walkthrough guide that can help families prepare their child. From the moment your child walks through the gate, they are ready to assist you.

Several theme parks offer amenities such as quiet rooms, noise-cancelling headphones and customized experiences. Be sure to check out websites for the latest theme park discounts of any places you’re planning to attend to see what’s on offer. 

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Crowd Control on a Family Vacation that is Autism Friendly

For someone with an autistic loved one, it’s not going to be a surprise that crowds are a factor in any destination — when on a vacation or otherwise.

But it’s possible to find places that fit your loved one’s needs and your own interests. It can be as simple as finding where everyone’s needs are aligned and building around that.

If your loved one likes swimming and you like the beach, then a vacation by the sea is the starting point. While most people may look for a booming seaside town like Miami Beach or Myrtle Beach that might not be the best fit. There’s a beach, there’s water, but the problem is everyone else seems to know that and the crowds can be enormous during peak seasons.

But it doesn’t require extensive creativity to find a solution — what are other, less crowded seaside towns with lovely beaches and nice swimming area? 

But, thinking beyond the beaches, there are even traditionally busy places that may cater to an autistic loved one’s needs.

 Jumping back to theme parks as an example, Sesame Place in Pennsylvania offers all of these things and even ups the ante. While they also offer the noise-cancelling headphones and quiet rooms, they even have low-sensory parade experience. This ensures there are multiple areas for everybody to enjoy together. 

One of the most joyful parts of living, loving and building relationships with people is finding common ground that we share with each other.

This is true with the ordinary aspects of life as it is the extraordinary. This is no different when your loved one is autistic. You can build a vacation around your shared interests, have a lovely time and make cherished memories.

How to plan family vacations with a child on the spectrum.How to Plan Autism Friendly Vacations
Have you taken a family vacation? Please comment below and let me know.

1 thought on “How to Plan an Autism Friendly Family Vacation”

  1. Becky Large, founder of Champion Autism Network, mother of a child with autism spectrum disorder, and Surfside resident, is working closely with the city to make Surfside Beach a fun and relaxing vacation destination for families with children on the autism spectrum. Local restaurants and lodging providers are being educated about autism, and many staff members have family members with autism spectrum disorders.

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