Helpful Tips and Ideas for Travelers with ASD

Traveling can be a great experience for people with autism spectrum disorders, but it can also be challenging. If we work to understand their needs and use the right strategies, we can make travel easier and more fun for everyone. This guide is packed with helpful tips and ideas for travelers with ASD.

What is ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder is “a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior.”

The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.

Understanding ASD and Travel

ASD can influence how a person communicates, interacts with others, behaves, and processes sensory information. Those with ASD have both special skills and unique challenges as they experience the world in their own ways.

Because travelers with ASD can fall anywhere on the spectrum, it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific list of possible travel challenges. However, there are a few general pieces of the group travel puzzle to consider:

• Changes in routine
• Crowds
• Waiting in lines
• Changes in plans or itineraries
• New social situations
• Sensory overload (loud noises, sights, and even smells)

These things can be challenging for the most seasoned traveler, but especially difficult for one with ASD.

How to Prepare for Travelers with ASD

Training

It is very important to understand the different needs of travelers with ASD. Learning about each person’s sensory profile, how they like to communicate, and what might upset them can help group leaders build a welcoming and helpful space for everyone.

Training from trusted organizations like the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) can make group leaders more prepared. Getting a Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation shows a commitment to offering inclusive services and understanding what individuals with ASD need.

Communication

Effective communication and understanding are very important for anyone helping travelers with ASD. Group leaders can learn simple communication tips that fit different styles. This can include using visuals or short, clear language.

Social stories are a great way to communicate. They can help individuals with ASD understand new situations by breaking moments into easy steps. Doing this can really help manage their fears of the unknown.

Schedule

Sticking to a schedule is important for everyone, but especially helpful for travelers with ASD.  A schedule provides the structure for the day and deviating from the schedule can increase anxiety and stress.

However, anyone who has traveled with students knows that schedules are often fluid.  Try providing travelers with ASD with a less specific itinerary and general timeframes.

For example:

Removing specific attractions, restaurants, or other activities alleviates the stress that may come with not staying on schedule.

Sensory Concerns

Crowds, noise, and chaos are common when traveling – especially with groups! However, these factors can affect people with ASD on a different level, sometimes causing stress, anger, outbursts, or sensory-seeking behaviors.

Try to maintain an environment that’s as calm as possible.  A few ideas to consider:

• noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
• boarding transportation (buses, planes, shuttles, etc.) last
• sitting closer to the front
• quiet spaces with low lighting

There are several sites that do an amazing job showing trip leaders how to create an ASD “travel toolkit.”   These might include things like:

Flying

Flying with ASD may require a little extra prep.  Gate check-in, long security lines, screening, and the flight itself can cause disruptions to the routine.

The TSA Cares program was designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions through the security process.  Passengers can reach out 72 hours prior to flying for information about what to expect.

In addition, individuals with ASD can prepare by role-playing ahead of time.  Practice removing shoes, knowing which items to take out of a carry-on and which stay in, and going through a body screen.

A little practice can go a long way in calming anxious flyers!

Finally, some airports offer a break from the chaos with sensory rooms.  Autism-friendly airports include Pittsburgh International, Myrtle Beach, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International.

ASD Certified Attractions

As you plan your adventures, do a little research into “autism certified” attractions.  The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards designates theme parks, water parks, resorts, and more as “autism certified.”

IBCCES certified means that attractions are:

• Dedicated to serving autistic individuals
• Have at least 80% of guest-facing staff trained and certified in autism
• Committed to ongoing training and accessibility (renewal requirement every 2 years)
• Reviewed on-site by IBCCES expert

This is a brief list of autism-certified attractions, but there are many autism-friendly destinations and attractions to consider when planning a trip.

Disney and Universal

So… where do the big parks fall in all of this?

Walt Disney World® in Orlando is not autism certified but IS ASD friendly.

There are break areas for a quiet moment, rider switch programs, Disability Access Services, companion restrooms, and more available throughout the parks.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD DISNEY’S GUIDE FOR GUESTS WITH ASD

In March of 2022, Universal Orlando Resort added its first quiet room, providing low-stimulation space as an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the parks.

The room has dim lighting, rubber floor tiles, an activity wall, and two tunnels to temporarily escape the crowds.

In addition to the quiet room, Universal has several other park locations to calm overstimulated senses.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD UNIVERSAL’S GUIDE FOR GUESTS WITH ASD

Check Out Traverse City!

In August 2024, Traverse City became the first city in Michigan to qualify as a Certified Autism Destination. This means that businesses and organizations throughout the city trained staff to handle the unique needs of those with ASD.

The training focused on recognizing and understanding autism and other common sensory sensitivity concerns. The idea was to create a travel experience that’s welcoming and accessible to all.

Related Reading: Traverse City Becomes the First Autism Certified Destination in Michigan

A Beginner’s Guide to Traveling with ASD Clients

Traveling with clients who have ASD can be a great experience if we plan carefully and sensitively. A little education, understanding, flexibility, and research can make a huge difference in the outcome of a trip.

Related Reading: Exploring the World with Limited Mobility