Traveling during the holiday season can often be difficult, but it can present its own unique challenges with an autistic child. With excessive sensory stimuli and a number of new environments to adjust to, this experience can be uncomfortable and even frightening for the child. To help ease this transition, here are some life skills you can help impart to make for a better travel experience with an autistic child.  

3 Ways to Make Traveling With an Autistic Child Easier During the Holidays

1. Prepare for Sensory Overstimulation

Traveling involves a number of loud and unfamiliar noises that may be disruptive or disturbing to an autistic child. To help drown out some of these upsetting sounds, noise canceling headphones or calming music can prove highly effective both at the airport and on the plane. A sleep mask can be helpful as well, particularly with overhead lights or open plane windows. In regard to seating, it’s best to keep your child as removed from tight crowds as possible, as this can lead to uneasiness. Do your best to book seats that aren’t as cramped and avoid spending excess periods of time in crowded waiting areas.

2. Stick to a Familiar Routine

Developing a familiar routine is one of the best life skills to impart on an autistic child. This repetitiveness can provide a much-needed baseline to return to when the environment becomes too overwhelming. Do your best to stick to the same eating times and sleeping routines, for example, so your child can transition into any new activities more easily. This will also help mitigate the negative effects of all the new stimuli. It can also be helpful to take along a favorite item, so your child has a sense of home base when they’re not physically home.

3. Inquire About the Hotel Environment in Advance

If you’re planning to stay at a hotel, it’s advisable to have a conversation with a hotel attendant before the trip to discuss your child’s needs. For example, you might want to ask for a room on a quieter floor if possible, as well as discuss any check-in protocols in advance. You should also inquire about amenities and room services so that you know what’s available to you should your child need them. The more prepared you can be, the smoother the trip will be and the better the staff can accommodate you.

If you’re looking for your autistic child to develop critical life skills to perform as a high-functioning adult, put your trust in Logos School in Saint Louis, MO. With a focus on behavioral therapy, this reputable school for autistic youth helps struggling kids find success both in school and later in life. Your child will benefit from small, intimate class sizes where he or she can develop important life skills in a comfortable and highly supportive environment. To schedule a tour of the facility, give them a call today at (314) 997-7002 or visit their website to learn more about their academic approach.