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Making the Most of Summer: Travel and Flying Tips for Disabilities

6/18/2025

Many families avoid travel and flying, as just leaving home with your child can be a daunting process, but vacationing and flying, not in the realm of possibility! While traveling with any child is never going to be simple, here are some tips to ease the process!

Pre-Flight Planning

Most airlines and/or airports have disability services. They can be extremely handy and have resources to make getting to, through, and from the airport a breeze! You may be able to access such features as pre-boarding, preferred seating, private shuttles, etc.
Obtain emergency identification for your child. There are a vast number of different ways to display emergency identification on your child, from washable tattoos to more traditional emergency ID bracelets. Some families also elect to use a GPS device for trips.
Review TSA website. TSA offers a number of supports for those with disabilities including:
Many airports participate in the Wings for Autism / Wings for All program. This program allows families to complete a ‘rehearsal’ of their flying experience, allowing their child to get exposed to many of the stresses they may encounter while traveling.
Use social stories! Preparing your child for what they may experience during the travel process has proven to be very beneficial. Some airlines and airports offer free templates or actual social stories. Check with yours today!
Pack a flight comfort kit (headphones, snacks, electronics, etc.). Having familiar, soothing tools can make a huge difference!
Obtain a sunflower lanyard. Started in 2016, The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program began, in an effort to assist those living with hidden disabilities.

Vacationing

Maintain a schedule. Traveling can be difficult for a child with a disability, but can be eased by creating daily visual schedules. Families don’t have to lug around paper schedules either, as there are many apps that offer the ability to create free visual schedules!
Prepare your environment. Contact your hotel for a room in a quieter area or if you’ll need a specific item (e.g., refrigerator or extra pillows). Setting the environment up for success will hopefully reduce issues (certainly not eliminate as we all know!).
Maintain some sort of reward system. Often during travel, we think that traveling is a reward in itself, but many youth with disabilities still need a more tangible, frequent reward! Try to plan out beforehand something that is easy for on the go such as fidgets or coins or small toys! While the vacation may be filled with wonderful experiences, it is still a lot to handle for those with disabilities.

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Making the Most of Summer: Car Traveling with Child with Autism or Other Disability

6/4/2025

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Before you hit the road, plan ahead -

Visual schedule or social story: Create a visual timeline or a story book that explains the car trip - where you're going, how long it will take, and what will happen during stops.
Test runs: If your child is unfamiliar with long rides, take shorter practice rides to build tolerance gradually.
Route planning: Use apps like Google Maps to plan frequent, predictable stops - especially those with accessible bathrooms or quiet areas.
Prep a comfort kit including --
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Favorite fidget toys
- Snacks and drinks
- Weighted blanket or lap pad
- Tablet or music player with preferred media

Packing Essentials

Medications & Emergency Info: Keep all necessary prescriptions, EpiPens, seizure plans, or emergency contact info within reach.
Sensory toys and soothers
Sunglasses for light sensitivity
Chewelry or gum for oral regulation
Aromatherapy (lavender or peppermint) for calming
Mobility Aids: Double-check that mobility devices are secured and accessible.

Managing Stops and Transitions

Schedule Regular Breaks: Plan stops every 1–2 hours for stretching and sensory regulation.
Use Rest Stop Routines: Keep transitions predictable: “First bathroom, then 5-minute playtime, then back to the car.”
Look for Accessible Rest Stops: Use apps like iExit or WheelMate to find disability-friendly facilities.

During the Drive

Use Visual Timers or Countdown Apps: These help with time perception and reduce anxiety. Download and test visual timer apps such as Visual Countdown Timer or Time Timer to find the right fit prior to the trip!
Play Predictable Games: Think: “I Spy,” audiobooks, singalongs, or trivia using your child’s interests.
Adjust Environment:
- Dim window shades if needed
- Reduce background noise
- Use weighted lap items for calming input

Tips for Parents

Tag-Team Driving: If possible, have another adult help with child support while one person drives.
Don’t Rush: Pad extra time into your travel schedule to allow for flexibility and meltdowns.
Celebrate Success: Reinforce the effort, not just the outcome: “You did a great job staying calm at that last stop!”

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