Our family is unique, with three boys, one of whom has autism. This diagnosis brings along various challenges, such as sensory sensitivities, food preferences, and heightened anxiety. In his earlier years, he experienced significant meltdowns, but as he matured, those episodes have lessened.
Soon after receiving our son’s autism diagnosis, I sought out support by joining parent groups focused on autism. The wisdom shared by mothers of older children on the spectrum proved invaluable. They provided insights on everything from the best dentists for kids with autism to sibling support networks and family-friendly recreational activities in our area.
One pressing question I had was, “How do you manage family travel with children who have autism?” As an enthusiastic traveler, the thought of taking my then 2.5-year-old son on vacation felt daunting, given his sensory challenges and potential for meltdowns.
Most parents I spoke with at these meetups responded, “We just don’t travel. Vacations are too difficult.” Some cited struggles with long car rides or flights, while others worried about whether destinations would offer necessary accommodations. The idea of managing their child’s behaviors in unfamiliar settings was simply overwhelming.
After a year of therapies and adjustments post-diagnosis, we decided to give family travel another shot. Our previous vacation experience when he was two was chaotic, filled with meltdowns and sensory overload. However, we recognized that exposure to travel was essential for our son to become more comfortable with it.
For our first trip after the diagnosis, we opted for a relaxed visit to Disney World. While it may sound counterintuitive, our boys were captivated by “Cars” and “Toy Story,” which helped us engage with them during our time at the park.
There were certainly challenges along the way, including a few meltdowns, but overall, the trip was smoother than our earlier experience. We discovered various accommodations at Disney designed to assist families with children on the spectrum, making our stay more manageable.
Though our vacation differed from typical family trips, it suited our needs perfectly. Encouraged by our success, we planned more family vacations, and now, years later, we’ve just returned from our first cruise to Mexico. This latest adventure was filled with unforgettable moments, like exploring caves in Cancun and rock climbing aboard the cruise ship. Yes, we encountered some autism-related hurdles, but we also enjoyed countless family activities, from beach days to interacting with penguins in Orlando.
Family travel is a top priority for us, and we continuously encourage our son to step outside his comfort zone. While we strive to avoid overwhelming him, we believe that the best way for him to grow is through new experiences and exposure to different cultures.
Our vacations have allowed us to create cherished memories together, strengthening our family bond. Despite the challenges autism presents, we are all growing and learning together. Our trips may not resemble those found in conventional travel guides, but we remain excitedly engaged in planning our next adventure. So, where to next?
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