In 2013, our pediatrician suggested that our son might be on the autism spectrum. At just 14 months old, he hadn’t uttered a single word nor utilized baby sign language. He exhibited strong aversions and attachments to specific stimuli, often screaming and crying at any gaze directed his way, except for his dad’s.
While diagnosing autism at such a young age is typically unusual, we were fortunate. His pediatrician’s office was part of an early diagnosis initiative in collaboration with a prestigious local university known for its medical program. They sought families with young children showing signs of autism to engage in a year-long study aimed at understanding whether early intervention could reduce autistic behaviors later in life.
We were contacted for an in-depth evaluation, resulting in our son receiving daily intensive therapies—speech, behavioral, and physical—for over a year.
That period was challenging. Our son seemed perpetually distressed, often crying until he turned two. To my heartache, he appeared to reject me, pushing me away with kicks and screams. I felt overwhelming guilt about my role in his anxiety and yearned for just a hug from him. It wasn’t until he was nearly four that I heard the words “I love you” or experienced any unsolicited affection. Being the mother of a high-needs child without any reciprocal love was incredibly tough. Consequently, my husband transitioned to working from home and ultimately left his job so we could co-parent more effectively.
By the end of that year of therapy, we had learned to identify his triggers and developed essential coping strategies. Our son gradually evolved into a somewhat more sociable child, though he still faced challenges consistent with sensory processing disorder.
Despite the struggles, many people thought we were crazy for selling our home and embarking on a full-time travel adventure. We understood that changing schedules, environments, languages, foods, and cultures could be difficult for a child accustomed to routine. However, we also recognized that he didn’t form strong attachments and likely wouldn’t be affected by leaving family behind in our home country or new friends in places we visited.
We took a leap of faith, believing that exposing him to the world would be beneficial for all of us, and we were correct. While the autism spectrum is broad and every child is unique, our son has flourished within the ever-changing lifestyle we’ve embraced. Along the way, we have experienced numerous incredible adventures.
Although he may lack the perspective to appreciate travel (or anything outside of the current moment), and is often too absorbed in the imaginative robot world he’s created to notice the magnificent volcano before him, he has gained so much from our travels.
He has become more confident and assertive. The child who once cried when strangers looked at him now confidently approaches street vendors to negotiate prices for trinkets. He’s learned to order his own food, ask shopkeepers about restroom availability, and engage in conversations about technology. Witnessing him speak to new people and assert his preferences is a joyful experience.
He’s also become more open to trying new foods. I had always dreamed of him being an adventurous eater, but initially, he gravitated toward bland, repetitive meals. Traveling through rural areas has forced him to adapt. While he may not always love the options, he now willingly tries whatever we order. His palate has expanded to include foods I wouldn’t touch, and he can often find something to eat without complaint.
Moreover, he’s learned not to judge others or new experiences. He encounters a variety of sights, sounds, and smells that have taught him to embrace differences without prejudice. It fills me with pride that he doesn’t complain about things that might seem unsanitary or unusual to others.
What I cherish most about our travels is that my son is discovering who he is, free from the constraints of his home culture. Without a consistent group of peers to highlight his quirks, he only notices his skin color and native language as distinct. He proudly chooses brightly colored souvenirs typically deemed “feminine,” shows no interest in sports, and adores animals more than any superhero. It’s heartwarming to see him explore his interests unobstructed by societal expectations.
Experiencing diverse activities, foods, people, and landscapes, alongside two supportive parents, has provided him with a unique opportunity for self-discovery that I wish every child could enjoy. Had I been able to develop my interests without peer influence, I could have avoided years of insecurity.
Is everything perfect? Certainly not. Would I advise every family to abandon their routines for a nomadic lifestyle? No. However, finding a family lifestyle that fosters growth and well-being is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement worth celebrating.
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Summary: Our family’s unconventional lifestyle of full-time travel has had a profoundly positive impact on my autistic son, fostering his confidence, adaptability, and self-discovery. While the journey is not without its challenges, the growth we’ve experienced together is something we celebrate every day.