Taking a Trip

Ah, the Family Vacation!  There are few things that say summer more than outings with the clan.  And no matter where we're going, or how we plan to get there, the goal is the same: fun-filled memories. 

Honestly, though, I think about taking my crew anywhere and my anxieties start to simmer.  So much unexpected behavior-- unknown people, procedures, and places that can trigger uneasy feelings-- I almost want to stop before I start.  Is it worth it?  How do we achieve fun and memorable without scares or scars?

The answer, of course, is Don't Do It Alone.  Thank goodness there are wise men and women ahead of us who've shared their experiences so we can prepare for new adventures with a little bit of foresight!  (In your research, you might find that travel companies (such as JetBlue) are doing their research to support your successful travel, too! (1a).) Here are a few tips I've collected.
(1a) Seattle Times, Apr 29, 2013

Plan it.
I often find that thinking through the details and breaking an experience down to "bite-size" chunks can illuminate the hidden expectations I might otherwise overlook. It helps me pinpoint all of the new things I'm imagining a child performing. Once you identify the expected behaviors and skills, ask yourself how proficient you expect your child to be with those tasks on this trip. (Thinking this incrementally about the event helps me adjust my expectations to the children I have with me, which reduces the disappointment and stress of an unrealistic and unrealized vision.) A fun, memorable trip is a totally reasonable desire, and with a plan based on solid expectations, fear of the unknown need not keep you homebound.  No matter if your family is planning a trip to the backyard swingset or a two week Disney getaway, you know your child best...and you can be the best travel agent! 

Read up to Ready up!
The Autism Speaks webpage (1)  lists several texts that can be used to preview what's to come with your child, as well as things like checklists and travel guides designed for families traveling with children who are particularly sensory-oriented.  Time (2) published an online article of helpful tips, too.
Here's a starter list (not one-sized fits all, but at least a beginning):
(1) Autism Speaks Community Connection: Travel for Individuals with Autism and their Families
(2) Traveling with an Autistic Child. Time, April 2009
(3) autismtravel.org

Watch a Video
Or look at pictures from your last trip to the same destination.  Help your child recall the details of the travel, arrival, stay, and return trip.

Talk about it. 
Especially if this is a new experience.  Preview the schedule for the day you leave.  Including photos of the airport, bus station, train, or other new transportation can be helpful, as is reminding your child what to expect using specific sequencing with tangible or familiar references. ("First we will pass the red fire house, and THEN we will eat our snack.",  "First we will watch Nemo, then we will get off the plane.")

Go!
Build your confidence (and your child's) by stair-stepping experiences to get ready.  And then do it! When you get back, save up those memories you've made...and share them to encourage others!